From Scratch to Server
 

I am completely new to linux witha long term goal of setting up a linux server. I would appreciate being pinte to the est forums on this site top ask questions about:
1. recommened dsitrobutions for beginners but which also lend themselves to running servers
2. trouble shooting as I go through the process of setting installing the dostribution and get to grips with it
3. Coping as ad almost blind user in all of this! Is there linux screen magnifier I can get up and running early in the process?

Sqiffy

#1 They're all servers. You should start here;
http://distrowatch.com/
Pay attention to the top 5. Then read about them here;
http://www.linuxquestions.org/reviews/index.php?cat=2
Come back for more specific questions when you narrow down your choices.

#2 Here and other sites depending on your distro.

#3. yes

for ease of use id recommend fedora. It basically installs EVERYTHING you need for you just by clicking next. However this may not be the best way to learn.

I took the long route and went with slackware. Very much a pain in the ass, but im learning a hell of a lot just spending all my time in the command line. Its a long road, but seeing as this will be my career, I have to take it.

I'd have to agree with most of this. I went with Slackware because it's got so much CLI stuff. I like working at the command line and it also makes you think thru what you are doing. I also find it helps me learn what's at the heart of the system if I'm not in a GUI.

You really need to decide just what you are really looking for in an OS. Nobody can really tell you the best distro for you. But somewhere around here there was a post containing a link to a web page that helps you choose a distro.

F_M

Re: From Scratch to Server
 

If you are familiar with ZoomText there is nothing to compare in the Linux world.These are the best I have found so far. I am still looking as my son is almost blind as well. If you find anything better let me know.
For the KDE desktop there is kmag. It works ok. For the Gnome desktop there is gnome-mag. I haven't tried it.
Just my :twocents: