Linux File Server

A file server differs from a personal computer (PC) in that the server is dedicated to storing files in a centralized location while permitting access to networked computers.

By having a file server, users can save work and have access to files without having to carry around a disk. Access privileges can be restricted to guests and registered users. Meanwhile a centralized location means once place to backup all files.

File servers allow networked computers to share files at their discretion. Servers also allow you to save work and have access to it without carrying around a disk. On a personal file server, you can restrict access privileges to guests and registered users.

This is the most common type of server in small businesses. A file server enables all files to be stored in a central location, which accommodates centralized backup strategies (one place to backup all files) and security implementation (depending on the operating system, individuals can be assigned different access rights to stored information).

Linux works great as a network file server. Linux includes software called samba that allows files on the server to be viewed and edited on any Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT PC or Macintosh computer. In fact, you can connect to shares on the Linux file server, just as you would on your Windows NT/2000 file server. Everything will look the same and there are no per-user licenses required.

Benefits:

• Files on the network server are backed up on a regular basis. If you inadvertently deleted an important file, it can be retrieved from the back up tape. In addition, if you have a hard drive failure the files you saved on the network server will not be affected.
• Files can be shared with others. Several people may be working on a document. Storing the file in a shared directory allows each person to directly work on the document as needed.
• If you use several PCs in the course of your work, files on the server are available from any local PC. So you have access to the files whether you are at your personal office PC or using a coworker's PC.

So, if everything is the same, why switch to a Linux file server? For the same reasons listed in our Why Linux? section. But to summarize:

Cost

We can install and configure a Linux File Server for as little as $1400 including configuration and software. If you can provide Linux compatible hardware, your savings might be even greater.

Performance

Our experience has shown that Linux will perform better as a file server than Windows NT or Windows 2000, even with Linux on older, slower hardware. And since Linux is designed to be a robust operating system (OS), hardware resources center on processing user requests instead of running the OS.

Reliability

Real Time's Linux servers stay up for months and years at a time. When was the last time you had to reboot your Windows server? Last week, or worse yet, yesterday? Wouldn´t it be nice to have a server that just works? That's what you get with Real Time and Linux...it just works.

| Index | Contact Us | Privacy Statement | Linux Show | Rates | Application Forms | Search |

| Top of Page |