InstallationFAQ

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* Which is the latest version of SME Server (also known as e-smith server and gateway)?

The latest official SME Server version is 7.0.Final This version includes many updates and new functions. It is highly recommended for all users to upgrade to SME Server 7.0.Final

* Can I use SME with my DSL connection?

PPPoE protocol (PPP over Ethernet) is natively supported by SME. This protocol is used for the majority of DSL connections.

* Which version of the Linux Kernel is used in SME Server 6.01?

SME is based on the RedHat 7.3 distribution which has been modified by removing unnecessary software, and by replacing some with more secure software. RedHat and SME use the kernel 2.4.x.x. You can find the kernel version you're using by typing the command uname -r at the prompt.

* Is there a DHCP support on the external interface or network?

Yes, SME supports DHCP on the external interface as well as dynamic DNS services. Normally, when your ISP changes your IP address, it is necessary to republish DNS and MX records with your new IP address to keep your server available to hosts on the internet. The use of a dynamic DNS service republishes these records for you, which reduces the impact of the interruption. The services (free) of DynDNS are a good example.

* Why should I host my own Web and email servers?

Good question. You should take the time to evaluate the services you need, and choose the setup that makes the most sense in your situation.

The mail server function is one of most interesting aspects of SME. You can much more quickly send mail to coworkers, even with large attachments. Of course, email is an inefficient method of file-sharing. Caution: Some ISPs deliberately close port 25, which smtp email uses. Also, you may experience some external email delivery issues if you have a dynamic IP address from your ISP. You can mitigate these issues by entering your ISP's SMTP server's FQDN or IP address into the "Internet Provider's SMTP Server" field on the "Change other email settings" page in Server Manager.

For Web services, the benefits can seem less obvious because your ISP can host your site. Having your own web server can sometimes be faster, and you are not as limited in what you can do; for instance, you can host several sites without paying more for each one.

* Can I install SME on a computer which does not meet the minimal specifications?

Yes. However, one of the principal objectives of SME is simplicity in installation and use. Using a CD-ROM drive and a PCI network card are necessary to meet this aim. The cost of these devices is quite reasonable. SME being based on RedHat, however, network installation and the use of ISA network cards is possible. You may be able to find some help by looking in the Forums

* How do I install SME over a network?

You must make the image of the installation CD-ROM available via NFS, ftp, SMB or HTTP on another machine of your network. It is then necessary to create a installation floppy with the image file bootnet.img (in the images directory of your CD-ROM root) and to modify the ks.cfg file by specifying the IP address, protocol, etc., of the network installation.

* How do I install SME without a CD-ROM drive?

If you are not an experienced Linux user, we recommend to at least temporarily install a CD-ROM drive in the computer. If you cannot or do not wish to install one of them, look at How to make an network installation?

* Can I use network ISA cards?

Yes, even if SME server does not directly support them. Search for ISA network cards in the Forums

See also the answer to the question Can I install SME on a computer which does not meet the minimal specifications?

* Does SME support VPN (Virtual Private Networking)?

Yes, by using PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol).

Note: Using IPSEC is also possible.

* What ports are used by SME Server to provide basic services?

The following ports are used by SME Server to provide basic services. These are the ports that will have to be forwarded to SME Server from an external 'gateway/router/firewall'. You should only forward the ports for the services you are using on your SME Server.

80 - http
20 - ftp
21 - ftp
22 - ssh
25 - smtp
110 - pop3
143 - IMAP
443 - https
465 - SMTP over SSL
980 - server-manager on internal interface (1)
993 - IMAP over SSL
995 - POP over SSL
1723 - PPTP (VPN) (2)

(1) See howto http://www.carrollweb.net/putty/putty-howto.html for PuTTy SSH tunnels
(2) PPTP also requires forwarding of the GRE Protocol. Check the documentation for the device you are using.

* Can I use SME with my ISDN connection?

All external ISDN "modems" connected to the serial port and emulating a standard modem are supported. You will have to configure and save the intialization strings directly in the modem (better method) or by indicating this in the ModemInit? value in a terminal session. See the "How to configure the chains of initialization of my modem?".

The modems and external ISDN routers connected to the external network card are also supported by SME

Internal ISDN cards known as "passive" are neither recommended nor supported. However, some people use them anyway. See the Forums.

* Does SME server host multiple Web sites on only one IP address?

Yes, by using virtual domains and i-bays, you can easily and quickly create several virtual Web servers in addition to your primary ibay on SME server.

* Where are the ISO files?

Here. See the Downloads page.

* I use a RTC modem with paying communications. How do I avoid costly surprises?

SME makes it possible to define various connection strategies for office hours, out of office hours and week ends.

Caution: If you use a RTC connection, be aware that multiple failed connection attempts to your ISP can leave you with an 'impressive' telephone bill. It can happen that a failing connection to your ISP results in several thousands of connection attempts over several days. If you pay by the minute or per connection, contact your ISP to establish who must pay for connection failures when it is their fault.

* Does SME support ASP script language (Active Server Page )?

ASP is a proprietary Microsoft technology, and does not work on SME. There are many powerful languages available to SME Server owners:



SME integrates standard support of mod_perl and PHP. Many programmers consider these alternatives to be better than ASP. If you absolutely need ASP support, you can look into one of these solutions:

Apache::ASP http://www.apache-asp.org.
(Quote) "Apache::ASP provides an Active Server Pages port to the Apache Web Server with Perl scripting only, and enables developing of dynamic web applications with session management and embedded Perl code. There are also many powerful extensions, including XML taglibs, XSLT rendering, and new events not originally part of the ASP API!"

ChiliSofthttp://wwws.sun.com/software/chilisoft/index.html Now owned by Sun.

(Quote) "Java System Active Server Pages (formerly Sun ONE Active Server Pages) software is a secure, enterprise-class Active Server Pages (ASP) engine for the Sun Java System Web Server (formerly Sun ONE Web Server) and Apache Web server."

* Does SME support FrontPage server extensions?

No, SME does not natively support the FrontPage server extensions. However, it can be added in - search the how to pages.

* SME 6.5 USB APC UPS: APCUPSD setup?

You have a APC UPS connected via proc/bus/usb want to enable it. You do not need apcupsd.

/sbin/e-smith/config setprop nut status enabled
/sbin/e-smith/signal-event post-upgrade
/sbin/e-smith/signal-event reboot

How do i configure it?

You don't. It should "just work". And if it doesn't, it won't - you'll need a newer version of nutUPS, or a different program.

Charlie Brady