Looking to run a Linux based server

[txrandom]

I'm redoing my website and I'm thinking about hosting it from home. I have pretty good upload bandwidth. The website is more of a blog, so a low upload bandwidth does worry me too much.

I'm looking to do this on Linux since I need to learn some Linux, and I forgot to bring the copy of XP I just bought from school.

I'm looking for a pretty noob friendly flavor of Linux that I can easily set up Apache/PHP/MySQL and eventually name and email servers. Since I won't be home very often after this weekend, I need to be able to remote login (like VNC) from a Windows XP or Vista computer?

Any help for a Linux noob?

 

[txrandom]

Looks like VNC is actually built in too a lot of Linux OSs and is cross platform.

 

[mundane]

I'd suggest Suse - in my experience, they have good package management. You can take the opportunity to learn how to manage through the shell, via SSH (or stick with VNC)

 

[Atheus]

Unless you absolutely *must* have a desktop, it's much easier to just use SSH (secure shell) for remote login to a Linux server. That's what everyone uses.

As for which distro, well, Ubuntu is generally considered the easiest one for newbies but I'm not sure I'd consider it a good server what with all the extra bits and peices it installs. I personally use Debian, one of the biggest distros and the one Ubunto is based on - it's a fast and highly stable server platform but not quite so easy to use...

I'd say if you want to learn about the inner workings of Linux then go for Debian. If not go for something easier like Ubuntu.

/edit: removed incorrect use of the word 'Unix' to avoid confusion. and also flames.

 

[txrandom]

I've used a Unix server at school for CPSC. Is Unix compatible with normal desktops? I'm just trying to make a web server from old computers without paying for Windows.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: txrandom
I've used a Unix server at school for CPSC. Is Unix compatible with normal desktops? I'm just trying to make a web server from old computers without paying for Windows.

Linux is considered a 'unix like' or 'unix based' system, just like BSD etc - Unix itself isn't really used any more. Sorry man I should have been clearer.

Just read a little, go to the official websites, and pick a major disto you like the look of. Then you can use the 'perfect setup' guides like these:

http://www.howtoforge.com/perfect_setup_debian_sarge
http://www.howtoforge.com/perfect_setup_suse_9.3

which will tell you how to install all the server software you need.

 

[kingtas]

Yes, you can put FreeBSD on a really old desktop and it'll run fine.

BUT - If you are new to Unix/Linux, I'd suggest you run Linux. Specifically, Ubuntu has a LAMP server that loads right out of the box (Linux, Apache, Mysql, PHP) in a very short time. It could take you hours and hours to do this seperately.

You don't need VNC if you are wanting to load files to your server from another home networked Windows XP box. You can do it with Samba which is included with Linux distros.

Think SECURITY anytime you run a web server and open up those ports on your network. Use a router and port forward port 80 to only the web server.

I don't know if you know about this http://www.no-ip.com/services/managed_dns/free_dynamic_dns.html.

 

[jfall]

Centos would probably be your best bet

do you plan on running your own dns servers?

 

[txrandom]

I installed Suse cause I already had it on disk, but I didn't make much progress. I plan on running my own DNS server and mail server. I got a static ip. I'm trying to run it totally indepent on anything else.

I need to take a crash course in Linux because I don't know anything.

 

[kingtas]

I have used FreeBSD and Rehat but these folks are more than happy to help with all distros.
http://www.linuxquestions.org/

I don't know what your using for mail but qmail is popular and sendmail is getting old.
http://www.qmailrocks.org/

Apache Security
http://www.modsecurity.org/

MX Records
http://www.petri.co.il/configure_mx_records_for_incoming_smtp_email_traffic.htm

Do some searching on how to secure your mail server. Your site will get blacklisted if you someone exploits an open relay.
http://www.checkor.com/

Port forward needed ports on your router.
http://www.portforward.com/