If you're investigating SME Server (formerly known as e-Smith) for the first time, or if it has been a few years, you have come to the right place. Welcome! We have tried to provide as smooth a learning curve as possible. Feedback is appreciated!

What is SME Server?

SME Server is an open-source Linux server distribution designed to be:

Simple to setup and use

Simplicity has been a design goal from day one. SME Server is easy to administer through your web browser, compatible with most common hardware, and can be installed and configured in as little as an hour.


Secure and stable to operate

When used as a gateway, SME Server acts to protect your network from internet security threats, and, based on Linux, is reliable and dependable in operation.


Cross-platform and extendable to meet future needs

Under active development for more than 5 years, SME Server already has everything necessary to provide the core services most people need to network Linux, Macintosh, and Windows systems. Should you require more, our large and active community has in that time very likely provided downloads and instructions to help you make it work the way you want it to. Also, check out the community forums - they're a treasure trove of information and help.


Oh, and it's completely free!

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, in one sense it is. An SME Server is a computer, not a magic wand. You will have to learn some basic things about what it does, and how, in order to make it work for you. That said, the hard parts have been done for you, and every step is clearly documented, in plain language that can be readily understood. Once you've done the preparation, you really can get it up and running in an hour or so, even the first time.

Where do I go from Here?

To find out more about the SME Server

To hear what people who are using SME Server have to say

To download and install SME Server

Back to the Documentation