[techtalk] Setting up a LAN in a cashpoor office

[Jennifer Davis]

I have been given the task to set up a LAN in an office of a non-profit
organisation.  Actually, a friend volunteered me for it.  I think their
budget for this is like $200-$300.

Basically, they have 8 Windows 95 computers in their office that all dial 
out to the internet.  I imagine that they don't have 8
licences for these computers and they should consider a
cheaper alternative, but that is not my problem.

I was thinking that I could emulate my network at home in
their office.  Fortunately, I have a couple of 486s lying around that I
have no use for.  I know I can get used 3C509 10base2 cards for them for about $5.00
each.  Cable, caps and Ts won't be that expensive.  Slackware for the
server is a must as it is the distribution I know the best.  

I just have a few questions.  I am not super knowledgeble about this
whole Linux thing.  I've only been a user for a year and a bit.  They want
a library catalogue on the server.  I was thinking of setting them up with an 
SQL type server.  I have never worked on the server side of it.  What do I
need?  Are there good web resources out there?  How do I set quotas for
the users?  How do I set dialup for the server so I can connect to it
remotely, because I know I am going to need to?  Finally, a topic that is
on other people's minds...What would be the easiest solution for backing
up?  Had they a high speed connection, I would NFS mount their server and
burn a CD of the home and var directories once or twice a week.

Nothing here seems to be over my head.  It's just that I haven't done some
of theses things before. 

Thanks in advance...


Jennifer