Building a server to host Minecraft games with friends
 

Hi LQ,

I have been playing Minecraft with friends and hosting a server on the same machine that I play the game on. I found an old computer to host a server on so that I don't have to host from my primary computer.

Pentium D dual core 3ghz
4gb ram
120 gb 7200rpm HD

10 down/ 3 up internet

I have a few distros on CDs = Fedora, Kubuntu and Slack 13

If I want to be lazy and not download anything, which distro would use the least amount of resources so that I have a lot left over for running the server?

I've looked up the minimum requirements for each, but I'm asking for more of a personal experience response.

Also, I want to run the box in the corner with no screen or keyboard. Once I get it set up, what program should I use to access the machine remotely from my laptop.

And, finally, I would want the server to reboot into terminal and not run X or a GUI, just boot into terminal, execute a run script for the mine craft server and I guess leave a port open so I can log in remotely.

I've never done anything like this but I'm excited to start a new project.

My lack of experience has me a little overwhelmed and I'm just trying to put together a game plan before I actually start doing anything.

Thanks for any help,

Josh

Fedora and Kubuntu are not really suitable for a server. I would go for Slackware.
Slackware will boot to commandline per default, so nothing to change there. To access a headless server from your laptop I can recommend Putty (Windows) or simply your terminal (Linux).

Thanks for the reply,

How about accessing headless from a mac? I have macbok air as my travel comp.

Also, I just found this: http://marcuswhybrow.net/minecraft-server-manager/

It says it supports Debian, not sure if it will work on Slack.

From MacOS you can also use your terminal.

From what I see there should be now problem with that software on Slackware.