Looking for a mentor/adviser

[sean at theparsonsfamily.com]

Well, I am trying to build as close an equivalent to my existing all
Microsoft network as possible using Linux based solutions in order to
determine if I can migrate away from Microsoft. At the same time attempt
to learn more about Linux. I am using Small Business Server 2003 Standard
and 3 Server 2003 machines to host my corporate network, I have about 30
workstations and these assets are distributed across to offices in
Albuquerque and Phoenix. We use Exchange for mail, I have 3 domain
controllers for AD. We use office 2007 for typical files and I use
networked printers. I am not using much from SQL except for sharepoint but
there are other options for that.

As far as giving you specifics, how do you define an unknown? I can't
explain what Linux can do vs Windows, as it's not apples-apples and
oranges-oranges. Listing everything out and trying to keep things focused
in a forum like this is going to be a monumental effort on top of the
actual project. I can't debate 4 different opinions about which mail
transport agent/client is best, I'm more interested in choosing one and
trying to see if I can make it work, at this point.

That is why I set out to build a sandbox with the aide of someone with
more experience than I, to attempt to build as much equivalent
functionality as possible to see where it gets me/us. I have no plan to
use it in a production environment and if I decide to actually convert, I
would plan a project for that separately, with more specifics, and
hopefully my experience will have improved as well.

I have unsuccessfully attempted to reproduce various pieces (Samba, Cups,
DNS, etc) and join them to the existing domain and had 0% success in
making it work with my existing network. So keeping them separate is my
only option at this point.

I have allocated four machines for use and a portion of my network, I can
even allocate static IPs. I have planned for 2 servers and 1-2 workstation
machines, I can bring them to installfest, but I'd need a lot of support
equipment to hook them up into something usable.

I still have concerns about this forum as I am new and getting 20
different conflicting suggestions will not be a constructive learning
environment, not to mention monopolizing this forum.





> I would start by telling us (1) the size of the mouse trap you want to
> build, (2) your requirements for the mouse trap today, and (3) what you
> want
> the mouse trap to look like in 5 years. Basically, a concise description
> of
> what you want today and tomorrow. Then, those in the group who have
> expertise in a particular area can chime in with their recommendations.
>
> An email list may be a little hard to manage this discussion, but it is
> worth a shot to see how it goes. Wost case, you will get to know a couple
> of
> experts on the list, and you can always throw money, beer, food, at them
> later.....;-)
>
> Or, just bring your sandbox to the InstallFest this Saturday for some
> hands
> on help...jk unless your sandbox is one machine   ;-)
>
> Mark
>
> On Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 9:58 AM, <sean at theparsonsfamily.com> wrote:
>
>> Ok, How would I build this sandbox as a list discussion?
>>
>> Sean Parsons
>>
>> > I personally agree that this would be great on list discussion.
>> >
>> > even if it is using Linux to support a MS platform, it still would be
>> > educational for me at least.
>> >
>> > On Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 8:16 AM,  <sean at theparsonsfamily.com> wrote:
>> >> Craig,
>> >>
>> >>> ----
>> >>> Wouldn't it be more useful and instructive to keep your questions on
>> >>> list? You would benefit from a greater availability of opinions too.
>> >>>
>> >>> Also, it seems a bit unfair to want private advising and deprive the
>> >>> list of the knowledge that is gathered by solving problems which I
>> >>> would
>> >>> gather would be rather typical for many offices/businesses.
>> >>>
>> >>> There is no need to make changes to an AD environment to add Linux
>> >>> servers and/or workstations.
>> >>>
>> >>> Craig
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>> --
>> >>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> >>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> >>> believed to be clean.
>> >>>
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>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> > A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from
>> > rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
>> >
>> > Stephen
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