Linux V Linux V Linux? to much linux! what should i use?

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CADMAX

274 posts

Ultimate Geek

#82237 25-Apr-2011 22:50

Hi all.

I'm putting together a web server to test web sites on and i will use linux.
i will be running Apache + MySQL and PHP + FTP server and may at a later date run a email server.

the question i have is what O.S.?

CentOS
Ubuntu
Fedora
RedHat

the box i will be using is a older one, AMD 64Bit @ 2.2HGz and 8GB Ram with a 500GB HDD.

thanks all.

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

JAMMAN2110

871 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#462297 25-Apr-2011 23:19

Ubuntu would probably be a good choice if you're new to Linux

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valtam

396 posts

Ultimate Geek

#462298 25-Apr-2011 23:26

Either of those 4, it doesn't matter.

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michaelmurfy

meow
12249 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

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Lifetime subscriber

#462314 26-Apr-2011 01:29

I would recommend either using Debian or Ubuntu. Debian is a good choice if it's just going to be a headless server (aka, no screen hooked up to it, just using remote access like ssh or vnc to access it) - If you want a simple setup I would also recommend running a LLMP server (Lighttpd, Linux, Mysql, Php) which has much the same features as Apache without wasting the resources Apache can sometimes do.

I do manage a few servers myself, all LLMP servers, all hosting quite a few sites each with Debian and never had any problems. Give it a shot :)

Btw, Valtam - I would find the other 3 for a new user is not quite wise ;)

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foobar

186 posts

Master Geek

#462362 26-Apr-2011 09:49

If you chose the Ubuntu server edition then you will be perfectly well suited for a headless deployment as well. Debian takes a very conservative approach and so the software packages you get by default are sometimes a little older. Ubuntu is based on Debian, so you have the same nice package management options, but the packages are often a bit more recent.

Ubuntu is nice, because there are so many tutorials and how-to's available online. Also, many VPS hosters (Slicehost, Linode, etc.) offer Ubuntu images.

alexx

856 posts

Ultimate Geek

#462390 26-Apr-2011 10:52

Debian or CentOS. The more up to date packages in Ubuntu vs Debian are great if you want the latest browser and multimedia player on your desktop/laptop, but in a server there is little advantage in having the latest set of bugs. :)

You can have more up to date packages in Debian too, but you have to select the "testing" or "unstable" branch, which you might not want on a server.

Of the other options, Fedora is rpm based like CentOS, but more desktop/laptop orientated than CentOS. Redhat is good for big organisations that want a support contract.

nigelj

856 posts

Ultimate Geek

#462422 26-Apr-2011 12:31

Really depends on what you want, if you need a support contract and you have the money, then there really isn't much going past Red Hat Enterprise Linux (ala RHEL - note it's not "RedHat/Red Hat" anymore, people will immediately think you are using RHL9/etc ;)), the support guys that you would be likely dealing with are based in Brisbane and are really a great bunch of people!

If you don't need support, then any of Debian/Ubuntu/CentOS.

A note about CentOS though, CentOS is a complete rebuild of everything Red Hat releases as part of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, they take the source packages that Red Hat release, take out any trademarked material (such as the Red Hat logo/branding), rebuild it, and release it, if security is a big thing, then watch out, the delay in getting important security updates out, could backfire. I'm particularly citing the bit of a wait for CentOS 5.6 & related updates to come out.

Ubuntu through Canonical does have support, and I know a couple of people that work in the support type divisions in the UK for Canonical, but I have no idea if they have much of a support presence in AU/NZ.

Everything allows a self-supported option (with RHEL you'd be just paying for the updates).

Really it all depends if you want the ability to phone a support company and ask them for help to fix the problem, or if you like Googling/reporting bugs/etc yourself.

Also, if using Ubuntu, my advice, stick to LTS releases, and don't use Fedora for a server unless you can help it, you don't want to be upgrading/reinstalling a production server every year to keep it up to date.

Last item of advice, if you really aren't sure, install VirtualBox/VMWare Player/MS Virtual PC or something, download a Ubuntu and CentOS install DVD/CD, fire them up and see with a non graphical install, which you are more comfortable with. (Alternatively, if your local library has a variety of linux books that cover Debian/Ubuntu and RHEL/CentOS/Fedora, maybe read them, and see).

(Disclaimer: I used to work for Red Hat's Support division in Brisbane, but seriously, they are all great guys there and I have tried to be balanced)

openmedia

3050 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#462464 26-Apr-2011 13:50

For a trial I'd recommend Fedora or Ubuntu, with a leaning towards Fedora at the moment given the upheaval Ubuntu is going through with their new Unity desktop.

As a new user having a play with the beta of Fedora 15 might be worthwhile as there are a lot of changes thanks to the newer Gnome 3.0 desktop.

Commercially I'd go for Red Hat as their support is amongst the best in the industry.

and yes they did pay me to say that.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

1080p

1332 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#462478 26-Apr-2011 14:34

I would recommend Debian Stable for what you have described.

I would be asking if FTP is _really_ necessary, however. sftp is much more secure and just as easy to use.

DaveBassJunkie

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#463740 29-Apr-2011 14:51

Commercial server definitely go Red Hat Enterprise. For hobby server I'd be going CentOS or Debian, depends how much time and effort you are willing to put in, and your level of experience. Most problems are solved by Google, anyway.

CADMAX

274 posts

Ultimate Geek

#463776 29-Apr-2011 16:45

Hi all thanks for that.

I'm going Ubuntu server i think.

i think it comes down to what people like. i was expecting some one to come up with some thing like: dont use (insert name here) as it has issues with (inset name here) and crashes lots when ........ happens.

:)

thanks all :)

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

blakamin

4431 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#463815 29-Apr-2011 19:08

Dont get ubuntu tonight!!! I'm doing an upgrade and normally i get 1mB/s from the servers but tonight 11-40kB/s :(

CADMAX

274 posts

Ultimate Geek

#463831 29-Apr-2011 20:03

blakamin: Dont get ubuntu tonight!!! I'm doing an upgrade and normally i get 1mB/s from the servers but tonight 11-40kB/s :(

HAHAHA i have all my evil little minions working flat out to slow your down load speed!

*looks at stack on Linux disks

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.