Completing the configuration
To continue on with the configuration, you need to finish the setup on a computer with a Web browser. Simply connect to the server by specifying the server's address and port via a browser. For example: http://someserver.somecompany.com:8081.

Is it looking familiar yet? You should see the standard Domino configuration screen, as pictured in Figure A.

FIGURE A


Here's the standard Domino configuration screen. Roll over picture for a larger image.

As you've done before, follow the instructions and complete the installation, as seen in Figure B.

FIGURE B


Follow the instructions and complete the installation. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Starting the server
Log into the system as the user name you created previously, i.e., "notes." Change directories to the notes data directory:

Launch the server with:

Getting the administrator's ID file
Once the HTTP service has started, you need to point a Web browser to the server's address book to get your ID file with something like http://someserver.somecompany.com/names.nsf. Log into the server using the administrator's name and password and go to the "People" view to find your document. Attached to the document will be the ID file, i.e., "user.id." Note: The "server.id" and "cert.id" are located in the Notes data directory.

Since you now have your ID file, you can open your Notes client and continue to configure and administrate the server.

Tools of the trade
During the administration of Linux servers, we have found a few gems that really assist us in configuration and daily administration.

• WebMin (at http://www.webmin.com): If you've been enjoying the convenience of the Domino Web administration tool, you'll love this tool. One of our personal favorites is this powerful Web-based administration interface for Unix systems like Linux. This daemon allows you to configure DNS, Samba, NFS, and local/remote file systems, and it even lets you reboot your server.

• OpenSSH (at http://www.openssh.com): This is a free version of the SSH (Secure Shell) Server. OpenSSH replaces telnet and ftp with a secure client that encrypts transmissions between the client and server. Most importantly, the SSH Server avoids sending passwords directly and instead sends an encrypted key to the server which allows you to login.

• Tera Term Pro and TTSSH Plug-in (at http://www.priz.net/support/ttssh.html): This is a powerful freeware telnet client. The TTSSH plug in is a freely available add-on that will allow you to connect to your remote server using the SSH protocol.

Bain McKay is Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist of CIRI Lab Inc. where he and his research team build advanced Knowledge Management technology using the latest methods in Cognitive Science and computing technology. Bain can be reached at bmckay@cirilab.com or at http://www.cirilab.com.