Operational Notes

Notes on Linux Operations

Microsoft Exchange Integration

Cookbook Howto to implement an Integrated Microsoft/Linux Messaging/Groupware Infrastructure. Microsoft Exchange 2003 server protected by open SMTP MTA, anti-virus, and anti-spam tools is a powerful option to obtain the best of both worlds. Microsoft Exchange is a very powerful groupware server, when combined with Outlook we struggle to see as strong alternatives in the Open community. 

Perimeter Security

Implementation of the Perimeter Security Infrastructure How-to, covering Firewall, Virtual Private Network, and Proxy Server.

SMB Infrastructure

This SMB Linux Server How-To is written for small/medium businesses looking at replacing their infrastructure with Linux and Open Source tools. For many small/medium businesses an appropriate use of Linux and Open Source is at the infrastructure layer - providing infrastructure services that standard Windows OS-based desktops can use without the expense of Microsoft infrastructure licenses. This How-to will provide the infrastructure to support normal business operations including file-services, domain authentication, email, calendaring and group collaboration.

Virtual CentOS 5

A key feature of Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform is embedded virtualization. With RHEL Advanced Platform xen-virtualization allows virtualized guests running multiple operating systems, multiple versions, multiple performance and security settings, all running on the same server. In the path of Open Source, Red Hat's commercial use of open source Xen, enables the CentOS community to exsist (Red Hat's support of the Xen project must be noted) 

Typo3 Startup

Out of the box Typo3 is a daunting experience - the help files & tutorials are largely written by developers for developers. The Typo3 book follows the same path. As a rule the introductory material quickly transfers to detailed configuration information that is a barrier. We made several false starts with Typo3, abandoned it and switched to another CMS and reluctantly returned. Our content providers, who regularly use complex applications tolerate it. With these glowing words of introduction this how-to is intended to help other get something useful up & running as quickly as possible.

Macintosh Notes

Several of our consultants prefer Apple Macintosh systems. With the introduction of Intel-based Macintoshes they have switched back from Windows & Linux-based systems. The switch is not always easy. This section will be a collection of notes & solutions we have found to the small hurdles of using Macs in our Linux/Windows-centric environment & our clients Windows-centric worlds.

BlackBerry Notes

We have added a few BlackBerry PDAs to our world. The price-tag of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server has us using Desktop Redirector. In our Windows / Linux / Macintosh client world (With Microsoft Exchange) the addition has not been entertaining. This section will be a collection of notes & solutions we have found to the small hurdles.