Mike Petersen

Network Admin, Technical Writer, Programmer, GNU/Linux Fan, etc.

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  • Deploying Suse Linux Enterprise Server
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  • Misc Code
• Misc / FAQS
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  • GNU/Linux FAQs
  • Network Admin FAQs
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Network Administration FAQs & Tips

What GNU/Linux Distribution do you Recommend for Servers ?

This is kind of a loaded question and really depends upon personal preference and what each Administrator is used to. However, I will recommend 3 different Distros to use along with the benefits/downsides.

Debian / Ubuntu - For those Administrators that have a firm grasp on configuring GNU/Linux systems, Debian or Ubuntu (which is based on Debian) may be the perfect fit for you. Mostly all the services must be manually configured, which gives you complete control of your server.

This however may turn many Administrators off since anyone who maintains the Server must have a firm knowledge of how the Server is configured. If time permits I am seriously thinking of tackling a "Deploying Debian Servers" book similar to the one I wrote covering Suse Linux Enterprise.

Red Hat / Fedora - In the United States, Red Hat is still the most popular GNU/Linux Distro for Businesses to use. If you are pretty knowledgeable and want a solid distro Red Hat is a good fit. I personally think they need to work on their configuration utilities, but if only Unix Administrators maintain the machine you shouldn't have any problem.

Suse Linux Enterprise - Personally, I think SLES is the best Server Operating System available. Not only is it a strong performer, but I think it has the easiest to use Installation/Configuration Utilities (even better than Windows Server). For more information on SLES, check out my Deploying Suse Linux Enterprise Server Book.

I notice that you maintain hundreds of computers on a network as a part time job - how do you do it ?

I get this question quite frequently when people ask what I do for a living, the answer is to simply keep things simple. For instance my networks are usually setup with:

• A Suse Linux Enterprise Server as a Primary Domain Controller (some have BDCs)
• A Windows Server (if necessary) to passify any vendors that refuse to change their program to run properly with a Samba Server (usually for accounting programs).
• A Suse Linux Enterprise Server with my NIMA packages to provide all Firewall functions.
• A Suse LInux Enterprise Server running BackupPC to provide all backups and Archiving of the data.
• Most Workstations running Win2k, WinXP or WinVista, with the option for the user to run SLED.
• All network drives are mapped during login dependant on the Groups the Users are members of.
• Any mundane tasks for the server are scripted, which is very easy when using GNU/Linux Servers.
• For Windows tasks, such as defragmentation, adware checking, etc., I create a specific user that once logged in automatically runs the appropriate program then restarts the computer (this works extremely well when used with iTalc).

Then, to keep all the workstations updated I create Kixtart network scripts to remotely install all necessary program updates (the free software scripts I create are available through this website). Finally I use iTalc to remotely control and manage any computers I need to (as well as remotely turn them on or log in a specific user).

What are your favorite network tools ?

1. SSH
2. vncviewer / iTalc
3. screen
4. A lot of the tools I built for NIMA