turn pc into webserver with ready-to-go linux + apache/mysql/php installer
 

Hi, bought a new pc, so now it's time to get familiar with linux on my old pc. I want to make it a webserver. Now i'm wondering if there is a linux distro available which installs itself with mysql/php/apache and additional software like ftp. So when I install I have a ready to go webserver running?

If not which linux distro would be good for complete linux neewbie to use for a webserver environment?

Most Linux distros ship with those packages. Usually you have to choose to install them because they are not part of most default installations.

which distro (CentOS, Ubuntu, Mandriva ???) would be a good starting point for me. (complete new to linux) Only purpose computer will be web/ftpserver.

BTW, would Xampp be something to consider

Whatever takes your fancy, visit each distro's website and choose the one you like the sound of

centos is a good one that's based on redhat enterprise linux. not exactly noob friendly, but makes a great server.

during the install, you have the options of what servers you want to install.. give it a shot

About a year ago I got into linux with the same goals. I have been working with Red Hat's Fedora Core 3 and have found it easy to use and set up an web server. I have yet to get FTP working perfectly, but that is up next! I also have just installed Open SUSE and enjoy it so far.

http://www.tadgeobrien.com