Choosing *nix OS for gaming/file server!

[MegaVovaN]

Hello all!
Right now I have a spare PC under win2000 server SP4, acting as
-game server (Half-Life Dedicatd Server (read: counterstrike)
-FTP/HTTP file server (both downloading and uploading files itself)
It also has remote administrator interface, so I can see the desktop of that PC.
Also everything is running as service. All while it only has power and network cable pugged in.
PC specs:
AMD Athlon XP 1600+
512mb PC2700 that runs at PC2100 (cause nforce1 chipset only supports up to DDR133/PC2100) in one stick
120gb Maxtor 7200rpm/8mb IDE
A7N266-VM motherboard
420w raidmax PSU&ATX case - fairly well cooling.



Now, to the point.
1) I never used *nix before (except knoppix)
2) I want PC to do same things as under win2000 server - run HLDS (game server), HTTP server, FTP server (with ability to edit users), mysql/php (for game server stats), download manager, file manager.
3) Run all those things without me pressing anything after I press power up button
4) work with only network and power cable plugged in.

REASONS I want to go from win to *nix
a) security
b) lower resources usage (planning to run without GUI)
c) want to try new OS!
Help me choose a distro (on CD's, not DVD)...thanks!

 

[n0cmonkey]

Redhat Enterprise 4.

 

[Crusty]

I've had a GREAT experience using Debian for exactly that purpose.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Redhat Enterprise 4.

is it free for download?

Originally posted by: MCrusty
I've had a GREAT experience using Debian for exactly that purpose.

What debian exactly? There's a million of debian distros :/ Got a download link?
EDIT: I think this one will do

Too bad it's 14 CDs or 2 DVDs (I can use my DVD reader from main comp at the time of install).

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Redhat Enterprise 4.

is it free for download?

No.

Originally posted by: MCrusty
I've had a GREAT experience using Debian for exactly that purpose.

What debian exactly? There's a million of debian distros :/ Got a download link?

debian.org

 

[MegaVovaN]

Thanks for download link. 14 CDs is too many...if I only download network install CD, and install only what I need, that would be fine?

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Thanks for download link. 14 CDs is too many...if I only download network install CD, and install only what I need, that would be fine?

The network install is the best way. You can download all the other software during the install.

 

[Crusty]

Yep, the netinstall image is around 100MB IIRC.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Thanks, I am installing now with network install image

 

[nweaver]

Ubuntu is a decent Debian based distro (easy managment)

Fedora core, but I hate that one. Suse, i another easy to learn on distro.

 

[Crusty]

For a server, I would stick with Debian over Ubuntu unless you use their server installation. There is no need installing all the X stuff unless you want it to help setup everything, although everything can be done through the CLI without any issues

 

[drag]

Debian can be difficult at first, especially for a new linux user.. however if your not afraid of the command line and your willing to read documentation and google around then it's very nice.

 

[MegaVovaN]

What is CLI?
(EDIT: - Command Line Interface)

Yeah, I was scared of command line and nothing else...however i am going to try and sneak on it!


EDIT2: Just tought that I'll try Ubuntu before Debian...a n00b who came from WinXP, cant get all the console stuff right away :/

 

[stars]

I suggest Slackware because it's so simple and easy to maintain. Research the distro before you install regardless of which one you choose. A few tips that will save you possible headache would be:

Print a list of the most common commands you will be using in cli.
Print a OS install guide, package management guide.
Burn updated security packages to a cd and install them before connecting online.
Learn some of the basics of securing your box and implement them properly before connecting online.
Its also good to read up on how to monitor logs, system messages, etc.
Once connected online find guides to setting up the box for your needs.

Let us know which distro you decide to go with since they will most likely be someone here that uses it. Best of luck with learning Linux.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

You could try the Linux Distribution Chooser. Works pretty good IMO.

 

[Nothinman]

The distro chosen is largely irrelevant, the same software works on all of them.

Saying that, I always recommend either Debian or Ubuntu since it's based on Debian. The high quality packages and ease of maintenance make either a no-brainer.

 

[JDCentral]

I always recommend Debian for production servers and whatnot.
It's not the EASIEST linux distro, but it's got a good balance between flexibility and USE-ability.
Personally, I use gentoo... but that's just my preference

And because I like things to break so I can fix them. Or something.