Fedora or CentOS

gubak · 03-09-2007, 02:24 PM

Hi!
I have a question:

Fedora or CentOS is better for a simple web, mail and proxy server?
The security is at the first place for me!

Thank you!

macemoneta · 03-09-2007, 02:54 PM

If security is a primary concern, Fedora is the better choice. The leading edge security technologies are developed in Fedora (which then goes to Redhat, and then to CentOS).

custangro · 03-09-2007, 02:55 PM

Well generally; Fedora is a "Cutting Edge" Distro and CentOS is normally used for enterprise.

That being said...If you are planning on using it for a server I would use CentOS...if you are planning on using it for a Desktop (or just to mess around with) I would use Fedora...

But both will work...It's really up to you. You just have to remember that the Fedora you use today might be unsupported in 1-2 years...just something to think about...

Micro420 · 03-09-2007, 08:36 PM

I just started using CentOS server edition. It also is secure and has SELinux. It is very stable!

Also the fact that it's only 1-CD is nice. None of this 5-cd/1DVD like Fedora Core/SuSE. Not all drives have DVD and I don't want to carry around 5-CD's.

phantom_cyph · 03-09-2007, 09:07 PM

I would go with CentOS, my friend is a technician that takes care of IT security and everything else that has a problem, and they have 12-14 servers that all run CentOS. It is very secure. If you want it really good, get another server with CentOS and have that as a portal to the net that filters all mail and packages for virus protection and crackers, and the second would contain your data. Just a suggestion...(I realize you may not be able to afford another server)

gubak · 03-10-2007, 02:53 AM

So most of you think that CentOS is very stable and have strong security. I have started installing CentOS 4.4 but I don't know whether to use grafical or textual mode? Which is better?

Micro420 · 03-10-2007, 03:00 AM

For installation of CentOS 4.4, just use the graphical mode. It's all "hands on" and has a GUI to help guide you. In the end, it's all the same whether you use text-based or graphical install.

gubak · 03-10-2007, 03:25 AM

What could be the problem, if the graphical mode dosn't start after the installation?
I have checked every GNOM, X windows and KDE services.

custangro · 03-11-2007, 01:06 PM

If you are not going to use the GUI then I suggest you don't install. But if you really want it, then you can prepare by downloading and burning a Live CD (I recomend knoppix).

If your GUI doesnt start or load right, and you just want to get into text mode:

1 - Boot to the knoppix disk
2 - open up a terminal (you are probably root...if not type su to become root)
3 - in the terminal type chroot /mnt/sysimage
4 - Now you are "in" you installation and not the CD's
5 - You edit your run level by typeing vi /etc/inittab (make sure your root)
6 - BE CAREFUL HERE! MAKE A BACKUP OF YOUR INITTAB FILE! Here you are looking for the line that reads id:5:initdefault: press i to enter "insert mode" and change the 5 to a 3 then press the esc button to exit insert mode.
7 - Then type : to enter command mode then type wq to save changes
8 - Now at the terminal type exit to exit "your system" now your back at the CD's system.
9 - Now reboot the machine (and take the CD out)

This should make your machine boot into Runlevel 3 (full multiuser mode without GUI). Here you can atempt to configure X for your system.

Sorry this was so long, but I hope it was helpful.

-custangro