Linux/Unix - Setting up a server? Newbie needs help...

Author

Setting up a server? Newbie needs help...

meijin

2003-10-23, 1:12 am

Hey all...a Linux newbie needs your help here.

I have a test lab set up that consists of several Win2K servers attached through Cisco equipment to some specialized wireless equipment. I want to also set up a Linux server so that I can deal with issues there and learn Linux.

My question is...what server would be the best choice. Since my Linux knowledge is VERY limited, I would like something easy to set up. The services I need are basic. Would SuSE Linux Professional v8.2 do the chore or would I actually need the Enterprise Server version? Or should I look to something else?

Thanks for your time, suggestions and opinions.

Papiya

2003-10-23, 7:29 am

quote:
Originally posted by meijin
Hey all...a Linux newbie needs your help here.

I have a test lab set up that consists of several Win2K servers attached through Cisco equipment to some specialized wireless equipment. I want to also set up a Linux server so that I can deal with issues there and learn Linux.

My question is...what server would be the best choice. Since my Linux knowledge is VERY limited, I would like something easy to set up. The services I need are basic. Would SuSE Linux Professional v8.2 do the chore or would I actually need the Enterprise Server version? Or should I look to something else?

Thanks for your time, suggestions and opinions.

Easiest to set up is Red Hat, Slackware is the most easy to customize from my experience. But pretty much any of the major distros will do. Slackware is mostly editing configuration files, Red Hat has more GUI configuration tools.

urbman

2003-10-23, 1:43 pm

I have to agree that Redhat is the easiest to setup. I was able to get one up and running with not too much difficulty. I am learning a bunch about the command line interface since we didn't use the GUI at all due to the security risks. Installation of RH 9 is very easy.

Tarzanboy

2003-10-23, 3:47 pm

Mandrake is very simple to setup as well, not to mention a faster download than RH.

Cheers,
TB

prezbedard

2003-10-23, 8:51 pm

I currently have a RH8 box running. The installation is straight forward so you can setup the server during initial install.

mikop

2003-10-23, 9:14 pm

how is mandrake a faster download than rh? they are both 3 disc standard and depending on the packages, you may skip a disc or maybe 2 each... (tho I haven't really look, but I think lanaguage packs are on disc 3 of mandrake therefore safe to not download for most)

as far as services, you stated basic, each would do ftp, web, samba, dns, sql firewall etc etc...

www.distrowatch.com and go to each distro's page, they have a list of stndard packages that come with each. (if it is not included and you know what you want, you can get it elsewhere, we will cross that bridge when we get there).

The enterprise editions for various distro usually include some licensed apps, codes which require them to charge. Most of them also has easy clustering capability and most notably, better support.

suse has only ftp install, which may be of matter to you (unless you buy it). suse is hot in europe, as you are in US, I would stick wtih RH, pretty standard and braindead desktop linux of choice for corporations. who needs mplayer or mp3 when you are at work heh

edit. oh suse pro, so you intend to purchase anyway.

p_penduko

2003-10-29, 1:09 am

redhat

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