Which distro for server?

fdahl_009 · 10-26-2005, 07:09 AM

I want to use linux for a server.. Needs samba for filesharing with windows clients, dhcp for giving these ip's, and need to give these clients webaccess that the server has.. Have 2x160GB discs that will store files for winclients.. Which distro is the best for me?

tangle · 10-26-2005, 07:16 AM

They all can do what you want out of the box. I would pick the one that you are the most comfortable with.

fdahl_009 · 10-26-2005, 07:34 AM

is there any performace differences? Using mandriva2006.rc2 now, feels slow!

tangle · 10-26-2005, 08:25 AM

If you do not run any unneeded services, the preformance should be about the same between distros. I never used Mandriva, but you should be able to do a minimal install and then install the packages you need, like samba for file sharing.

masonm · 10-29-2005, 08:52 AM

While it's true that any distro can be used for a server, just not using services you don't need, some are IMHO better suited for the task.

Debian and Slackware are the two that come to mind as good for server use. Both of their installers allow you to install only a base installation, which is typically what you want for a server.

Maybe just my personal experience, but while both are very stable (also what you need for a server) Slack always seemed to be a tad faster than Debian to me. Both are excellent server distros.

halo14 · 10-29-2005, 08:57 AM

It's not really a Linux distro... but certainly an excellent choice for server... providing you want excellent performance, stability and security... and not having to upgrade your kernel every couple weeks.. FreeBSD is my personal choice for all server... (save those that MUST run Windows Server)

linuxdemos.com · 10-29-2005, 08:19 PM

CentOS is a fantastic distro and should serve your needs fine. It is used on thosands of web servers worldwide.

titanium_geek · 10-29-2005, 10:06 PM

step one: take the quiz: http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

step two: read this guide (it's for slackware, but it's still good for a general overview) http://shilo.is-a-geek.com/netprep15.html (click next till you get to "I, Webmaster" This is good easy reading- you'll pick up concepts, even if you aren't using slackware or every aspect that he talks about.

step three: (http://bookmarks.linuxquestions.org/linux?like=server)
http://www.brennan.id.au/
find some howtos that are seriously useful.

step four: http://wiki.linuxquestions.org http://www.google.com/linux http://www.google.com

hope this helps.

titanium_geek

jacook · 11-05-2005, 05:51 PM

Hey fdahl_009,

I'd Reccomend A few:

ATMission:

http://www.atconsultancy.nl/atmission/

Devil Linux:

http://www.devil-linux.org/home/index.php

Smoothwall

http://www.smoothwall.org/

Jake