Next message: Support Services: "Re: [WinMac] Q: NT as FileServer and FireWall for Macs - need advice."
Long-time reader - haven't posted in awhile.
Ok.... I need some advice. I'm very familiar with Macs and Macs with NT, but
I usually have the luxury of having up-to-date and powerful systems to work
with. Here the scenario, and I'll follow with some specific questions:
A small office with an old PC laptop for admin, a B/W G3/300, and an
8600/300. They connect to the internet using 256kb/s DSL currently, and have
no fileserver or firewall. IP routing is done by Sustainable Software's
IPNetRouter on the G3. They have an unmanaged, shared 10MB Ethernet network
(not switched).
They were recently given an old used Compaq Prosignia 500 - it's a 150MHz
Pentium/MMX with 64MB RAM and two 4GB disks. They want to use it for a File
Server. (I can get the BIOS up to date and load NT4/SP6 w/hot fixes no
problem, and load Apple Services.) I'm recommending adding a QiC tape drive
and Retrospect Server for NT to do backups.
Honestly my feeling is that this system is TOO SLOW to be an effective
FileServer for this environment. They have about 5GB live data total, but
many files in the 50-200MB range that they'll want to store on the server,
then move to their Macs to be worked. ANYONE CARE TO OFFER THEIR OPINION ON
THIS CONFIG?
Also, with NT on their network, I feel they MUST HAVE FireWall software. It
seems logical, since the NT box is the only dedicated server (and the only
non production system), that the FireWall run their. That means using IP
routing on the NT server as well, and then adding FireWall software.
I need recommendations on FireWall software that is affordable for a small
office like this ... I'm more familiar with the high-price Enterprise level
stuff.
And again ... I think that poor old PC is too slow to be a file server, IP
router and Firewall ... ANYONE CARE TO OFFER THEIR OPINION.
They are totally non-tech. I've considered putting Linux/NetaTalk/Samba on
this system, but I'm concerned about the complexity. At least with NT they
could look at the screen, and be walked through things on the phone in case
of problems ..
TIA.
---
Phillip Corchary
http://www.macostech.com
General Mac Wizardry
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: Sat Feb 19 2000 - 12:18:05 PST