“Setting up a Linux file and print server gets easier with
every new crop of distributions, but none of them can match the
ease with which anyone can set up and use Linksys’ GigaDrive
20. Because the installation program and documentation are
designed for Windows, we were able to configure and use the
GigaDrive in fifteen minutes using a Windows 98 workstation.”
“Using the GigaDrive with a Linux workstation took a bit longer
because we had to dig into the documentation to find the default IP
address for its built-in Ethernet adapter (192.168.0.2). Aiming
Netscape Navigator at this same IP address provided access to the
Web-based management interface, and from there everything went as
smooth as silk. Another helpful touch is that the GigaDrive’s DHCP
server is enabled by default, providing instant access from any
workstation using DHCP.”
“GigaDrive runs Red Hat Linux 6.0, a fact well hidden from
the outside world, while the Apache Web server provides its
management interface. The management Web pages do not use
https, but GigaDrive does have Linux’s solid user- and group-level
security.”
“GigaDrive uses Samba to share the printer port located on the
back of the unit as well as the 20 GB hard drive. Samba is
preconfigured to use share-based security, so multiple disk shares
can be used to provide secure access to information.”