Linux server vs others...
 

Hello I am building my first server... right now its buiding stages are nearly complete.. i need an OS. I know Windows is like a swear around here but I really want a Linux server if it can do everything that I need it to instead of supporting the other guy.

I want something that will **stream** media for web clients (avi format). I want to set up a server for games (sometimes), FTP, and also HTTP, as well as network with Windows client computers on my home network. I have 4000downstream and 570 upstream modem connected straight to my router and server is DMZ on router. Most of the server hardware is a bit (but not too much) older so the drivers and what not should work well with linux.

Mainly the server will be file storage for myself accessible at all times, but I want somebody to be able to watch streaming avi files (divx) from a small simple webpage. Mostly just family and friends will visit my server website, but I want video. Can linux stream divx as the other guy can?

I am a bit of a newbie... but I have worked with SUSE linux for a few months (just as my workstation not server). I know I will need to set up SAMBA for the home network, and Apache for the web server, even though Apache seems a bit out of my grasp.. but what is a good ftp? I dont have too much time to spend troubleshooting and learning as of the moment (though I would love to). Should I use the bill gates special now and learn linux later.. or go for it? Any response would be well appreciated and Im sorry if this post is in the wrong section.

Have a great day everyone!!!

:newbie:

Generally speaking, the only place where Linux lacks that "the other guy" does better is desktop, games, and enterprise solutions (blech). This is, of course, my opinion. From a cost perspective, I'd "jump into it" because Linux is free, you don't lose anything but time if you can't figure it out. And it sounds like you want to learn linux anyway.

Apache configuration can be simple, I'd recommend looking around for utilities that will help you configure it. (Perhaps webmin?) The daunting thing about is that The Other Guy uses point and click (blech) and apache uses a file. Once you get used to it, or if you ever have to configure more then one in the same way, you'll appreciate the file methodology a _LOT_ more then the point-and-click.

For ftp, I recommend proftpd. Most distros have it and/or use it.

Linux is a good thing to learn, and I'd personally recommend taking a little time to learn it. I have yet to meet a person who has said "You know, I'm just sick of Linux, I think I'm going to switch to windows."*


*Has anyone ever heard this before? That would be an interesting statistic.