[asterisk-users] Looking for starting point?

[Paul]

Another perspective:

Fedora is not the only linux distro. If I did use it, I would be
building RPM rather than doing local builds on the target asterisk
server. I use debian so I build deb files instead of rpm files.

Here is a good way to get started using debian linux and some cheap old
hardware:

http://www.xorcom.com/rapid/index.html

Install the above just to play around a bit. Why buy any new hardware
before you need it? The longer you wait, the more performance you get
for your money.

Michael Welter wrote:

> Go to your book store and get the Fedora/Linux reference.
>
> Get yourself a PC with 20GB drives, a CD burner, and decent ram.  The
> PC should have either an i386 or x86_64 processor.  If you'll be
> purchasing a PC, go to the computer store, purchase the piece parts,
> and assemble it yourself (I like Athlon CPUs).
>
> Since you have a PC and were able to post a message, go to
> http://fedora.redhat.com and follow the links to Documentation and
> then to Download.  Follow the link for your PC's architecture (i386 or
> x86_64) and then download the six ISO images.  Burn each image to a CD.
>
> Install Linux.  Take all the defaults.  Load all packages.
>
> When it's running, login as root and open the browser. Go to
> http://asterisk.org .  Take the download tab and download the five
> Asterisk 1.2 tar files into directory /usr/src.
>
> 'cd' to /usr/src.
>
> Use 'tar xzf <file>' on each of the downloaded files.
>
> Enter the zaptel directory and execute 'make', check for errors, and
> then 'make install' and 'make config'.
>
> Enter the libpri directory and execute 'make;make install'.
>
> Enter the asterisk directory and execute 'make', 'make install', and
> 'make samples'.
>
> Enter the asterisk-addons directory and execute 'make' and then 'make
> install'
>
> Enter the asterisk-sounds directory and execute 'make install'.
>
> Execute 'service zaptel start'--this will load the zap drivers.  These
> will also load on reboot.
>
> Execute 'asterisk -vvvvc'.  This will start Asterisk.
>
> N.B.  People spend years between step #1 and a running Asterisk system.
>
> For help with asterisk, google on 'site:lists.digium.com <search
> words>'.  For the wiki, google on 'site:voip-info.org <search words>'.
> The wiki is most helpful.
>
> Keep a blog of your experience and let other newbies learn from you.  :=)
>
> Cheers,
>
> Gary H. Thompson wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I am a retired telephone tech/manager who recently had a bad
>> experience with a local company offering digital phone service
>> (VoIP). I have spent the last thirty years in the PSTN network,
>> switching, PBX and key system field and am interested in learning
>> more about VoIP. My background also includes programming, mostly
>> specialized applications to interact with the PSTN network. Most of
>> my experience in this field have been with Borland products,
>> specifically Delphi. I also have been involved with database
>> programming, same platform as the communications.
>>
>> My computer experience started with the operating system CPM (I’m not
>> really that old, only 56). The best platform now seems to be ƒ so now
>> since I am retired now, it seems a good time to learn something new.
>> I also have been looking at Asterisk which most companies seem to be
>> using for a PBX platform. I found out by accident that the local
>> company I had the problem with uses this PBX software.
>>
>> Could someone steer me in the right direction as to where to start? I
>> spent most of my career in the telephone industry in a ‘bush’ area of
>> Alaska so pretty much had to teach myself what I needed to know about
>> computers but I can learn almost anything from a book and by asking
>> questions when I get stuck. Most of my experience was before the
>> Internet so I plan on using this avenue to advance my knowledge.
>>
>> I understand what a broad scope I am asking about so would appreciate
>> any tips to help me get started. Since there are many ‘brands’ of
>> Linux what is the best one to start with? Which Linux will be better
>> when I get to the point of working with Asterisk? Any tips or ideas
>> on book s, online tutors, discussions or anything of this nature
>> would be much appreciated.
>>
>> I hope to add to this group if I can be any assistance from the
>> ‘other side’, the PSTN network.
>>
>> Thank You,
>>
>> Gary H. Thompson
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
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>
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