Hello there,
I'm about to rent a Root Server and I can choose from 3 Linux distributions: Debian Sarge (3.1), SuSE 9.3 and Fedora Core 3. I'll only have SSH access and if I manage to get the X-Server working correctly I can have graphics and stuff but that's not important for me right now. I want a distribution that: 1. is easy to configure (I don't like browsing through configuration files much) 2. has a good and easy extensibility
At the moment I'm testing SuSE and really like the Yast configuration utility. It's easy, simple and effective. So 1. is well accomplished by SuSE but when it comes to 2. I don't feel really comfortable with it. I mean Yast can download all the security updates and a few other packages but it doesn't feature BIG package libraries like Debian or Fedora do. If you want a package that is not listed you have to know the exact path to the webadress or have to download it manually.
I tested a bit of Debian before and found out that it's the opposite of SuSE. 1. skipping through configuration files but 2. very good package updater.
I didn't get a lot of testing with Fedora yet but I read that it has a good updater called Yum (2.) and a few configuration utilities (1.). The system which I have to choose the distribution for will be a server for apache, ftp, mysql, various game servers, backup and a few voice communication servers.
I can not switch back once I made my decision and because I'm still pretty green with Linux I ask you for your personal recommendation for a distribution of the three I named.


Thank in advance,
Svenstaro

What will you use that machine for?
The default answer for me in this case, without any further information, would be Debian.

I highly recommend Debian Sarge for a server!
And its not that complicated

uselpa, I said in my first post that I'll use my server for apache, ftp, mysql, various game servers, backup and a few voice communication servers. Anyway, thank you guys! I'll choose Debian Sarge then.

Yes, I read that. But that doesn't really tell me what you'll do with it, just which products will run.

Anyway, go for Debian, it's certainly the best choice of these 3 whatever you do with that server.