I need to connect 15 Macs to the Internet either via Ethernet or
AppleTalk thru a gateway/proxy/routering device and a dial-up PPP/SLIP
account (28.8K). I would like to hear recommendations as to what products
you have found to be best. Our main objective is Web access.
Yes, I realize that there will be a bottle neck at the modem but a
dial-up account is our only option at the moment and I plan on creating
some sort of caching server in the very near future to eliminate some of
the external calls to frequently accessed pages. No ftp's will be allowed
during peak times.
So far, I've heard nothing but bad things for Scantron/Quality Computer's
theLINQ (http://www.thelinq.com) system. Consensus has been that it just
doesn't work. I would like to hear from anyone who has had luck with it!
My other alternatives are using WebTrack (http://www.webster.com) and a
Linux box.They offer a free copy to K12 institutions (THANK YOU!!!) or
using a Linux CERN Web Server that has proxy/caching abilities.
I am finding that there is a need for an economical solution and that it
is a VERY common need among rural school systems that are
budget-challenged. Seems to be a nice niche market evolving here. :)
Any help, info, redirection, beta opportunities, or donations :)
welcomed!
Thanks!
Rob Bellville
Technical Supervisor
Millbury Public Schools
12 Martin St.
Millbury, MA 01527
(508) 799-9090 voice mail
(508) 865-0888 fax
email -> bellvill@ultranet.com