Selecting an open source solution...
 

Maybe there should be a thread with advice on how to pick a the best solution for you open source needs? Please add your opinions to this thread.
Please let's keep it clean of any specifics. Just general advice.

there is no perfect open source for a system. It develops through testing. I think Debian is quite safer in terms of security. FreeBSD is good But if you really want a system where you are in a drivers seat try building your own open source.linux from scratch is a good bet. the link is as below.
http://lfs.mirror.shizu-net.jp/lfs/view/6.0/

What I look at when choosing or recommending an open source business solution.
 

What is the overall health of the project.
Is it active, how many minor and major updates have been released?
How many developers are contributing, is the project going to die if the lead developer stops?

Does it have the needed features
Is there a road map published? This will help me understand the direction the project is going in.
Does it have a stable release with the needed features?

Are there any references
Is anybody in the same line of business using the solution? A quick call can tell you of any problems, any adaptions needed etc.


Demo sites
If it is a web application, is there a stable demo site? Look around, see how you could adapt the solution to your needs.
Could you imagine it being used at your company?

Dependencies
Is the solution dependent on other solutions? Are they already on your network or will you have to install them too?
How are the dependencies licensed? There are open source solutions that are dependent on proprietary licensed software.

Documentation and support
What documentation is available?
Is it in tune with your knowledge of computing? Most of us are non coders, some documentation requires programming skills.
Can you get support? What kind?
If you need help installing and troubleshooting a business critical solution, there had better be a company supporting it.

get a Debian DVD!! just edit the sources-list file to get packages from the DVD itself! loads of packages and documantation.

correction
 

hi, bitt_u
i think the original poster was asking for the availablity of alternatives option that are available under linux for thier corr. apps. in microshit win. how that is related to make your own distro and that too from scratch???

hi, john_the_ripper
ok!! i think the original message was as follows:
I did the same as told. LFS is a big project and one can visit it at this link
http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/
I again advice you to go into the details.I am very thankful to you for pointing the mistakes for me. And lets make a better solution for the problems. if any queries you can mail me directly instead of using this message list.