Pre-work to install the SME Server
Note: The detailed steps necessary for installing and configuring SME Server are covered in the Administrator's Guide, available here. The Administrator's Guide discusses installation scenarios such as ADSL, dial-up, ISDN, and so forth, as well as services that may be offered by your ISP. The guide has been honed and polished through several versions, and has helped thousands of people install SME Server. To get the most out of your SME Server, reading it is highly recommended.
If you still have questions, or run into trouble, remember the General discussion Forum! This is the best part of contribs.org, and most people will be happy to help you. Please try to include as many details as you can - it'll save everyone's time.
What you will need to start
- These are suggested hardware requirements that will simplify the installation of SME Server
- Pentium Class Computer
- Dedicated Hard Drive
- 64 MB Memory
- CD-Rom Drive
- Onboard or PCI Network Card
- Video Card (can be removed after install if supported by BIOS)
- Keyboard (also can be removed if supported by BIOS)
Hardware
- There are a couple points to consider
- Compatibility
Your hardware must be able to run SME Server. Basically, this means that the hardware needs to be compatible with Red Hat Linux 7.3: true of most common older PCs. However, it is always possible that your system includes an ISA network card or other component that is not supported by SME Server. For ease of setup and configuration the use of ISA network cards is not supported. It is best to check, in advance. One place to start is the
Red Hat Hardware Compatibility List - do a search on "hardware", open the list, then search for your specific device.
Another approach is simply to give the install a try, especially if you have older hardware - it's unlikely (although not impossible) to damage anything. If you try this, remember "The simpler the better". SME Server does not require the latest display adapter (the install runs in low-resolution VGA mode, and, once installed, the server can run without a display at all), doesn't support most internal modems, won't have much use for extra serial, parallel, or USB ports (for most folks), etc. Remove or replace any hardware that has functions you don't need.
- Performance
Your hardware should be fast enough to support the intended use. For a few users on a home network, an old Celeron or PII (or equivalent) will do fine, and hardware even older will perform acceptably (especially if it has extra memory). If you have dozens of remote users with VPN and Webmail, you might want to take it up a notch or two. See the Administrator's Guide for details.
Networking Information
This is covered in detail in the Administrator's Guide. It's basically the same information you need to connect any computer to the internet (IP address, is it automatically assigned, mail server name, password, etc). If you intend to make Web pages or eMail available from the internet, there is a bit more.
SME Server install CD
See the
Other items
- important to keep in mind
- Data Resiliency
SME Server supports several ways to back up your data: from several models of ATAPI tape drives, or hard disk mirroring in hardware or software, to backing up to a client across the network, or manually burning the contents of your ibays to disk. If your data is important to you, decide now how you are going to protect it.
- Anti-Virus Software
A necessity in today's world. SME Server supports several varieties of anti-virus software (including open source), but does not come with any. See the ContribsPage or
- The Administrator's Guide!
I counted, and realized I needed to mention it one more time! Use it to get SME Server installed and operating, but also read the parts about e-mail, and various innovative ways to use ibays. It will save you a lot more time than it takes to read it, that's for sure.
Next Step
OK, you've done the prep, and are ready to download the software. See the How to download page for instructions.
Back to Documentation