Good LAMP Distribution
 

The story:

I've upgraded my Windows box. I was thinking of taking the old parts and making a web server. It would act as an FTP, Blog, Email etc server.

I was speaking to a friend about it and he mentioned I should just use VMware on my existing PC and get a LAMP image to try it out. Sounds like a good idea to me.

THe issue lies in the fact I can't find a LAMP distro that is all encompassing. I've found them to make a PBX, IM server, mail server, etc etc but nothing all around.

My question is, what would be an appropriate distro to use? I've dabbled in linux so it is not new to me (although there are long periods of time in between dabbles because of my lack of interest.)

A simple link would be ok as I am happy to read about different distros on my own. I've gone through the VMware.com appliance list and can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

Thanks for your advice!

Dan

XAMPP has it all, in 1 neat little package. There is a windows and a Linux flavor of it.

http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html

And if you are going the Windows route instead, might I suggest you jump over to the http://www.portableapps.com and grab that version of it instead. No registry entries, and you can just carry a copy of the whole shebang with ya, no matter where you might need it.

Good luck.

Skip

**Edited**

Is there an XAMPP distro slipstreamed in a linux package. I'd like to run it through VMware so if there is an ISO with everything built in that'd be perfect.

the reality is that every distribution (wich allows to install software and such) can be a good LAMP solution.