linux network server Introduction

Linux is the perfect choice for an operating system on which to build a network server. Much of the

fame of Linux as a server system comes from its widespread use as a system on which Apache

web servers are built. But the power and reliability of Linux does more than provide a stable

platform for the world's most popular web server. Linux provides all of the most important network

services in a single low−cost package.

Low cost, reliability, and power are propelling the continued growth of Linux as a server system.

Linux has proven to be a cost−effective alternative to high−cost Unix servers. And it has proven

itself to be more powerful and reliable than any proprietary desktop operating system trying to

recast itself as a server operating system. Sales people might lust after the vast desktop market, but

as professional system administrators, we know that the real technical action is with the server

systems.

The tremendous range of network services provided by Linux means that it can be used for all of

your network server needs. In this book, servers are categorized as "Internet servers" and

"departmental servers." This somewhat arbitrary division is done to organize the discussion of the

various services in a rational way. We define Internet services as those services that are often

offered to the world at large or that are used to connect an organization to the worldwide Internet.

The services that are covered in this category are:

· Domain Name System (DNS) services

· sendmail

· Apache

· Login services such as FTP, Telnet, and SSH

· Routing protocols through Zebra and gated

· Network Address Translation (NAT)

Departmental services are those services that are usually limited to usage on the internal network.

The services that are covered under this category are:

· Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

· Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP)

· Network File System (NFS)

· Samba file and printer sharing

· LPR/LPD printer sharing

· Post Office Protocol (POP)

· Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)

· procmail mail filtering

In addition to these specific topics, this book contains general information on configuring network

interfaces, and important chapters on security and troubleshooting.

Linux Network Servers

book, however, is more than a second edition. Although the character and content that drew high

praise for the original book remains, the new book has been completely reworked for the

professional system administrators who rely on the Craig Hunt Linux Library. (Much of the praise for

Linux Network Servers 24seven

the original book was removed to make room for more technical details in this version. I believe, and

I hope you agree, that this new book is even better than its predecessor.

4is still available online for your perusal.) Introductory material fromgrew out of my earlier book, Linux Network Servers 24seven. This new