Freelink - Convert the LinkStation into a Full-fledged Debian Linux Server

From NAS-Central Buffalo - The Linkstation Wiki

Revision as of 16:11, 24 August 2006

This article Based on work by frontalot and mox69. Originally by frontalot. at Linkstationwiki.org

WARNING! Please note that this guide comes with NO warranty whatsoever; you are using this at your own risk! Modifying your LinkStation in this way most likely will void your warranty.

How to Convert the LinkStation into a Full-fledged Debian Linux Server

The following guide will attempt to explain the steps involved in converting a stock Buffalo LinkStation into a fully functional Linux system with Samba administered via Webmin/SSH. The following is a list of things that I will assume from the reader:

• You have a basic understanding of Linux command line functions.
• Your LinkStation must be connected to the Internet! I have mine connected via a standard 5 port router to take advantage of the router's DHCP capabilities.
• It will be handy to have the IP addresses of your ISP’s DNS servers.
• You know the current IP address of your LinkStation.
• Some familiarity with the Linux text editor called “vi.”

Install FreeLink

The Firmware Flasher

1) Grab the latest version of FreeLink from the downloads area and unzip it. Install the firmware per the instructions at: The LinkStation firmware flasher.

Change root password

2) You must have your computer on the same subnet as the LinkStation, e.g., 192.168.1.3. Start by changing the root password:

passwd root

3) If you want to name your LinkStation something besides LinkStation, type the following commands (replacing BuffaloNas with your choice of name):

echo “127.0.0.1 BuffaloNas” > /etc/hosts
hostname BuffaloNas
export hosts
echo “BuffaloNas” > /etc/hostname

• Do you need to use static network settings? Click here.

Install Software

Test your Internet connection

4) Test your Internet connection:

ping www.google.com

apt-get update

5) Google replied, meaning I’m on the net! Now we can begin installing software. Debian uses a program called aptitude to manage the software on your computer. Think of it as a very advanced command line version of Windows add / remove programs. First update the aptitude package list and install SSH:

apt-get update

6) Then install OpenSSH:

note: this step is only necessary for the PowerPC(LS1,HG) versions of freelink. The MIPSel(LS2) version comes with SSH enabled

apt-get install ssh

log in with SSH

7) Answer the installation prompts, making sure to enable the SSH daemon (server). Now use your favorite SSH program to make sure we can SSH in (I prefer [PuTTY]). If SSH is working you should be able to log in like this:

apt-get upgrade

8) You should upgrade all currently installed programs:

apt-get upgrade

disable the telnet daemon

9) Now close out your telnet session and disable the telnet daemon (utelnetd):

rm /etc/rc2.d/S05utelnetd

apt-get install samba smbfs

10) Let's install specific packages. Type the following at the SSH prompt:

apt-get install samba smbfs

11) Answer all the prompts with the appropriate information. Make sure to use encrypted passwords and create a password database. Then install Webmin, a program which allows easy administration of the LinkStation via a web browser:

apt-get install webmin webmin-core webmin-cpan webmin-inetd webmin-logrotate webmin-firewall

12) When that is done type:

apt-get install webmin-samba

Configure Software

Add IP to allowed hosts

13) You must add your computer's IP address to the list of allowed hosts:

vi /etc/webmin/miniserv.conf

14) Change 127.0.0.1 to the IP address of the computer from which you will be administering the LinkStation. You will be able to add more later via Webmin itself. Next restart the Webmin:

/etc/webmin/restart

connect to webmin with HTTPS

15) And connect to Webmin via HTTPS, e.g., https://_LINKSTATION_IP_:10000





16) Congratulations, you have successfully installed FreeLink.

Static IP Address

static network settings-a

3a) Only for users who need static network settings:

vi /etc/network/interfaces

static network settings-b

3b) You must correctly edit this file to reflect your network settings. In our example:

static network settings-c

3c Save the file and exit vi. To change the DNS servers:

vi /etc/resolv.conf

static network settings-d

3d) We will be using the following DNS servers in our example:

3e) Save the file and exit vi.

3f) Reboot before you move on to step 4