which prebuilt linux boxes seem to work best?

[Kirk Wood]

I think Geoff has pointed out the way you will access any machines you
need to. It is quite rare for console access to a server that is cranking
away. In fact my business relies on two AIX (Unix varient) machines. There
are only two operations done at console. 

The first is tape backup. But really it is more a matter of checking that
files really did backup and putting in the next day's tapes. The other is
that if building power goes out, someone goes to the server room to ensure
all shuts down orderly. Otherwise things are done remotely. In fact, there
are some who consider doing anything locally on a server that could be
done safely remotely to be a security transgression. Also, there are many
servers out there with no keyboard or monitor connected. (And a few with
no video to connect a monitor.) The only operation done at the console is
hitting the power switch.

If one is trying to prepare for a job they hope for, I would recomend
learning all one can about administering a box. I would spend almost no
time wondering about console access. It is just not really needed in the
business world. Console access is something to worry about when you are
competing for the boss' job. Not on the first level admin job.

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Kirk Wood
Cpt.Kirk at 1tree.net