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ClearOS is designed to run on off-the-shelf PC-based (x86) servers and appliances. Compared to proprietary hardware systems, using standard PC-based hardware is not only more flexible, but also more cost effective. The following tables show the minimum requirements as well as guidelines for selecting the right hardware.

The following are guidelines for estimating the right hardware for your system. Keep in mind, the hardware required depends on how you use the software. For instance, a heavily used content filter requires more power than a system running a simple firewall.

Generally, Linux does a good job at auto-detecting hardware. Most mass-market PCI network cards are supported. Refer to Red Hat Hardware Compatibility List to check the compatibility of your network card. If you see your network card listed for an older version of Red Hat, then the card is almost certainly also supported in more recent versions. If you plan on buying new network cards for ClearOS and have two spare expansion slots, then save yourself some time and select the network cards that are designated 100% compatible.

If you only have ISA slots available or require the use of ISA-based network cards, you can still install the ClearOS software. However, it will take some extra work to get the network cards working. You may have to edit the driver configuration files an perform other advanced Linux techniques.

Though wireless card drivers are included in ClarkConnect, many wireless network cards do not work with Linux or have experimental drivers and we cannot guarantee compatibility or stability. For this reason, wireless network cards are not generally recommended. Instead, we suggest purchasing a dedicated wireless router or access point for your network.

ClarkConnect supports most DSL (including PPPoE) and cable modem broadband Internet connections. We do not expect to add support for ISDN or satellite broadband at present. However, if you have had success with getting Linux working on such a system, then please let us know. We want to hear from you!

Most cable modem Internet service providers will include a standard Ethernet card and external modem to enable your high-speed Internet connection. The days of proprietary software and logins are mostly behind us, so you should be able to set up ClarkConnect without too much tinkering. However, some cable modem providers may still have some quirks. Fortunately, Vladimir Vuksan has put together a great resource of Cable Modem Providers. If you are having trouble getting ClarkConnect to work with your cable ISP, check http://tldp.org/HOWTO/Cable-Modem for some troubleshooting tips.

During the ClarkConnect installation process, you will be asked which type of DSL service you use - PPPoE or Standard. These are mutually exclusive implementations, so you will need to select the correct type during installation. It is very important to know how your Internet service provider configures your network. If you are not sure, ask the ISP's technical support staff before you begin.

The software supports wireless networks. Make sure you select a supported wireless card.

We do not support ISDN Internet service providers.

• Red Hat Hardware Compatibility List
• Cable Modem HowTo