[TriLUG] Debian any good?

[joey at odoherty.net]

Hi Peter, 

Debian would be a great choice for the functions that you listed. My
only comment is that if you are not planning on using the computer as
a desktop machine (pardon me if I am assuming incorrectly) don't install
using Knoppix, rather do a plain Debian Stable installation. Mailserver /
firewall is one role where Debian Stable really shines in. Knoppix uses
a mix of software packages from Debian Testing, Unstable, and other sources
and it is my understanding that it leaves behind a fair ammount of "cruft."
Automagic soundcard detection is nice, but not so important for a server :)

All the software you mentioned is in Debian. You can check 
http://packages.debian.org to make sure the version numbers are recent
enough for your needs or to query other software.

cheers,
/joeyo

On Sat, Jan 31, 2004 at 11:12:32PM -0500, Peter Long wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> Since my harddisk is acting funny I have decided to upgrade the OS on my 
> RedHat 8.0 box (and replace the disk at the same time). I have been 
> using RedHat and Mandrake for the last 6 years so I think its time to 
> try something new. I tried KNOPPIX 3.3 earlier today when on Brian 
> Weaver's advice I used badblocks to check the disk (none found Brian). I 
> was very impressed with KNOPPIX. It found all my hardware and even had 
> the sound working without any tinkering on my part! I understand KNOPPIX 
> is based on Debian so I thought I would try it as the OS of my Linux 
> machine.
> 
> However I thought it might be prudent to ask for advice from current 
> Debian users on the list. I mainly use the machine as a NAT gateway and 
> firewall as well as my mail-server. I use postfix and University of 
> Washington IMAP. I also plan to use shorewall as my firewall. At the 
> moment I just use IPtables on its own. I assume the Debian distro will 
> contain all these apps.
> 
> Any tips or advice would be appreciated.
> 
> --
> Peter Long
>