Neverside

Server OS?

Right, so I have this desktop that I am not using - so I added a 320gb hdd and thought about tuning it into a private webserver - something I can use to develop and help me learning some languages...

So I want to know what is the best OS for me?
I would like to be able to run Apache, MySQL and PHP (LAMP?)

I'm also planning on not having a moniter connected to it (long term plan), but it is going to be (if I can) connected wirelessly to the network. So how would I go about restarting it from another computer (is that possible?)

I've been running Redhat for years and based off of that experience...will NOT recommend it. I just put together a new server (we're kinda expanding...fast) and originally had SuSE 10.1 on it, but I pulled that last night. Been thinking this Novell/Microsoft deal over for quite a while and ultimately decided that while hey, I love the experiences I've had with SuSE over the years, I just don't support what's happening lately.

I've been thinking about Ubuntu 6.10 for a while but ultimately am currently configuring 6.06 LTS server. There's a great little walk-through on howtoforge if you're interested:

http://www.howtoforge.com/perfect_setup_ubuntu_6.06

As for going headless, SSH is your friend, but you could go this route a number of ways; CentOS comes recommended for headless setups as well (particularly on pizza boxes...er, Cobalt RaQ servers) though I don't see how it would make a huge difference. Anyway, you could either terminal into the server and do a network install using a crossover cable, or just hook up your monitor, get it installed and configured, apt-get your SSH up and running and then pull the head, SSH in and shut off your GUI services to get the performance boost.

Then configure your boot and, again, use SSH to send your restarts when you need them.

Good luck.

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Bmovies are BACK!

Last edited by actionPlant, November 22nd, 2006 09:10 PM (Edited 2 times)

I've used Debian for quite awile on my webserver. I'm currently using Debian 3.1 (Sarge), running Direct Admin. I can't complain thusfar, although every OS has it's finiky moments, and my experience in Linux is limited (I have more experience with Unix OS's). I know thats not much information, but I can't think of specific pro's and con's off the top of my head at the moment.

I would definately recommend (via a router/crossover) just setting your server aside (no monitor), and just using shell access from your desktop.

actionPlant, just checked out door58.com ... Trojan horse movie was great haha.

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Temp Devlog

It seems as if everyone and their mother uses Redhat. Whether or not it is the best, I can't tell you. But I know a laaaaaaarge portion of servers run Redhat.

BSD could be a good option to look at.

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WARNING: It's in Spanish.

I'm in favor of Debian or Ubuntu---easy package management. FreeBSD is a good idea, too.

Originally posted by actionPlant:

I just put together a new server (we're kinda expanding...fast) and originally had SuSE 10.1 on it, but I pulled that last night. Been thinking this Novell/Microsoft deal over for quite a while and ultimately decided that while hey, I love the experiences I've had with SuSE over the years, I just don't support what's happening lately.

Yeah, that whole ordeal is crazy. There's talk that what Novell's doing violates the GPL. And they were doing so well for a while there...

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Free-Speed Nation

Old thread, and sorry, just wanted to point out that I'm switching to FreeBSD and installing DirectAdmin over the top. DirectAdmin was a given, but switching to FreeBSD had a lot to do with resources and stability. I'm getting tired of Redhat/Debian Linux issues, but I must say that if I had to stay I'd go CentOS (which I do run on my Asterix box).

Found a thread on another forum where a guy makes a GREAT case for the same setup I'm installing: http://webhostingtalk.com/showpost.php?p=4095309&postcount=13

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Bmovies are BACK!

Last edited by actionPlant, January 22nd, 2007 09:12 PM (Edited 1 times)

The reason RedHat is used a lot has more to do with support/certification rather than with its quality (I'm in no way saying its good or bad).

Server 2003

waffles

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angelessme, antagonising neverside members, staff and administration since 2001.