SME Server
 
The Contribs.org SME server & gateway distribution is a class-leader in terms of functionality, security & ease of use. After initial configuration of the Linux-based software on modest hardware, it requires very little in the way of day to day administration and will largely "look after itself". A brief list of its many capabilities follows:

  • Connection to virtually any ISP via dial-up (modem or ISDN), ADSL/Cable (aka broadband) or leased line
  • Strong firewall & NAT gateway services to prevent outside intrusion into your network
  • Support for Windows® compatible file-shares & network printer sharing, groups & storage quotas
  • Built-in e-mail, Apache web-server (intranet & extranet), PHP & CGI, FTP, world wide secure (HTTPS) access to your e-mail via a web-browser (like having your own Hotmail), local & secure remote SMTP, POP3 or IMAP e-mail access, virtually unlimited e-mail addresses, groups & pseudonyms (dependent on ISP restrictions).
  • Can act as an e-mail gateway forwarding server for Microsoft Exchange Server.
  • Optional real-time antivirus scanning of all e-mail (inbound & outbound).
  • Optional user-controlled anti-spam module using sophisticated scoring & auto-learning techniques, user-defined white / black lists.
  • Optional real-time checking of multiple block lists of all SMTP connections to block malicious e-mail from known virus sources, spammers, etc. (We find that this feature alone can prevent receipt of the vast majority of SPAM & viruses).
  • Fault-tolerance using software RAID-1 or hardware RAID using IDE or SCSI disks, with automatic e-mail alerts when a disk goes down
  • Automated tape backup. Backup of workstations to the server tape drive or disk.
  • Optional support for centralised faxing to/from desktop PC's. Faxes arrive as e-mail with a PDF attachment of the fax. Faxes are sent to a virtual printer & the fax number extracted automatically from the document.
  • VPN & PPTP server access for remote offices and mobile users to exchange files or send & collect e-mail (dependent on ISP restrictions).
  • Easy to use web interface for control, configuration & reporting. Limited access to administrative functions can be assigned to individual users. Secure remote access can be granted to specific IP addresses or ranges to allow remote server administration.
  • Web proxy cache provides speedier loading of frequently accessed web pages. Additional features can be implemented to prevent access to the internet for specific machines at specified times or prevent viewing of unsuitable web sites. Detailed reports of user browsing activity.
  • No artificial client connection limits imposed by draconian licensing terms - add more client machines as needed without paying anyone a penny!
    • ... and this is just the start; there are many other options available
    For an independent review (now somewhat out of date) of the software, see here. (Registration re   quired)