Ah, but there's not much work left in minis in this part of the country, now that Windows is kicking around. I find that most computer work has gone from programming and working on information flow to reinstalling Windows. That's a fairly sad commentary on the state of computing in general.

I'm running Linux here (Slackware) and have been for what seems like forever. I converted in about 2004 from using a separate server to using one of my desktop machines as the main server, since it's been so stable over the years. In 2006 I started running the server on a static DSL connection, since that site has a backup power plant. It's almost overkill for a private web/mail server, hah. But, by God, it stays up, usually for 6-12 months at a stretch.

I previously ran a 2.4k dedicated dialup with a static IP on a second phone line for 12 years or so. I have always lived a bit too far out of town to get good internet connections, but in 2004 started using Rioplex Wireless and have been happy with the connectivity and speed, and can recommend them if you can't get DSL. I have a VPN router from work (Netgear, good enough stuff) and all of the computers are behind that now.

I have all of my buildings and outbuildings networked, either with wired or wireless connections. This is mainly to support the webcam machines and various cameras I have, although we do use all of the computers at various times.