ok im really stuck with linux here.

I use to have a perfectly working windows server for email, web ftp etc etc.

After reading forums i noticed that in here there was a big dislike to windows servers.

So i decided to install linux, so i have it on, and i have installed it in server mode. I am using the gnome interface but just dont know how to do anything with it basically.

Im no expert with any servers, but i am finding linux really hard. I cant even get dns, or apache to work, as i simple dont have a clue what im doing.

Basically, i have one server (to poor for any more). I have a domain (thedigitaldream.co.uk).

so, this is where i am stuck, how do you set the computer hostname? and could anyone step me through what i have to type into apache, and dns to get it to work please?

if not, are there any good tutorials, that explain, using the gnome interface, how to setup apache and dns.

I have only had one days experience with linux, so i really need a good tutorial that im not gunna just look at, and wonder what the hell it is going on about lol.

Im running redhat 7.3
Thanx

check the site http://www.ibiblio.org and look under the linux archive. lots of how-to's and docs in there.

If you have specific questions, ask those too. That always helps.

Don't worry, your definatly on the right track with Linux, the learning curve is steep, but when you get nearer the top, you will feel much better ;)

If you want to PM me, I could help you set up your server.

The hostname is set in the /etc/hosts file.

Look under man hostname, this will help you much more than we can on a forum. The how-to's are essential for apache and DNS. I use linux.org (http://www.linux.org/docs/index.html)

Cheers,
Infinite :D

did the gui interface install in server mode? as for apache you will need to edit this file:
/etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf
hope this helps...as always ask questions here;)

Hi everyone thanx for your help. Your probably wondering why i want to use the graphical interface, well its because i have no other server apart from this one, and im use to a windows enviroment, not commandline.

I was playing around with gnome earlier, but decided to see what kde would be like, so i formatted it (again lol) and put kde on, and i really like.

One thing though, if anyone could help me out on this, when i was using gnome, it had a up2date tool that updated the kernel and loads of other stuff, only thing is, i cant find it on kde, anyone direct me to where it is, or is there no such thing in kde.

And another thing, total newbie question here, but what files are executables on linux, is it rpm?

also, where will i be able to get php, apache and mysql from for linux

Thanx for your help
Matt.

So scream!;)

matt2kjones,

LEARN TO READ.

Don't expect everyone to hold your hand and create step by step instruction just for you.

Couldn't agree more with Shyne on this. I too think you need to read more and ask questions less. It may sound harsh but clearly you have not learned yet how to research or think logically - this is a skill that you must have whether you run Windows, Unix or CP/M as your server.

Use your time learning server basics and forget Gnome etc. Once you know basic *nix admin, or at least have learned how to search Google for answers - then you can play with non-essential stuff.

A graphical interface is absolutely non-essential for running a web server. In fact, few would consider running Gnome or KDE or similar environments on a production server, period.

Stick to and learn the basics and ask when you are truly stumped, not just lazy or completely out of your league.

Hint - if you can't do basic file manipulation in MS DOS, you are sunk.

No intent here to flame or abuse, but plain speak seems called for here.

Hi,

You mentioned you reinstalled RH 7.3 to select another default GUI desktop. This is not necessary. If, during install, you install BOTH GNOME and KDE, you can select which one will boot up when you issue the startx command. There is no need to reinstall RH 7.3 and select the other one as the default.

I always install RH Linux so it boots up to the command line, then simply type startx to get a GNOME or KDE desktop, rather than select the option during install that boots up into a GUI desktop environment by default; just my personal choice.

Upon booting up, at the command line, assuming you've installed both GNOME and KDE during install and chosen one or the other as the default desktop during install:

simply type

switchdesk GNOME

or

switchdesk KDE

to switch to whichever desktop you want to come up when you issue the startx command.

Remember too that you can always exit "X" and get back to the command line by pressing CNTL-ALT-BACKSPACE at the same time while in a GUI desktop if you get stuck. Of course, it's best to logout rather than CNTL-ALT-BACKSPACE. Anyway, when at the command line, you can issue the switchdesk command at the command line to set the desktop you want to boot up into the next time you issue a startx command.

BTW, there are lots and lots of places on the web where a Linux newbie's questions can be answered. Find a few and enjoy!

Also, check to see if a Linux User Group, i.e. a LUG, is nearby. If so go to a meeting or two. There are likely to be lots of folks there willing to answer questions.

One last thing. Don't forget to sign up with Redhat Network so you can download and install updates to your system.

I hope the above is helpful.


Best wishes,

Louis

to make it simple on you start with a fresh server install but DO NOT install kde or gnome, that won't do anything but miss lead you...too many things to click on and distract you

Originally posted by matt2kjones
Hi everyone thanx for your help. Your probably wondering why i want to use the graphical interface, well its because i have no other server apart from this one, and im use to a windows enviroment, not commandline.

I hate to break it to you, but you're going to have to use the command-line to get things done in Linux. A graphical interface is not going to do you any good, especially for a server. Do yourself a favor and ditch the graphical interfaces. It'll actually be easier that way.

Also, don't even bother trying to setup DNS or Apache until you at least learn the basics of Linux. If you don't even know DOS, then you have a long road ahead of you. I don't want to discourage you, but if you don't have the patience to learn or don't like doing this kind of stuff, turn back, run away as fast as you can, and don't look back because it's not worth it. Otherwise, if you're willing to take the time to learn and enjoy it, I suggest you visit your local bookstore and get a book on the basics of Linux. Don't get a thick book that tries to teach you everything and doesn't make sense. You don't need a book to teach you everything, just enough to start teaching yourself.

People these days are spoiled by graphical interfaces. :( In my opinion, graphical interfaces hide how simple things really are, and that makes people think too hard and confuse themselves. That's my one piece of advice: Don't think too hard! Many things are much easier than people make them out to be.

matt2kjones,

I'd say the best piece of advise I can give you is to go pick up a linux book from barnes and noble. Read it cover to cover (no joke!) Setup your server, and ditch the GUI (trust me, you don't want to use one on a server). Then start messing around with the various commands that they teach you in the book. Once you have beat the commands into the ground, then try to setup php or DNS or apache. It really makes no sense to try to configure these now if you do not even know how to use the command line! ;)

Anyway, I wish you luck! As long as you're dedicated, get a good book, and spend a couple hours messing with different linux commands each day, you should be a pro in no time! :D

Originally posted by Shyne
matt2kjones,

LEARN TO READ.

Don't expect everyone to hold your hand and create step by step instruction just for you.

Although I agree with this, I think it was kind of rude the way you said it, no offense.

Originally posted by matt2kjones

Your probably wondering why i want to use the graphical interface, well its because i have no other server apart from this one, and im use to a windows enviroment, not commandline.

Personally, I think you should go back to Windows as far as your server goes, install Linux on another computer, and learn it that way, you need to learn how to use the command line, especially before trying to use it as a server. GUIs are relatively new in Linux and they are really not what it is meant for.

I was playing around with gnome earlier, but decided to see what kde would be like, so i formatted it (again lol) and put kde on, and i really like.

heh, you don't have to format to put another window manager on there ;) You can have as many as you want installed, and even if you didn't install KDE in the very beginnig you could have just downloaded it from kde.org (http://www.kde.org). I would say just use pkgtool but I don't know if that is in RedHat, I use Slackware.

And another thing, total newbie question here, but what files are executables on linux, is it rpm?

RPMs (RedHat Package Manager) are basically package management that helps install programs, it makes it easier than having to compile programs by the source. Executables are mostly in /usr/bin or /usr/bin/local, or /usr/sbin for the system administrator.

also, where will i be able to get php, apache and mysql from for linux

http://www.freshmeat.net :D Or php.net (http://www.php.net), apache.org (http://www.apache.org), and mysql.com (http://www.mysql.com).

I THINK that is the site for MySQL, it is not coming up for me, though, so I can't be 100% sure.

I didn't quote you on your question about up2date, because I have absolutely no idea, I have never used this in Gnome and I don't use KDE.

Anyway, as already recommended, just go buy a book on it, you can read all the documentation, how-to's, and faqs available, but me personally, I would still prefer to have a physical book to read. Try Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide - I bought it awhile ago, it seems okay, although it focuses way too much on RedHat and therefore did not help me at all, but since you use RedHat, it should help ;)

Originally posted by secludo
Originally posted by matt2kjones
...Try Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide...

I Highly recomend this book for newbies, it's pretty good with RedHat info and will walk you through almost everything when it comes to the first steps of learning RH linux. I personally learned alot from this book and still, to this day, refer back to it on occasion.

look in /etc/rc.d/init.d

cd there and type

./httpd start

See if that gets your apache going ;)

Same for named & sendmail.

You will need to do more configuring of sendmail than apache. If you installed apache, what I showed you above should work.

Same with named. named is very basic at configuring. Try the O'reilly books.

Regards ...