Hey,

I'm new to the UNIX-like OS and I am seeking advice on what distribution to install on my home network and with the advice the reasons why you think it would be best.

I also would appreciate if you could recommend me some ebooks or documentation regarding UNIX basics, networking, scripts, server/client administration, security etc.

More details of the OS i would like to focus on ( but advice is needed):
Red Hat or Fedora
Solaris
i want to focus on these cause as i noticed there are the most used, also I would appreciate if you can recommend me some free versions of these OS or others

More details regarding the home system i want to make:
1 server - some server based OS ( thinking on adding a mail server and more on it )
2 workstations
- 1 (laptop) that boots from the server via the network protocols
- 1 (laptop) that boots normally and is used as a mobile workstation

I am asking these cause i want to learn more about the UNIX OS and it's capabilities and the best way i can learn is practice and practice and i want to start practicing on something recommend by experienced users not something that i think it could be best

I thank you in advance for you're advice and recommendations

+ 1 fedora 10 (latest).

i'd install on all 3 machines and turn on the services you need in each (the base install comes with many servers available) - like ssh, httpd, smtpd, pop3d...

not sure what this means: - 1 (laptop) that boots from the server via the network protocols

but you may want to reseach thin-client software.

regarding "1 (laptop) that boots from the server via the network protocols" i was stating that that workstation will have no os installed on it and it will bootp the os from the server directly ( 4 example as some unix distributions boot from a CD )

regarding the services on the os i was referring to them and there installation only in the purpose to learn how to install/configure/maintain/use them, the same goes for the server and each of the 2 clients