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ClearOS

Oct 12, 2011  By Shawn Powers
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All-in-one Linux-based network servers aren't a new concept. Distributions like Clark Connect have been around for many years and fit their niche quite well. Lately, however, there seems to be a new batch of all-in-one solutions that offer a similar business model.

A couple months ago, we reviewed Untangle, which is a commercial distribution offering a feature-limited free version. Recently, one of our readers, Tracy Holz, pointed me to a similar project, ClearOS. Although Untangle is largely a firewall and network services system, ClearOS attempts to do more. Using a combination of open-source and commercial tools, it can be a one-stop server platform for many networks.

ClearOS has a unique modular system that seamlessly includes local server applications and cloud-based services to end users. You can purchase appliance devices or install ClearOS on an existing server. Much like Untangle, ClearOS's free features are limited, but it doesn't feel crippled if you stick to just the free stuff.

The features and add-ons are too numerous to list here, but if you're looking for a commercially backed all-in-one server solution for your network, check out ClearOS. Tell 'em Tracy sent you.

______________________

Shawn Powers is an Associate Editor for Linux Journal. You might find him chatting on the IRC channel, or Twitter

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It's nice to see a distro

Managed VPS's picture
Submitted by Managed VPS (not verified) on Tue, 12/13/2011 - 18:08.

It's nice to see a distro with so many network features incorporated from the get go.

I know, it's only Wikipeida,

Headphones's picture
Submitted by Headphones (not verified) on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 21:09.

I know, it's only Wikipeida, but I saw the announcement from Clear when they made the change. They also have a non-Free version.

Since the author didn't think

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 17:36.

Since the author didn't think it would be relevant enough to check up on things, such an article is just about enough for me to stop visiting this site.

How on earth can you write an article about an OS, without reading up on the basics?

Yet no mention of...

SmallBoxAdmin's picture
Submitted by SmallBoxAdmin (not verified) on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 16:03.

ClearOS is Clark Connect, yet no mention of Zentyal or SME Server.

"Lately, however, there seems to be a new batch of all-in-one solutions...", please list others, ClearOS, Zentyal nee eBox and SME Server have all been around a while.

ClearOS is Clark Connect

lefty.crupps's picture
Submitted by lefty.crupps (not verified) on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 15:19.

ClearOS is Clark Connect, it's the same project, just rebranded.

Great, easy to deploy, modular Linux server

maconulaff's picture
Submitted by maconulaff (not verified) on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 12:52.

I use ClearOS in our company. Great full featured e-mail and file server. It was very easy to setup and equally to maintain. It runs well on modest hardware. It works virtualized without issue. All round great distro to know about.

I also use Untangle for network security and primary AV/anti-spam filtering. The combo have be fantastic.

Clear OK is Clark Connect re-branded

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 12:15.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ClearOS

I know, it's only Wikipeida, but I saw the announcement from Clear when they made the change. They also have a non-Free version.

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