Which Distribution of Linux

[geoffct]

I want to run a simple little apache webserver on my dsl connection, with ftp, etc. I have RH 5.x, but I had numerous config issues with my linksys 10/100, and with my ati video(Rage Fury). I am running a single p3-350 now, but I planning an upgrade to dual p3 850-950. I have 128 ECC on my Supermicro P6DGH mainboard with adaptec 7890 SCSI built in. I am running a 9gig 10k IBM.

Anyway, I need to know what is the easiest linux solution to set up a web server quickly, and securely.

Thanks
Geoff

 

[CTho9305]

red hat 7 is pretty easy... 7.1 is out too. (for download, dont know about retail)

 

[jmcoreymv]

CTho9305: Hey I went to redhats site but i couldnt find 7.1. Any ideas about that?

 

[jyrixx]

agree with redhat

 

[bubba]

I am not fond of RedHat7, but use 6.2 a lot. If you want newer components you could always use Mandrake, they are up to 7.2, I believe. I never had any troubles with a linksys and RH5.2, but the RageFury is probably not supported by the version of Xwindows in RH5.2.

 

[kylef]

You can install a new XFree86 server if necessary to get it to work with your graphics card.

The Linux kernel keeps getting slower with each new release... simple context switches have ballooned up to 600 microseconds in 2.2.x from about 50 us in kernel 2.0.x. Why? Who knows?

Newer is not always better unless you need the new USB features built-in. Which probably isn't likely if you're running a web server.

In fact, if ALL you're running is a web server (i.e., that's all the machine is doing), then why do you even need X installed at all? It's just a resource hog on a true server...

 

[geoffct]

RH is still the standard I see,

Well I will of not just be running it as a webserver, but also as a fileserver occasionally. X is not necessary, except for config, and support, as I am in no way an expert of Linux.

Thanks for your help

Geoff

 

[bubba]

kylef is correct, but the newer distros sure are a lot more user-friendly!