[pptp-server] LINUX

[Spencer Jr., Michael]

Note:  I'm a Linux fanatic and think it's the best thing since sliced bread.
However, I'll put my MCSE-wannabe hat on and speak objectively.  Fellow
Linux fanatics, please don't kill me.  :)

Linux and Windows NT are similar, in that they're both very effective server
operating systems.  However, Windows NT is more expensive and easier, while
Linux is less expensive and harder.  Or to put it more accurately, Microsoft
spent a lot of money on 'idiot-proofing' Windows NT, making lots of wizards
and helpers.  You pay for all that convenience, however, with stability
(Windows NT crashes a lot, the busier the machine gets) and price (How much
for a CAL?!!).  Linux is better technology (from a techie standpoint), but
harder to use.  You'll spend a lot of time reading HOWTO's and editing text
files and playing trial-and-error games.  But once something's working, it
WORKS well for a long time.  And since you've put all the effort into
reading the HOWTO, you know how it REALLY works and are no longer dependent
on Microsoft to do things for you.

PPTP:  All I know is this:  I had to set up a VPN server so one of our
vendors could get to vendor-owned servers on our network.  Linux had me
pouring over documentation for about three hours, but now I know a ton about
PPTP.  The PoPToP server works flawlessly and consistently, with no need to
reapply service packs or reinstall RAS services.

Testimonial?  The company was very resistant to using PPTP because they said
they've had nothing but problems.  It's flaky and unreliable, they said.  We
found out that we HAD to do VPN -- there was no other way to do what we
needed to do.  I set up PoPToP on our Linux internet gateway machine, walked
their people through setting up the connection, and they tell me it works
flawlessly and effortlessly.  They asked me for my 'secret' -- how did I get
PPTP to behave?  And I told them about Linux.

--Michael Spencer Jr.
LAN Administrator Trainee
Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs
spencer at accbiowa.com

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Alan Ross [SMTP:compchat at home.com]
> Sent:	Tuesday, March 07, 2000 4:36 PM
> To:	pptp-server at lists.schulte.org
> Subject:	[pptp-server] LINUX
> 
> It appears I am on the wrong list (blush).  This is a dedicated Linux list
> ?
> Does anyone know of a Windows NT list.    Is Linux easier to configure
> then
> NT ?  Also are you able to configure a Linux pptp gateway so that it can
> forward ip packets to an NT file server ?
> 
> 
> Alan,
> http://compchat.com
> compchat at exo.com
> compchat at home.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> pptp-server maillist  -  pptp-server at lists.schulte.org
> http://lists.schulte.org/mailman/listinfo/pptp-server
> List services provided by www.schulte.org!