slax linux is usb based, very portable and very modular. check it out at slax.org

check out eBox.com
i'm using it as a proxy server. took me 20min to set up.

We all know that SPF is an imperfect patch to an old, old system; SMTP We can't make a change that fixes spam but breaks SMTP so we are left with opt-in fixes or a total re-write (ala Google Wave) I have implemented SPF because for now it's all we have.

I use blade servers every day and I love them. You are correct in saying that blade servers are not the right choice for every installation. We calculated that after 7 servers it is cheaper to buy a blade chassis than separate 1u servers. -blade servers don't work for any application that requires a special card (ie a T1 card for a VOIP server) -the CD rom etc collects dust for the 5 years after the OS is installed -iLo lets you attach the CD/DVD from the workstation you are iLo-ing from to the server to install the OS -you can also install from a USB CD -I can go 2 months between physical visits to our DataCenter. This is important if you have a HotSite or CoLocation for Disaster Recovery.

Windows: Etherreal cuz it's free LanHound cuz it can rebuild a conversation making things MUCH easier to read/understand Wireless: AirSnort free Irix $? Linux: Etherreal