* Dr. Internet columnist Steve Blass recommends a stripped-down Linux distribution * Help Desk columnist Ron Nutter discusses the need for wireless access controllers
* Looking for stripped-down Linux distribution
By Steve Blass
Q: I’m looking for a stripped-down Linux distribution to use on a specialized network server. What do you recommend?
A: The Crux distribution may be right for you. The installation image is a 244MB ISO file, and a complete installation from that image takes up less than 900MB of disk space. Crux is a lightweight, i686-optimized Linux aimed at experienced users. Software packages are managed with a source-based “ports” system that ensures that you have recent versions of the packages you install built for your system.
To read Steve’s response in its entirety, please click here.
* Wireless access controllers: Worth the trouble?
By Ron Nutter
Q: Wireless networking is becoming more prevalent in our company. While the newer wireless showing up on the network is Mode G, we still have quite a bit of the Mode B. Some of the Mode B equipment may not be replaced for some type due to the cost (we have wireless bar code readers with specialized programming incorporated in them). My concern is how best to protect all of the wireless that we have on the network. Should I look at getting one of the wireless access point controllers that I have read about?
A: First, inventory all the wireless devices and access points that are currently in use. Record the type of wireless each device works on, what encryption each supports, the lengths of the encryption keys that can be used and if there are any characters, such as punctuation, that can’t be used in the key. It might also be a good idea to start a spreadsheet of the network-card driver versions and the flash firmware in use by the access points. Upgrading the firmware used by the respective devices may help minimize the exceptions that need to be made and might just help justify the cost of upgrading to newer devices that may make your ultimate goal easier to achieve.
To read Ron’s response in its entirety, please click here.
