[Ham-Computers] Re: [Ham-Linux] Running Linux

[Colburn]

John D. Hays wrote:
> Jonathan,
> 
> I have been running Linux for years... what you have as a platform should
> work just fine (though at the current price of a new 2+ Ghz. AMD processor
> and board, I would look at it).  I have successfully run Linux on much
> lighter equipment as a Firewall, Print Server, File server, Web server, Mail
> Server, and DB Server.
> 
> One thought though, you can find some of the router/firewall/switch boxes
> pretty cheap now (CompUSA or Best Buy).  I have been running the firewall on
> one them for a year now and it avoids some configuration issues when you are
> trying to run services on the same box as the firewall and offloads that
> work from the computer. (Divide and conquer) ... I have successfully run the
> firewall on Linux for years, but am happier with the seperate hardware
> solution.
> 
> I think you get more with S.U.S.E. distribution (unless Novell Ruins it
> :( )than RedHat, but the important thing is to run Linux!
> 
> John - K7VE

John, et al,

    Not to hijack the thread (please alter the Subject as is appropriate)
but I have related questions.

    I have been running RedHat 9 but have been dissatisfied with the
limited capacity to support hardware and their withdrawal from 
distributing common apps.

    The Novell purchase of SuSE should lead to broader distribution and
given the lunacy in EU courts versus Linux and GPL in general it is 
probably best in the long-term to get ownership outside of the reach of 
that mess.

    That said, my needs are:

1. A new motherboard.  I have purchased an aluminum ATX case (chosen for 
quality and EMI/RFI features), a 430watt supply, an Athlon XP 2500+ cpu 
w/fan.  I am looking real hard at the recently discontinued EPoX 
EP-8KRA2+.  Any thoughts re. that board and Linux? I looked at the 
nVidia boards but keep reading about the need for kludgy workarounds
to get good Linux performance due to driver limits.

2.  Any concerns about EMI/RFI from this board or others?

3.  Is the Matron 550 video card a decent choice?

Thanks!, blessed New Year, & 73, doc

-- 
"Wars and rumors of wars, disasters, and social decay,
yet undaunted for love and peace we pray."  dmc
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