Server OS advice

[haf1zur]

if you are going to use apache and mysql, i would go for linux

its free, does the job and much more secure

it will also do all other jobs you want it to

file server, email server etc

with the advancements in install programs its very easy nowadays

and no cost either

[golf-sib]

with Linux which variation would you recommend. would you say its easy to work with for someone new? Also with variations they seem to come in many variations from, home to Soho to full blown server, what edition would you recommend for my functions.

I've been on a machine withe fedora and red hat, but I was stumped.

hows the driver support? and how does it work out with windows with the file system and drivers.

Are there automated schedules I can setup for back up etc?

Any remote desktop functions as well?

I got some time to fiddle around and try different OS's but I am looking for the easiest solution.

Windows home server looks tempting as its really dumped down.

[haf1zur]

For out of the box functionality i would go for Suse or Red hat, Fedora isn't too bad but aimed at the workstation

Suse have a very nice install program aimed at new users, they are trying hard to make it as easy as possible

Which ever version you get, you can download applications to do the job you need, what ever it is

So far i have not come across any driver issues, i don't use technology that came out this morning though, if its a good brand name like HP/IBM or Dell then you should have no problems, HP and Dell even support Linux themselves

There's a bunch of automation stuff out there, some have good GUI's others are for the die hard users

You can use exceed to remotely control a box from windows, works a bit like Remote Desktop on Windows, or VNC into it from any OS

End of the day, if your a Frank Spencer it would be best to keep to Windows, Linux does have a learning curve but can be get to grips with fairly easily, once past the learning curve i find nothing is better

[golf-sib]

Hardware wise its nothing special, nothing new, I'm sure its more than enough for the job.

2.4ghz pent 4
2gb ram
pci ide raid card
pci Ethernet card
6 x 20gb hd's
nvidia 5200

I got it on a kvm switch at the moment, remote access is not a major issue.

Will try the Linux option and see how I get on, will try suse.

Any guides on setting up web hosting, printer and folder sharing.

With the webhosting, with windows you got the IIS service otherwise you can install something like a Wamp, with Linux how do you stand and what's recommended?

Also any chance on a quick explanation on the Linux partitions?

[haf1zur]

For webhosting I use Apache and MySQL, Suse's Install GUI can do that for you as well as the printer and folder sharing (i use Samba)

I just create a root partition /, everything else goes inside that

Oh and a swap, but Suse again has a GUI for that during the Install process

Suses Install Program is called YaST (Yet another Setup Tool), its pretty good

for a system with 2gb ram i would normally create a 4gb swap and the rest as root

You can obviously separate that out

[Jay]

its free, does the job and much more secure

  

Sorry, I used to believe all that crap about Linux being more secure, but it's not. But hey ho, that's a debate for another day on a IT forum.

SBS is the way forward for SME's, also much easier to set up than Linux as it's all click, click, click enter a little info, done. Especially for someone who doesn't know Linux and how to fix problems it can throw up.

[golf-sib]

So is swap an extension off the ram such as page filing, if so is it not worthwhile making a HD completely a swap.

I remember in the past Linux created 3partitions all different types, is there a third type?

Also what's the best way off backing up and protecting the system (antivirus etc...)

[haf1zur]

So is swap an extension off the ram such as page filing, if so is it not worthwhile making a HD completely a swap.

I remember in the past Linux created 3partitions all different types, is there a third type?

Also what's the best way off backing up and protecting the system (antivirus etc...)

swap is basically a paging file, but under linux instead of a file its a partition

there are 3 different type of partitions, primary, logical and swap

and on the secure part, i have not come across any malware, spyware, viruses even on any of my linux/unix setups, cant say that about windows or even mac os

if you dont set it up right, no matter what os you use, it is going to be insecure

[golf-sib]

Thanks, is it possible to have the swap on a seperate hard drive or is it not advisable?

Regarding back up on Linux what is advised?

[haf1zur]

you can have swap on a seperate drive, shouldnt be a problem

with backup i use zip, full backup of what ever on a weekend and incremental during the week

there are backup solutions out there, check this link out

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/10-outstanding-linux-backup-utilities/895