TLS BSD

TLS BSD provides Open Source solutions for full-featured law office workstations and servers and for extending the life-cyle of existing equipment. Custom TLS workstations based on FreeBSD generally feature (depending upon PC capabilities) MS Office compatible software including Open Office, wordprocessing, spreadsheet, presentation, contact managment, financial managment, time tracking, photo/audio/image/video editing, OCR/Scanning, and a user interface similar to Apple OS X or MS Windows 7.

Custom TLS FreeBSD Servers and Workstations built with Linux/BSD are configured to comply with existing and anticipated cyber-security regulations and standards, security measures required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Patriot Act, the California Notice of Breach of Security Act, and California Assembly Bill 1950 (2004). TLS BSD server solutions may help to reduce your business insurance premiums.

Open Source software typically catches up with and surpasses commercial software products when software development reaches a point where it performs what users want adequately and there are no significant new features to add. Freely available open source software now equals or exceeds most common commercial applications. E.G. Open Office has comparable features to MS Office, reads and writes natively to MS Word .doc and MS Excel .xls, and .pdf, as well as it's native .odt format; many people prefer Mozilla Firefox; Apache is the de facto standard for web servers, etc..

Systems and office networks built around open source networks cost significantly less than those based upon proprietary software. However, it takes time and expertise to build stable systems providing features truly comparable to what can be purchased for specific Windows or Apple operating systems. With custom open source solutions you generally trade high software prices for sustaining the labor of a technician in the set-up process. With 100 or more computers, the savings from software is enough to pay the salary of a full-time on site systems administrator.

Recycled computers are ideal for small to medium sized busineses where processing power or storage requirements are not key factors. Older computers fit nicely into a distributed network service model where low powered computers are used to perform specific, discrete tasks. If one server goes down, it does not affect the services provided by other servers (i.e. a failure on a new computer set up to provide all your network services, such as how MS Exchange is designed, could be catastrophic), and, they can be cheaply replaced. Using Open Source technologies and a distributed server model, you can extend the working life of outdated Windows computers many years while providing your business or organization with services and features that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars.

FreeBSD can run on anything from low-end, recycled PCs or economy low-energy consumption appliance book-sized systems on up, providing great scaleability if your needs increase.

Users familiar with MS Windows can usually begin working with Linux/BSD X-Windows applications with little or no training. Open source (free for commercial use) software includes Word-processing (very similar to MS Word natively supporting .pdf, .xml, and OpenDoc formats), spreadsheet, calendar, e-mail, contact manager, calculator, financial software, popular web browsers, presentation, flowcharting, graphics viewers, file/folder archivers (.zip), CD/DVD burning, graphics, chat with popular instant messaging services, website authoring, and many other Open Source applications whose Windows equivalents would aggregatively cost thousands of dollars.

TLS's Miranda© server provides DHCP service, firewall, Natural Address Translation, port-forwarding, bandwith allocation, service scheduling, and virtual private network services (SSH VPN). This product provides significantly better performance, stability, features and support for cutting-edge, high-end, network services to homes and small businesses than commercial products designed for the home and small business market. The Miranda server is placed between the device that connects to your cable, dsl modem, or modem and your inside network. Miranda© systems include features not found on basic internet routers commonly installed and used by small to medium sized businesses, such as the ability to log connection attempts, real-time display of connections between your office and the outside world on any computer located at your office, regulate the bandwidth or flow of data between computers on your network and the outside world, and forensic tools to proactively deal with intruders. If you don't have a firewall and have to manually configure the network settings for computers at your office in order for them to be able to share files, communicate with other computers, and access the internet, then you need a DHCP/Firewall/NAT translation device. An ideal use for outdated home and office computers, providing superior performance to consumer home and small business routers commonly used to connect small networks to the internet through DSL or cable.

Schematic drawing of Miranda© components and relationship to a network. Click on image for larger picture.

View a sample Miranda© User's Guide (.pdf). [Contains additional information beyond simply turning the device on and off -- which is all that is required for normal use.]

Miranda© systems are robust and designed to be used without user intervention. FreeBSD based Mirdanda© protects your network from intrusion and keeps your internet connection alive where commercial retail routers fail.

Miranda© systems cost $500, assuming you have a working older computer, and may run more if additional hardware is needed.

A file server is a centralized location for storing electronic data. Dedicated file servers have better performance than sharing files on a computer used for day to day office work. TLS file servers include Open Source antivirus technologies using the same virus definitions as commercially available anti-virus products. TLS file servers are compatible with Windows and Apple file sharing services. Users see and access files the same way they do with files and folders on your existing computers -- e.g. the file server appears in 'Network Neighborhood', can be mapped as a local drive, and shortcuts can be placed anywhere. Options include data encryption (making data much harder to hack, or, access if the computer or disk drive is stolen), redundant/mirrored file systems (storing two or more copies of each file on separate disk drives so that if one drive fails, files are still available without loss or downtime), and archiving/recording devices (i.e. CD/DVD burners). Retail stand-alone network file servers can offer more storage space for the dollar but TLS BSD file servers provide greater security, logging, and managment capability for when security and data preservation is critical.

The File Server comes with many additional tools and services for working with files in a network, including batch file renamers, batch file converters, batch file movers, duplicate file checkers, robust CD/DVD burners/rippers/extractors, superior R.A.I.D. and hotswapping support for systems that support it, secure/permanent file deletion, file change/access monitors, and tools for recovering deleted files.

Prices start at $500, assuming compatible hardware with adequate disk space.

The workstation is designed to meet the software needs of legal professionals and other professionals who work primarily with wordprocessing and spreadsheet applications but who also may need support for audio, video, image, flowcharting, file-sharing, VOIP, statistical analysis, presentations, contact management, financial managment, GIS, instant messaging, etc.. Open Office with support for MS Office Word and Excel formats, Gimp, Inkscape, Seamonkey, Firefox, Google Earth, Google Sketch, Blender, Adobe Reader, Skype, Audacity, Blender and other common applications look and operate the same as they do to users familiar with them under Windows. Windows emulation software allows for installing and running software designed for Windows XP and Vista (Not all Windows programs work under Linux). Business orientated accessories, time tracking and billing, file editing, CD/DVD/mp3 multimedia players, are integrated into a KDE desktop bearing close resemblance to Windows 7 beta, Apple OS/X, or Ubuntu.

Prices start at $500, assuming compatible hardware with adequate disk space..

Web servers allow you to serve web pages on your local network or to the outside world. TLS builds web servers using the same Apache web server as used by Google, Yahoo, and the majority of websites around the world. Web servers are essentially File Servers with additional HTTP services, including SQL, Perl, PhP, CGI scripting, and other components for providing state of the art, full-featured, dynamic content.

TLS Web Servers with the X-Server include a web-site developement toolkit, including arguably the best web-page authoring software presently available, advanced bitmap and vector graphics software (comparable to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator) for webpage graphics, the Apache Forrest/Coccon site authoring suite, and other tools for producing and managing online content.

Assuming you have a working computer to recycle, web servers start at $700, or, can be added to a TLS File Server for an additional $200. Note, however, for security and business purposes, it may not be advisable to run a public web server on the same computer used for storing extremely sensitive information. Additionally, you need a domain name (@ $10 per year) and static IP address or a (free) dynamic name service.

POP/E-Mail Server - Using the same technologies used by many Internet Service Providers (ISPs), TLS can build your own e-mail server. The advantage of having your own e-mail server is that you can create as many e-mail accounts as you want. Private e-mail servers are far more secure than public web-servers because information is sent directly between remote e-mail clients and your web server without being stored on ISP's or web e-mail servers. If you have two or more business locations, private web servers can be set up to deliver secure (OpenSSH) encrypted connections directly between your offices. Additional options include advanced e-mail encryption.

Assuming you have a computer to recycle, e-mail servers start at $500. Note, as with web pages, you will either need a domain name or a static IP address if you wish to receive e-mails from the public.

FTP servers are the most well-known method of sharing data over the internet. TLS can configure public or private FTP servers with a wide range of options, including web browser based administration cojsklAs, SSH connactikns, logging, data encryption, and more. FTP is a convenient way to share files that does not depend on clients having a specific operating system. Price is $500, assuming a working computer with adequate disk space for storing files. FTP servers can be added as an option to other servers for $100. FTP servers are frequently combined with web and file servers, but, one must take care when doing so to ensure 'reasonable' security.

Chat Server - This server includes IRC, Skype, and VOIP servers. IRC, or internet relay chat, is a common text based messaging sysem for real-time text communications. IRC is platform independent and does not require clients use a particular operating system or chat program. The IRC component can be public or private and supports secure (SSH) connections. Can be configured to provide continuous audio and/or video connection between two or more locations and can be used for security monitoring and as an audio component of a virtual conference room. Price is $500. Like the Miranda server, this chat server can be built on very old, garbage, computers (without Skype user interface).

Fax Server - Fax servers provide the same functionality as a facsimile machine yet also provide the ability to (1) send faxes from any computer connecting through the internet to your office (the fax is uploaded through a web browser to the fax server where it is sent as fax to another fax machine), (2) view received faxes from any computer connected to the internet. Received faxes can be configured to print to any printer on your network, and, also store a digital copy of faxes (in Adobe .PDF and .tiff formats) that can be opened on any computer on your network. The fax server is controlled through a user friendly internet browser based control panel. If you are traveling, it is easy to redirect faxes to your mobile device, another fax machine, or e-mail account(s).

Fax servers cost $700, assuming you have a working computer to recycle that has a compatible fax modem. (Note, many older computers have dial-up fax modems -- fax modems are additional upgrade options in most recent desktop computers now that dial-up modems are being replaced by DLS and cable modems.)

X-Windows Server - An X-Windows server uses server-client model for proving a desktop user interface. A centralized X-Server is set up containing Linux/BSD office applications that are served locally to individual workstations. Unlike the other servers offered by TLS, the X-Windows server needs to be a reasonably fast computer. Client computers, the ones used by your staff, can be older, unsuitable for running Windows. The X-Windows Server is a complete operating system replacement. Client computers can share data with Microsoft Windows computers, but, if you need Microsoft products on all your computers, this solution is not for you. However, if most of your computers are out-of-date, consider re-using them as X-Windows clients.

The modern Linux/BSD user desktop is very similar to the Apple OS X interface or the Windows 7 inteface currently in beta. A panel at the bottom displays open folders/files, the date/time, running processes, a 'start' menu for launching programs, desktop icons including a trash bin, etc. Right and left mouse clicks open context sensitive menus such as 'properties,' 'open,' 'move to 'trash' etc.. Client computers have all the features of a TLS Workstation and take little or no additional time to configure. An X-Windows Server is an ideal solution where you have multiple workstations, need to ensure that each workstation has identicle software functionality, and

An X-Windows server configured for up to 20 clianpscosts $1000( hardsare not included.

TLS Servers are made and installed locally in Humboldt County. Prices include installation at offices located within 25 miles of Eureka. Additional travel and shipping charges may apply for installations elsewhere.

Discounts available for two or more installations. Please call or e-mail for quotes on jobs.

Systems require an initial 50% deposit. A non-refundable $50 fee is deducted from the initial deposit as an evaluation fee to determine whether required hardware components are present and working properly. Servers and workstations, come with a 3 month money back warranty (excluding the $50 evaluation fee) if the server or desktop does not perform as guaranteed. Each installation comes includes post-installation training and maintenance.

No deposit is required for systems you build and order on Newegg.com. Please contact TLS for recommendations, including the quiet book-sized ASUS Eee box _http://usa.asus.com/_, which reduces 90% of energy consumption over desktop computers. Starting at $179.

TLS builds appliances and new general-use workstations using the quiet and low power ASUS Eee Box N270 ($300.00). The Asus Eee Box N270 is capable of running any TLS configured open source workstation or server.

Built on FreeBSD, the worlds most popular operating system for high-volume commercial, industrial, government and ISP use, TLS configurations can be transfered to high performance hardware should your needs go from supporting a few users at a time to hundreds of thousands at a time without needing to install and train staff on new software.

Prices are provided for estimation. Most server components can be mixed and matched. Depending upon the cababilities of the system to be recycled/refurbished, you may, for example, wish to run FTP, Web, and File services on the same system. TLS will consult with you to obtain an optimal configuration for your needs.

TLS does not resell software. Prices and fees charged by TLS are service fees for installation and configuration. Open Source software configured by TLS is subject to BSD and GNU licenses. TLS reproduces and provides you with a burned CD set or DVD containing FreeBSD 7 (or other release). TLS encourages that you make a donoation to the open source community responsible for developing the software used on TLS BSD systems and hopes that you add a $39.95 donation to the FreeBSD Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and building the FreeBSD Project and community worldwide.