which linux distribution is good for a dedicated server

[kenalex]

I am trying to choose a linux distribution for a dedicated server that will be running postgresql, apache and some python applications.i will also have a oracle client to interface with other databases(used by postgresql dblink).So far i found Centos and Ubuntu server.
Which of the free distribution is best for such task?

 

[pentode]

They are all going to be running the same software, so it comes to ease of installation and setup. Any of the main distros can and do provide server type configurations - it's just a matter of what software gets installed.

If you are new to Linux, ubuntu is supposed to be a little easier to get configured and has good hardware detection. I run Debian on my server, but there are plenty of distros that can do what you want.

This might be of interest:

http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/index.php?firsttime=true

 

[MichealC4]

I'll second pentode. Pretty much any of the main distros will be good. I prefer Debian for my servers, but that's purely taste and comfort level.

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"Will work for bandwidth" - Thinkgeek T-shirt

 

[busster]

I like Centos and use Webmin to administer the server apps.

 

[iolair]

For reliability, ease of use, and interoperability, use Novell's OES, which runs on SuSE Linux.

Iolair MacWalter
Director of IT

 

[Grenage]

We currently use CentOS and Debian for our purposes, but you should choose from those you are most comfortable with. Reliability is helped a great deal when the operator knows the system well.

"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into the area" - Major Mike Shearer

 

[MichealC4]

iolair: I have to disagree. As Grenage, myself and others have pointed out, it is the operator, not the OS. If someone isn't comfortable with SuSE or Redhat or whatever, they won't be able to reliably operate.

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"Will work for bandwidth" - Thinkgeek T-shirt

 

[itsp1965]

Also Iolair, If I am not mistaken, OES was designed for Novell shops who plan to move to Linux as opposed to Windows. Therefore for one who has never had Netware servers, they are better off just going with the more popular server distros instead

 

[thedaver]

This linux thing is too newfangled and confusing, no way it'll ever work. ;-)

D.E.R. Management - IT Project Management Consulting

http://www.dermanagement.com/

 

[TonyGroves]

Just thinking, we haven't had a distro flame war for some time now; this would be great opportunity for one!

Seriously though, Pentode's help-me-decide link is a good one, go with it!

 

[Kozusnik]

That site matched me with the distro I use and prefer. That's odd huh? I would like one more question...Do you hate KDE 4?

KDE4 might actually push me back to Gnome.

Mark

 

[RhythmAce]

Kozusnik, be it far from me to call anybody out but this is a linux server forum and as such, your post is highly inappropriate. We look at the inner beauty and not the superfluous exterior from which you seem to judge a system.

 

[Kozusnik]

Forgive me...I also use (K)Ubuntu on many servers (as well as RedHat, CentOS, Fedora, and Mandrake). Of course no GUI needed for my LAMP/Samba/Sendmail/Zimbra/VM/etc. servers. I see and appreciate the the inner beauty and power.

But I'm still not a KDE4 fan. I will reserve my opinions for the GUI "fluff" to the linux desktop forum. I sometimes forget which one I'm in.

Mark

 

[kenalex]

thanks for the response guys . i have decided to centos since i am familiar with fedora.

 

[iolair]

Well, yes, Suse (Novell) does have good tools for migrating from Netware. It can also work well as a stand alone server, or, if you like, as a Samba server.

I mentioned SuSE because early on, Novell had sold a package with PostGreSQL, Oracle, and Apache.

I have also used CentOS, Solaris, and Ubuntu. All great distros.

Good luck, kenalex. Sounds like you're on the right track with centos.

Iolair MacWalter
Director of IT

 

[pentode]

Whatever distro you pick, the main thing is that you won't have to worry about Windows server seat licenses and other related Microsoft "features" anymore.

 

[setenvjt]

Centos and/OR Debian all the way. I use both distros and both are awesome for quick, stable server deployment.

 

[iolair]

Anyone tried Ubuntu Server?

Iolair MacWalter
Director of IT

 

[BatmanHFT]

I use Ubuntu Server 8.04 LTS and really like it, I have really come to like Ubuntu LTS (6.06 and 8.04) but I also am more comfy with Debian. I have VMWare Server 2.0 running on it and it is just rock solid. I have FreeBSD 7.1, Server 2003, and Debian Sarge running in VM. At work I use RedHat and CentOS and so whatever flavor someone chooses, just choose the rock solid one (for instance, don't use the non LTS versions of Ubuntu, choose CentOS over fedora..etc...)