I own a small design-build business with a network we set up in-house several years ago with NT 4.0. We use the server primarily for 2 functions: file sharing to our workstations and running our database. Our worksations run AutoCAD and typical MS office applications and those are the types of files we share. Our database is an in-house Filemaker creation that we use to manage our inventory and day to day work flow. The server runs filemaker 6 server.
This server (pIII 500 mhz, 128 megs ram, almost full hd) is taxed to the limit now and bogging everything down. I would like to buy a new more powerful server and would like to add it to the network and migrate all the functions of our current server one by one as I find time to do it. I would also need to be able access the network remotely via the internet from my windows laptop when I am away from the office.
My question is: can I do this with Linux? Everything I have read points to Linux (red hat enterprise or whatever) as a more cost effective and secure alternative to windows small business server 2003. This is a small business with little money for IT bells and whistles so I am asking a lot of questions so that I can make a smart decision before commiting to a new platform.
Please indulge me with your advice.
