What Linux system for a Simple Linux Web Server

cousin · 01-07-2015, 09:09 PM

The local provider has given us a fixed IP so we can have a web server for the car club's domain.

I will be using a Dell 2400 desktop computer with a 1.8 GHz Pentium 4 processor, 1 GB RAM, 40 GB hard drive and a DVD drive.

I want to use command line, not GUI and FTP the club's car pictures from my home.

My only Linux experience was sparse use of Red Hat 2.05 which is now 15 years old and not secure.

If the structure and folders are the same, Can I use CentOS 5.11 or 6.6

Thank you,
people call me Cousin

pan64 · 01-08-2015, 12:42 AM

yes, surely, you can use.

cousin · 01-08-2015, 05:03 AM

Are the structure and folders of CentOS the same as Red Hat 2.05?

If so, should I install CentOS 5.11 or 6.6

pan64 · 01-08-2015, 05:32 AM

you will never get something similar to RH 2.05, a lot of things changed. So I would suggest you the newer OS.

TenTenths · 01-08-2015, 06:02 AM

CentOS 6.6 would be my recommendation, all the RedHat 6 tutorials etc. will work and there's a LOT of user support around.

average_user · 01-08-2015, 06:07 AM

Probably any Linux will do the job. Pick the one you will feel the most comfortable with. I could recommend OpenWRT. It's designated to be used on routers and other network devices. It's very light and simplifies many things such as installing and configuring web server, OpenVPN or SSH server. But as I said, your best choice is to pick the distribution you like. If used Linux 15 years ago you are basically a new kid on the block again and need to make a decision basing on reading other people's stories and your preferences.

DavidMcCann · 01-08-2015, 11:19 AM

Use CentOS. Surveys show CentOS and Debian Stable are the most popular web-server distros, and in my opinion CentOS is easier. And even after all this time, some of your Red Hat memories will be useful. Get the full 2 DVD set, not one of the single disks. That will give you the option as to what type of setup to create, and "web server" is one of the choices.

This computer is of similar age and size to the one you have and CentOS, even in the GUI version, works perfectly.

btmiller · 01-08-2015, 11:20 AM

On an old piece of hardware like that, be sure to take regular back-ups. You never know when you're going to suffer a failure and have to swap in a new machine. Actually this is good advice on ALL hardware.

Make sure you stay up to date on security patches and the like -- fortunately with CentOS 6 this is easy -- just run "yum update" periodically.

frankbell · 01-08-2015, 09:25 PM

I started with Linux in order to self-host my website. I used Slackware. I had to do a bit of learning, but, once I got it working, it was rock-solid.

Habitual · 01-09-2015, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cousin

Are the structure and folders of CentOS the same as Red Hat 2.05?

If so, should I install CentOS 5.11 or 6.6

default installation layouts for Apache HTTPD on various operating systems and distributions could possible help map it out.

Good Luck!

DavidMcCann · 01-09-2015, 10:21 AM

In addition to B T Millers's advice on backups, I'd add the point that you need to make sure that SMART is enabled in the BIOS, and then do regular checks. A web-server's life is hard on the HD, and yours is not getting any younger!

John VV · 01-09-2015, 11:35 AM

i currently have ScientificLinux 6.6 ( 32 bit) running on a 14 year old dell 6800

the only issue is the default 6.6 install DOSE NOT!!!! support the nvidia gforce 2 card
for that i have to downgrade xorg to the version from SL 6.3

5.12 would support ALL the hardware including the 3.5 in floppy drive

6.6 dose not even look for it , but you can MANUALLY run "modprobe floppy" and manually mount it