Linux on a Windows Network...

[TheGreatPoo]

How hard would it be to connect this PC running Mandrake Linux 8.2 with KDE 2.2.2 onto a network running Windows with a Windows 2000 Pro Server?  I already know that this computer will connect to the internet (obviously if I am talking to you) through the windows 2000 server but can I connect to the rest of the network and transfer files and such?  Also, if this is possible, how hard is it to open Microsux Word files in Star Office?  Does Star office have a database like Microstink's Access?  If so, are they compatable together?

I know this is a lot of questions and I apologize if I am being a pest.  Linux is new to me and I like to soak up as much knowledge as I can as fast as I can.  I'm just excited and am trying to keep from getting discouraged with Linux because it is so different and more difficult.  Thanx and appreaciation goes to anyone who can help me out!

Poo    

[Master of Reality]

i think staroffice and openoffice will open up microsoft files pretty good. You will have to set up samba to share files between windows and linux. I have never done this, so i dunno how to do this.

[TheGreatPoo]

where can I get Samba?

Thanx for the reply!

[Master of Reality]

you might already have it installed or its on the Mandrake CD.

[TheGreatPoo]

AH!  How do I search for stuff in Linux?  I know that I can use "Find File" in Windows or "Sherlock" in MacOS but what do I use in Linux with KDE?  :confused:

Thanx for the reply BOB!  

[choasforages]

well, the way i do is open up a terminal

and type

locate blah

and if it doesn't turn anything up

type in as root

updatedb

then
as a normal user

locate blah


or goto the find files in the k button

[Master of Reality]

in a terminal you type 'find / file' where '/' is the directory you want to search. Or oyu could go to 'find files' under the K button.

to check if you have samba try doing:
rpm -qa | grep samba
that will query all hte RPMs and search for a samba package.

[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: Master of Reality / Bob ]

[TheGreatPoo]

By "K Button" I assume you mean "K Menu"  

The Reason I was asking about the find file is so that I can search for Samba on the pooter or the CD's.

Also, how do I set up this pooter with Linux to run on a windows network?  Do I use the Network Config app in the configuration menu?  If so what values do I need to type in?  When it refers to "Host", does that mean the computer that I am on or the server?

I know that I should know this but it's been a while since I helped set up the windows network (when I say helped, I played a VERY small part).  

Thanx for the replies!!!  You guys are great!  Can't find people like ya'll on a Microlicks forum!  

[TheGreatPoo]

Sorry BOB, meant to post before you (I'm slow).  

[Master of Reality]

you dont really need to setup anything. host, refers to the current computers hostname.

hmmmmm... instead of using the network configuration thing in the configuration menu, i suggest downloading webmin. Its a configuration program that runs in your browser (all you do is type in your local IP or localhost port 10000). It can be used to configure anything in Linux.

Are you running a DHCP server on your gateway to the internet? No, good. All you need to do is set your computers IP, hostname, domainname (i think thats it).

I dunno if you need the domainname set, but to set it you go into a terminal and type 'domainname mycomputer.poo.local' or whatever you want it to be. I think it might have to be the same network as your other computers. My computers are all something.master.local (except my external interface to the internet because I'm on cable).

The hostname can be set by typing 'hostname whatever' in the terminal. I dunno how to set the IP from the terminal.

[TheGreatPoo]

Hmm.  I do happen to know all of the information that you gave (host name, IP address, etc.).  I will check out that program.  Thanx Bob!

I am blind because I can't find the "Find Files) in the K Button!  :confused:    I must be blind or something because I looked in all of the sub-menues as well and no dice.  I am using KDE 2.2.2.  This is probly not a big thing but it is a convienient feature that I'd like to have.

Thanx for all the help guys!!  This is a great forum!  :cool:

[Sleeping Dog]

Found this recently when looking for Linux based networking solutions.  You may want to take a look at what they have done.

http://master-www.linuxrouter.org:8080/

Linux Router Project (LRP) n.
A networking-centric micro-distribution of Linux.

LRP is small enough to fit on a single 1.44MB floppy disk, and makes building and maintaining routers, access servers, thin servers, thin
clients, network appliances, and typically embedded systems next to trivial.

If you are the Admin. for the server that you mentioned, making the LINUX box the "hub" and Internet portal may solve the problem that you initially asked about, as well as providing your network with additional security.

Sleeping Dog

[TheGreatPoo]

Thanx for the reply Sleeping Dog (you sound pretty awake to me   )!

What I'd like to do is simply make this Linux PC just another node on the Winodws 2000 server.  If you click the link, you will see some of the trials I have gone through with Samba to try and make this happen.  All I wanna do is share some files (mostly MS Office)access the internet,  and share a couple of printers.  I had the internet (I'm on windows 2000 now) but when I installed and configured Samba, everything went to crap as described in the link (the Mandrake User message board).  I just want to undo what I have already screwed up and start over so that it works.  

http://www.club-nihil.net/mub/viewtopic.php?p=21245#21245

Thanx again for the reply!!