Originally Posted by StinkyPink

I want to build an old box with linux so that I can use it for local script testing and learning how to compile. I want to practice installing ioncube, zend, ffmpeg, and other great stuff. Then use it for testing scripts. What is the best free os? preferably with a desktop, that has server capabilities built in, or easily installed.

I installed apache, php, mysql, and zend optimizer on my vista box, but I would rather use ssh than the windows cmd. Seems many scripts aren't as compatible with windows?

Please help.