I want to set up a new server and I have been waiting for the final release of Feisty Fawn. However I have some time this weekend and would like to complete it since it will be a while before I can devote the time I might need.

So my question is, if I get the beta version and install it, how easy is it to make sure I have everything up to date when it comes out in about a week?

Would it be better to get the beta or the snapshot version?

If you want a server, you'll want something that's as reliable and bug-free as possible: I'd recommend 6.06.1LTS
"LTS" is Long Term Support - you might appreciate this for a server!

Thanks for the suggestion. I guess since I won't be using it for a normal desktop I won't need the most recent gui stuff. If I install 6.06LTS will it bring it up to date as part of the install?

Does 6.06 have the same specialized choices for installing a server as 7.04?

Just install it. I chose kubuntu 6.06.1, because I like KDE (and the idea of LTS). The CLI works just fine too.
You boot from the CD, and click "Install". Once installed, boot from your HDD. KDE puts an icon on the panel to indicate updates are available. Click it and the updates will be applied. You can also do all this from the CLI ("apt-get" etc.)

I do not know what "specialized choices" you are referring to, or require. But you could just try it (6.06) - it will probably do what you need. If not, you can always come back here and ask advice about setting things up.

If you install 7.04 you will be offered all the updates necessary to make it a released version. Note that even a fully updated 6.06 LTS will have package versions associated with its original release. If the server will be used in a production environment at a business you may wish to be conservative and use 6.06 LTS. If however the server is for personal use I'd go for 7.04 without hesitation. At any rate in a business any server you install should go through an extensive testing process before production use.

Thanks. This installation is really just my own stuff plus I will be serving a small website that no one will really be depending on. Eventually I plan on expanding this shoestring operation into a business to provide me with a little income after my retirement in about 7 years.

I went ahead and installed 7.04 beta and let it do about a 2 hour update. From what I'm told here, when the release comes out, updates at that time will give me the same product as if I install the release. Am I correct?

Correct you are. Normal updates will get us there without additional installs.

Thanks fragos.It looks like I am up and going for now at least.