Vitto, If you want access to NMS tools and tutorials, here is a great resource to delve into, to equip yourself with the appropriate tools.... Jay Murphy IP Network Specialist NMD of Health ITSD - IP Network Operations "We move the information that moves your world." http://www.slac.stanford.edu/xorg/nmtf/nmtf-tools.html <<=======Right here. -----Original Message----- From: Scott Berkman [mailto:scott.berkman@reignmaker.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:38 PM To: 'vitto malitani'; nanog@nanog.org Subject: RE: Net Mgmt Tools and supporting OS 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 ______________________________________________________________________ This inbound email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. ______________________________________________________________________ Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including all attachments is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited unless specifically provided under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of this message. -- This email has been scanned by the Sybari - Antigen Email System.