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=Getting started=

==Getting started==

The best way to get started is to install an SME Server and start experimenting with it. Download a copy from http://mirror.contribs.org/pub/smeserver/releases/7/iso/ and burn your own CD.

The best way to get started is to install an SME Server and start experimenting with it. Download a copy from [[SME_Server:Download]] and burn your own CD.

If you (or any developers at your organization) have multiple computers on a home network, a cablemodem, DSL, or dialup connection, and an old Pentium machine that you don't need, we recommend installing the SME Server software on the old Pentium machine, and using it as a home gateway and firewall.

If you (or any developers at your organization) have multiple computers on a home network, a cablemodem, DSL, or dialup connection, and an old Pentium machine that you don't need, we recommend installing the SME Server software on the old Pentium machine, and using it as a home gateway and firewall.

 

{{Note box|The SME Server software erases all data from the PC on which it is installed, to turn it into a dedicated server that can run 24x7. Do not install it on a PC unless you are prepared to erase all of its data!}}

 

'''Note: ''' The SME Server software erases all data from the PC on which it is installed, to turn it into a dedicated server that can run 24x7. Do not install it on a PC unless you are prepared to erase all of its data!

 

Alternatively, you can install the SME Server on a corporate LAN in <span class="emphasis">''server/gateway''</span> mode (creating a small private network behind a firewall that occupies a single IP address on the Internet) or in <span class="emphasis">''server-only''</span> mode - in which the SME Server provides network services to other computers as a peer on the network.

Alternatively, you can install the SME Server on a corporate LAN in <span class="emphasis">''server/gateway''</span> mode (creating a small private network behind a firewall that occupies a single IP address on the Internet) or in <span class="emphasis">''server-only''</span> mode - in which the SME Server provides network services to other computers as a peer on the network.

{{Warning box|The server-only mode is designed for LAN environments that already have a firewall/gateway.}}

 

'''Note: ''' Warning! The server-only mode is designed for LAN environments that already have a firewall/gateway.

 

In addition to feeling comfortable installing and using the SME Server software, you should also have a working knowledge of Linux, including use of the command line tools.

In addition to feeling comfortable installing and using the SME Server software, you should also have a working knowledge of Linux, including use of the command line tools.

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==Creating a development environment==

===Creating a development environment===

Packages which do not require compilation, for example shell and perl scripts, can be built on the SME Server platform. All of the examples in this documentation can be performed on a standard SME Server installation.

Packages which do not require compilation, for example shell and perl scripts, can be built on the SME Server platform. All of the examples in this documentation can be performed on a standard SME Server installation.

If an RPM does not already exist, you should install a CentOS developer workstation or server for SME Server development. You will also need to install the <var class="LITERAL">e-smith-devtools</var> packages which can be found on the SME Server CD.

If an RPM does not already exist, you should install a CentOS developer workstation or server for SME Server development. You will also need to install the <var class="LITERAL">e-smith-devtools</var> packages which can be found on the SME Server CD.

 

{{Note box|msg=We strongly recommend against installing development tools, such as compilers, on any production servers, especially those which are accessible from the Internet.}}

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'''Note: ''' We strongly recommend against installing development tools, such as compilers, on any production servers, especially those which are accessible from the Internet.

 

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