New Linux Server and need hardware advice

[Curtis J. Kropar]

Ok... here's the deal.

I need to look into setting up and purchasing some new hardware. This is going to be for a Linux server, fedora Core (I guess..... it will be my first project of this nature. Anyone care to help ?) I am setting up a (thin?) client -server environment, mostly for the tons of free educational games and software for kids. (Anyone familiar with HOSEF and their project ? )

Also... years ago I remember a friend setting up a Linux server to be the file server for a windows network. Anyone familiar with this ? I am interested in having central file storage, backing up files, then even migrating the backups over to a remote machine (across the internet or network)

Other than my laptop computer purchased 2 years ago, I have not actually purchased a computer in about 7 years. (the only reason I picked my laptop other than it being cheap, was the neat button to turn off the built in mouse pad, otherwise I am constantly tapping it and doing things accidentally)

Since it has been so long since I really paid any attention to the hardware, I am looking at some of the names of processors and such, and realize none of it means anything to me any more. They are not very descriptive, or I don't understand what they are describing.

I am looking at this site to get a clue of pricing :
http://www.pricewatch.com/

I would prefer to deal locally, but would also like to know what I am looking at before I start talking.

Does anyone have links they can provide that visually shows the various CPU's scale of performance for speed ? How about some decent locally owned computer stores to get the hardware.

Also.. any of you Linux guru's that care to help out, I would really appreciate it.
THANKS !

[John D. Begonia Jr.]

For Starters Curt, I would suggest you goto http://www.linuxhardware.org/ I used this site when I built my first box back in early 07'. Keep in mind that you're not looking for performance reviews in hardware based on windows reviews or any other os for that matter. Sometimes the not so savvy look under bench reviews for other platforms thinking the results apply to all OS's, this my friend is so untrue. As for the tech jargon don't worry about it cause TechHui's got it covered....

[Stephen McMahon]

Curtis,

The following is a good article about how to make your Linux box act as a file server for MS Windows clients using SAMBA: http://www.reallylinux.com/docs/sambaserver.shtml.

Stephen

[Laurence A. Lee]

The best bang for the buck can be found online at sites like NewEgg -- especially if you also have a ShipToHawaii account to help reduce your shipping expenses. It's nice to deal local whenever possible, but local shops just can't provide the selection that the mainland-based warehouses can.

If your Linux Server is merely a File Server, you can set up Samba in Fedora by activating the System>Administration>Samba applet, and enabling your shares, users, and authentication schemes.

It sounds like what you're really after, though, is setting up a beefy Linux Terminal Server as the main server, and hanging a bunch of thin-client (X-Windows) stations for display. Have you looked at sites such as k12ltsp.org?

If you need hands-on help, just drop me a line. I am a Fedora Ambassador, and am happy to provide assistance with Fedora or RedHat based solutions.