Looking for some Linux advice

[Fairlight]

Yes, and we -worked- to get that linux experience, Boaz.  I've got 14 years
in and counting, myself.  When we asked, we asked in -linux- communities.

> 1.  What is a good package for modifying firewall access.

man iptables

If you're looking for a GUI one, search the net.  I use YaST on SuSE when I
actually bother with an inline firewall.  I'm partial to relying mostly on
perimeter hardware firewalls wherever possible, keeping them in specialised
hardware where they belong, but the extra layer never hurts.  It's just not
usually necessary with proper topography and configuration.

> 2.  Should I bother with SELinux and what do I have to watch out for.

How critical are your security needs inasfar as what SELinux offers?
Personally, I think it's overkill unless you're...well, the NSA.  :)  Well,
extend that to contractors that have connections ot DoD, UK's MoD, etc.
Your average business doesn't need it--it's overkill to the Nth degree.

> 3.  What do people suggest for a tape backup software.   (I have a Sony
> SDT-10000 20/40 and an HP 6-tape autoloader 20/40 available.)

Backup Edge seems to work fine for my clients.  Check with MicroLite
regarding specific hardware support.

<semi_rant>

Boaz, I'd swear I remember saying it's a bad idea to run a linux system
unless you knew what you were doing, were willing to take the time to
find out how to do it (ie., research, generally lots of -reading- and
-testing-), or were willing to hire or contract someone that knows their
stuff.  In fact, I -have- said it, multiple times, on this list.  I do
seem to remember specifically addressing you the last time you brought up
moving to Linux though, a few months back.

I don't consider any of your above listed questions filePro-related, and
I personally consider it an abuse of goodwill trying to get your linux
education for free from a community that's not designed for such a task, no
matter how well-versed some of its members may be on the topic of linux.

Let me put it this way:  I don't ask the filePro list how to print a Tk
canvas from perl-Tk on a non-postscript printer, even if the data I'm
generating a graph on the canvas widget with came from fP.  Jim Asman knows
printers, Bill Campbell knows perl, Ken Cole and maybe Bill Campbell know
pTk.  Doesn't matter.  There's a limit of relevance, and I personally think
you're exceeding it--or at least coming perilously close enough that it's
pushing my buttons.

Perhaps I'm going to come across as being a real bastard with this
addendum, perhaps the more business-minded folks will see it for what it is
and forgive me.  But I -will- speak my mind on the matter, since you forced
the issue--after ignoring the last advice I gave you.  You indicated it
would be easy to get up to speed.  You didn't say it would be standing on
our shoulders.

The long and short of it is that I make a substantial amount of my living
supporting linux systems for those that can't or don't want to on their
own, and I see -no- reason why you should get extremely detached-relevance
assistance for free when others pay good money for it--especially in a
community that's not even strongly typed towards linux.  I take it as not
only an abuse of goodwill, but as an ill-advised attempt to get something
for nothing.  And personally, considering my line of work, I consider it
a near insult that I tend to take somewhat personally.  If we're worth
asking, we're worth being paid.  And when our real customers pay us for
such advice, it's unfair that you should be considering leeching it in a
community where it's not the relevant topic--and your relevance is
peripheral at best.

If I was subscribed to one of the linux lists and this came through, this
wouldn't even be a point of discussion.  But I'm not, and you're abusing
the stretched relevance here, IMNSHO.  I've seen where this road goes, and
it's never good business for those that have actually worked to accrue the
knowledge rather than have it handed to them on a platter.

Sorry, Boaz.  That really did irk me.  Maybe I'm the only one, but JPR's
been known for being crotchety when SCO questions go here, and he's one of
the most qualified SCO admins I know.  I'm failing to see the difference in
scenarios.

Nuff said by me on the matter.  Someone else wants to cater to you and hold
your hand further for free, that's fine and well.  Good luck on that.  I'm
personally sick of people that take, and take, and take, without putting in
their dues, and without giving much back.  BTDT, and been burned a couple
times.  Hence some of the hostility, because my Spidey senses tell me it's
happening again--or about to.  Especially when you didn't listen the first
time I said it was a bad move.

Not even an "OT:" in the subject, no less.

</semi_rant>

mark->
-- 
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