Unix First Timer

[Rockman75]

Hi all!
I am a first timer to build my own Unix server at home.
Then I have a basic question if any can suggest me, that be great.

Since Im a beginner to UNIX, should I go for Linux first to get used to? I did lots fo reserch and read many UNIX tutorials, already know some commands and kernel structure, but no physical experience yet.

Wonder which UNIX O/S is a choice for me. SysV or BSD?
Any suggestions pls? Solaris seems to be a pretty good to me... Thanx anywayz

 

[MikeLacey]

I would agree, Solaris is a good choice for the first-timer. Solid, well-thought-of operating system, free to use.
Mike
________________________________________________________________

"Experience is the comb that Nature gives us, after we are bald."

Is that a haiku?
I never could get the hang
of writing those things.

 

[aixmurderer]

I personally would go with Linux if I was you, the user forum support and volumes of Linux information available probably outstrips all others out there, so help is not far away when running into a problem. Additionally the amount of Linux drivers etc for all sorts of Intel based hardware is freely available.

But there is nothing wrong with opting for Solaris either, it's just not so easy to set up when it comes to e.g. dual booting if that is what you initially want to go for.

Good luck with your new quest, you will find it a sometimes frustrating but ultimately rewarding challenge. IBM Certified Confused - MQSeries
IBM Certified Flabbergasted - AIX 5 pSeries System Administration

 

[biker1]

Rockman75,

Have you thought about what you would like to do with the system once it's up and running?

For example,

Do you want to run a web server on it?
Do you want to do some programming?
Do you want to use your knowledge for career advancement?
Do you want to connect to the Internet?

Answers to these questions may prove helpful when deciding on UNIX or Linux, and subsequently what version or distribution to go with.


Biker
Systems/Network Administrator
LiveFire Labs - Hands-On Technical e-Learning

http://www.LiveFireLabs.com

 

[Rockman75]

Biker and all

Thanx for your response. Appreciated!!

My purpose of setting up a machine is

Connects to Internet as a Gateway.
Works as a firewall, packet filter and security block
Plus, I wanna learn a UNIX operation and programming

Any suggestions? Still Linux is a good choice?

 

[biker1]

Rockman75,

Linux has a nice tool called iptables to handle your firewall/packet filtering/security requirements. Linux should also get you started in the other areas you mentioned.

If you decide on Linux, below are a few iptables links to get you going. The most helpful document for me was Oskar Andreasson's Iptables Tutorial. Version 1.1.13 is available at:

http://www.linux-sxs.org/iptables/iptables-tutorial.html

http://www.linuxguruz.org/iptables

- numerous sample scripts can be found here!!!

http://www.netfilter.org/documentation/HOWTO//packet-filtering-HOWTO.html

Make sure you understand what your script does vs. just cutting and pasting someone else's script. Just doing the latter may leave your network vulnerable.

If you decide to go UNIX, Solaris is a popular choice. A version for Intel can be found here:

http://wwws.sun.com/software/solaris/binaries/get.html

Biker
Systems/Network Administrator
LiveFire Labs - Hands-On Technical e-Learning

http://www.LiveFireLabs.com

 

[Rockman75]

biker1

Thanx soooo much! Thats very kind of you!
Helped me a lot...