Shopping for a distribution
Hey all. I've dabbled a bit in Linux (mostly Trustix at work, with a little Red Hat and Knoppix thrown in), but I'd still classify myself as a n00b. In any case, here's the deal...
Here's what I've got set up at the moment:
1) A Windows XP workstation
2) Apache web server
3) MySQL
4) PHP
5) Bulletproof FTP server
6) Subdomain from No-IP
Because of restrictions involved in my ISP's stupid little "residential" package, I'm stuck having to use a different port for my web server.
What I want to do is this:
1) Set up an actual server box apart from my workstation (possibly this little number).
2) Upgrade my internet package to Commercial, in which I get a completely static IP with all ports unblocked.
3) Purchase a domain name and direct it to that static IP.
4) Install a select distribution of Linux.
That last one is where you guys come in. This server won't be used for a whole lot, at least not at first. It's mostly going to be a play machine, possibly to set up a little web chat community.
Here's what this system will need to do:
1) Play fairly well with Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
2) Included/integrated FTP server and/or Sendmail server would be a plus.
3) Future installation of Perl would be a nice option.
4) Having a desktop environment would be very helpful.
Being that I'm a college student and have a wife and child to support, cost is a big thing. Enough money would have to be spent upgrading my internet package and purchasing the server and domain name, so I'd prefer the OS not cost me anything.
So... any suggestions on a distribution that might meet the needs of this n00b?
(Cross-posted to
linuxnewbies)
Here's what I've got set up at the moment:
1) A Windows XP workstation
2) Apache web server
3) MySQL
4) PHP
5) Bulletproof FTP server
6) Subdomain from No-IP
Because of restrictions involved in my ISP's stupid little "residential" package, I'm stuck having to use a different port for my web server.
What I want to do is this:
1) Set up an actual server box apart from my workstation (possibly this little number).
2) Upgrade my internet package to Commercial, in which I get a completely static IP with all ports unblocked.
3) Purchase a domain name and direct it to that static IP.
4) Install a select distribution of Linux.
That last one is where you guys come in. This server won't be used for a whole lot, at least not at first. It's mostly going to be a play machine, possibly to set up a little web chat community.
Here's what this system will need to do:
1) Play fairly well with Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
2) Included/integrated FTP server and/or Sendmail server would be a plus.
3) Future installation of Perl would be a nice option.
4) Having a desktop environment would be very helpful.
Being that I'm a college student and have a wife and child to support, cost is a big thing. Enough money would have to be spent upgrading my internet package and purchasing the server and domain name, so I'd prefer the OS not cost me anything.
So... any suggestions on a distribution that might meet the needs of this n00b?
(Cross-posted to
linuxnewbies) 