Configure ClearOS

Details

Installation configurations for ClearOS 5.1

clearosNow that you've installed ClearOS you will need to make some initial configurations.  This article will get you started with some suggestions, but remember that your site may or may not require these settings.

Prerequisites

You will need a workstation connected to the internal side of the ClearOS server.  Initially your ClearOS server isn't configured for DHCP so you will need to manually set the IP address for your workstation (eg address 192.168.1.7, mask 255.255.255.0).

 

Configurations

Start by visiting https://192.168.1.1:81 and logging in with root or another admin account.

  1. Network > Settings > DHCP Server:  You can configure the scope and static addresses here
    1. Set Status: Enabled
    2. Set Authoritative: Enabled and click Update.
    3. Click Edit against your Internal ethernet card.
    4. Ensure that your Active Directory server IP addresses are first in the DNS server listing.
    5. Change Lease Time to suit your environment (6 days is probably a good setting here).
    6. Click Update.
  2. Network > Settings > Local DNS Server:  Manually add all server details (eg 192.168.1.2 = files.yourdomain.local) being certain to add Active Directory servers if you have them.
  3. Directory > Accounts > Groups:  You can add groups (eg Teachers, Students and ITSupport).
  4. Directory > Accounts > Users:  You should enter a new user account separate from the root account and make it a member of the ITSupport group.
  5. System > Settings > Administrators:  You should make the new user an administrator so that you don't have to log on as root.
    1. Select a user from the drop-down box and click Add.
    2. Select services that you want this user to manage.
    3. Click Update.
  6. ClearCenter > Software Updates:  Click the Update button.  Select available updates and click Go.
  7. Gateway > Proxy and Filtering > Web Proxy:  You can start the service and set it to automatically start on boot.  Additionally you should enable Transparent Mode.
  8. Gateway > Proxy and Filtering > Content Filter:  You can start the service and set it to automatically start on boot.
  9. Gateway > Proxy and Filtering > Web Proxy: You can now enable Content Filter.
  10. Network > Settings > Local DNS Server:  Confirm the host name details and edit if necessary.
  11. System > Settings > Mail Notification:  If you've installed the SMTP server on this server, you can leave the default settings.  However if you'd like to use gmail services you can with the following settings...
    1. SMTP Host = smtp.gmail.com
    2. Port = 465
    3. SSL/TLS = TLS
    4. Username: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and password.
    5. It's worth noting that if you use Google Apps you can use your normal email address ie This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. will work here!
  12. ClearCenter > Software > Software Modules:  You can configure software modules here.