>>Has anyone had the chance to test out Linux/Samba combination as a replacement low cost / more reliable and more maintainable server than NT (Service Pack Hell!) or Novell? I recently found some benchmarks about testing from ZD Net and it shows at 32 clients about a 250% performance advantage over NT at 32 clients with comparable hardware. I know that you could plug a lot more RAM into the NT server but you also have to plug in approx. $40/additional user as well. Compared to 0$/additional user and essentially a FREE downloadable Linux and Samba. Any comments appreciated.
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>Rich if you get a Linux/Samba file server working please let us know about it. This would be a very important option for small businesses.
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>Peter Robinson

I have a Linux server running at home using Samba to create Windows mountable shares and printers. It works great. I also have the Linux machine setup as a gateway to my cable modem. I have 4 machines on the lan, including the Linux box, and they all can access the internet, without paying the extra 10$ per machine that RoadRunner wanted.

I admit all I currently use the Samba server for at this time is a common hard drive for my pegasus email. I have not tired to use it with a VFP ap, but it would work fine.

Total cost for my effort.

1. Old 486SX-33 (already owned)

2. Red Hat Linux 5.2 ($30.. could be downloaded for free, but this was easier)

3. About a week of frustration getting it working.

So far, so good.

BOb