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Fire Department Network/Server Setup

Tags:
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Server 8
  • Servers
  • DNS Server
  • Systems
  • Ubuntu
  • DHCP
  • VPN
  • Domain Controller
Last response: in Systems
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July 1, 2014 11:03:45 AM

Hi everyone! I don't mean to make this a long discussion although I am sure it will be. I am getting ready to upgrade all of our hardware in the Fire Department and I am needing some advice. I have a new server on the way and also a few workstations. I have a nice modem and hardware firewall/wireless router, switch and a wireless access point on the other side of the building (due to the size of the building). I've been tossing ideas around (mainly in my head since no one at the firehouse understands any of this) about the layout and design that I want to implement. We currently have 3 desktop computers that I plan on restoring to original (Windows XP). Here is a general layout on what I plan on doing:

Dell Server
       Windows Server 2012
           Domain Controller
           File Server
       VM - Ubuntu Server (Mail Server)
           Leaning toward Citadel Mail

Restored Desktop 1
       Windows XP
           Internet Site (IIS6, ASP .NET 4, MVC 4, MySQL)

Restored Desktop 2
       Windows XP
           Intranet Site (IIS6, ASP .NET 4, MVC 4, MySQL)
           Internet Development Site (Same as Internet Site)

Restored Desktop 3
       Ubuntu Server
           VPN Server
           DNS Server
           DHCP Server

I'm wondering what everyones thoughts are on this setup? I've already requested and have ordered a large amount of hardware for this project. On top of the computers, I have also requested and ordered a new server rack tower and a few other things. I've decided to use Ubuntu Server to minimize the cost of another Windows Server version. I may be confused on the operation of the VM on Server 2012 but, I believe you are given a blank disk space that you can install what you wish on it. Correct me if I am wrong. If I can duplicate Windows Server 2012 on the VM without having to pay for another OS, that would be great.

I also have concerns about the VPN being on the same computer as the DNS/DHCP server. I don't see an issue with the DNS and DHCP being together but, I am unsure of the VPN? The only reason that I am doing the VPN is because I need to be able to access the network remotely if something happens and I am not there.

Let me know what everyone thinks.

Thank you!!

More about : fire department network server setup

July 1, 2014 11:49:01 AM

You can use Ubuntu in place of Server 2012 and as long as you are managing the environment you will be fine. The problem in that type of environment and Linux is that most people can't support it. What would happen if there was a critical issue while you are on vacation and not available by phone? The answer to that question should really be the driver on using Linux or not.

Desktops.... yeah... Windows XP is no longer supported and will not be patched leaving it open to future security attacks. Use Windows 7 or 8.1. If you are under contract with Microsoft to specifically continue providing support for XP then disregard...

Stacking DNS / DHCP / VPN or what ever else on a single server should be perfectly fine. Your "office" is very small with a minimal number of users.
July 1, 2014 12:29:17 PM

To be honest, if I am out of town and cannot be reached by phone, there is no one with enough computer knowledge to fix anything regardless of the OS. It's sad but true. I am going to have my work cut out for me training people to troubleshoot issues that may come up.

The only reason I was using XP was because that is what's on the computers now. I can request windows 7 or 8 upgrades from the department but, it will probably be just as cheap to purchase new desktops in the long run. The old computers (obviously not new since they are running XP) are starting to have hardware failures. One of them only has 2 GB of ram right now because one of the ram sticks failed. I will have to go through them before I even make them work for what I need them to.

Thanks for the advice.
!