Building The Net

My ‘Linux as an IPv6 dual stack Firewall’ Talk from SCaLE11x

— Stu

HowTo Install the Base Package Set to Create a Debian Router.

— Stu

Bare Bones Debian GNU/Linux Install HowTo:

— Stu

Open Source Groupware – The Clear Leader is SOGo:

Some of the early groups of articles I penned on this blog, were comparisons of Open Source Groupware projects. At that time, the only one I could really recommend was eGroupware. Although I still believe eGroupware is a valid contender for your Groupware server, I have discovered a project, that in my opinion is leaps and bounds ahead of the pack. The project is called SOGo.

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Setting up IPv6 connectivity.

Back in December `09, my company ACT USA, began testing IPv6. These tests quickly advanced to our production environment. Over the last six months, I have been in the process of setting up native IPv6 connectivity for all our data centers. This connectivity is based on the dual stack model. This article attempts to cover the technology available, and the choices I made based on that technology.

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Ubuntu 10.04 – A quick review.

The latest Ubuntu release has brought both praise and controversy to the boards and email lists. The debate regarding some of the visual changes, as well as the new services tied to Canonical, has caused a minor tremor through the open source community. But even with all the controversy, it’s still worthwhile to load up 10.04 and see what all the buzz is about!

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Building Redundant Networks in Data Centers.

I recently was asked to put together a brief web presentation on the different methods of creating redundant networks. I couldn’t think of a better place to put it, then right here on my blog. After all, I was overdue for a post anyways…

What do I mean by redundant networks?

A redundant network is two or more distinct paths for data to travel to and from an upstream network. In it’s simplest form, it can be a piece of equipment that can be manually placed into service easily upon a failure. More often though it is set up so that any single device or connection can fail, and without user intervention, a backup system or connection will automatically step in and take over the job of the failed device, or connection. A redundant network does not mean that no mater what happens, your data will still be reachable. There are many factors that need to be considered, ranging anywhere from your providers, to your applications, that can cause a failure.

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A Microsoft Free Workplace in Six Months. Part 3

Well, I’ve been putting off updates on this for a few months, hoping that this project would begin moving forward again. It hasn’t, and for the life of me, I can not figure out why. The client has postponed the project due to a sudden surge in business. Their reasoning is that it would require too much retraining at a time where they don’t have time to retrain.

The confusing thing to me is that when asked what their findings were up to this point, they listed the following:

• Ubuntu systems operate faster then Windows systems.
• Ubuntu systems have better stability then Windows systems.
• Ubuntu is able to do all tasks we currently require to perform company related computing tasks.
• Ubuntu desktop can be tailored to incorporate shortcuts that end users can easily use.

The only negatives were:

• Ubuntu requires a rethinking regarding finding and installing software.
• Most end users will not be able to modify their own desktop without training

The second thing I would think would be a plus, but that’s the system administrator in me coming out.

So, for now, the project is stalled. So for now, so is this series of articles… 🙁

— Stu

The Technology of SCALE8x – A Post Event Review. PART – 2

This is the second installment all about the technologies used for SCALE8x. The first installment dealt with the services that the technology group has setup and maintains for the event year round. This installment will cover the pre-show setup that went into the technologies that were used at the show.

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The Technology of SCALE8x – A Post Event Review. PART – 1

Every February in Los Angeles CA, a group of dedicated volunteers get together to put on what many believe to be the largest all volunteer organized open source technology conventions in the US. This three day event features talks and exhibits specifically targeted at Open Source users, programmers, and system administrators.

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