I'd recommend ZenOSS (http://www.zenoss.com) based on your low cost requirement and my own experiences. What Linux distro you use and rather you need to pay for support depends on your level of *nix experience and comfort. Most Linux based software packages like ZenOSS or Groundwork will also tell you what some of their "favorite" distros are based on how they distribute the software and what guides they have if they don't just come right out and say it. Good Luck, -Scott -----Original Message----- From: vitto malitani [mailto:vmalitani@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 12:18 PM To: nanog@nanog.org Subject: Net Mgmt Tools and supporting OS I am fairly new user of nanog mail list so I am not sure if the question below is appropriate for this list. If not, please excuse it. - I am building a new low-budget customer WAN/LAN network and need some ideas for network management tools. I've seen couple of email threads regarding all sort of "net goodies". However, since I haven't used them all, I am not sure which OS would be the most appropriate for these aps? Can anyone share their ideas in regards of apps and supporting platforms? I would be most comfortable with free distribution of linux, but I am not sure which distro supports most of the tools? Is the paid OS required for all these tools, like RedHat Server or SuSe or Windows platforms? Thanks much, Vitto