Best free linux server and desktop? For learning Linux - GoFuckYourself.com

StinkyPink · 01-03-2010, 11:55 PM

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.

TidalWave · 01-03-2010, 11:59 PM

Use CentOS so you are versed with it when it comes time to admin your server.

Linguist · 01-04-2010, 12:08 AM

Quote:

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.

Ubuntu is easy as hell to install and configure all the software you mentioned

StinkyPink · 01-04-2010, 12:14 AM

I did this on an old mac awhile back with no problems, but I want to try linux, and I assume they all have server capabilities (apache,php,mysql) built in? Or only some?

I have read that ubuntu is good for nix nubes. What is freebsd? only a server? or linux OS?

Danielle · 01-04-2010, 12:39 AM

I'll add my vote for Ubuntu. It's very newbie friendly.

Hugs,
Danielle

chupachups · 01-04-2010, 12:56 AM

Yes Ubuntu

symtab · 01-04-2010, 01:03 AM

Most of the servers out there run CentOS, so i recommend you install CentOs (it also comes with a desktop). You can also find a lot of howtos for ffmpeg/mencoder/yamdi on CentOS.

Marialovesporn · 01-04-2010, 04:55 AM

You'll find hosts using debian, centos, red hat and freebsd.
There can will always be small differences in configuring and/or file locations per distro. But once you get a hold of it, a different distro wont be hard to manage. Ubuntu is noob friendly but maybe not wide used by hosting companies.
Why not check what your favorite host uses and try to learn that. Gives you double advantage ;-)
Else go for freebsd or debian, but thats only my 2 cents ;-)
Good luck

Klen · 01-04-2010, 05:06 AM

For server best is cent os,either for basic or advanced operations,better then free bsd and anything else.And when it comes to desktop i think there is no best solution here,since distrubutions are based mostly on same applications.
You could try ubuntu,fedora and open solaris for desktop.But if you want to go hardcore on desktop try slackware.(i learned using linux on it since slackware doesnt have gui tools for system configuration)

bufferover · 01-04-2010, 05:06 AM

Maybe not a wise but Ubuntu is what you need for a start

SuzzyQ · 01-04-2010, 07:14 AM

We learned Linux with Ubuntu and still use it as a backup OS on our home computers

AdultEUhost · 01-04-2010, 08:29 AM

Depends on your idea really, if you want to learn more about using Linux for a desktop I would pick Suse for example.

If you want to go for servers, pick CentOS or Redhat Enterprise.

StinkyPink · 01-04-2010, 08:29 AM

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the input.
I am downloading A new Knoppix DVD for bootable os from disc, but when I get this old dusty box put together I will have to try ubuntu and cent os, see what works for me.

01-03-2010, 11:55 PM	#1
StinkyPink It's all goooood. Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Hoe Stroll Posts: 1,591	Best free linux server and desktop? For learning Linux 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.

01-03-2010, 11:59 PM	#2
TidalWave Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,706	Use CentOS so you are versed with it when it comes time to admin your server. __________________ www.SwiftNode.com

01-04-2010, 12:56 AM	#6
chupachups Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Sweden/Spain you sum bitch! Posts: 6,576	Yes Ubuntu __________________

01-04-2010, 08:29 AM	#12
AdultEUhost ORLY? Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NL & US Posts: 2,579	Depends on your idea really, if you want to learn more about using Linux for a desktop I would pick Suse for example. If you want to go for servers, pick CentOS or Redhat Enterprise. __________________ ICQ: 267-443-722 / leon [at] adulteuhost [dotcom] Nominated for an XBIZ Award as "Webhost of the Year" in 2007, 2012, 2013 and 2014

01-04-2010, 12:14 AM	#4
StinkyPink It's all goooood. Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Hoe Stroll Posts: 1,591	I did this on an old mac awhile back with no problems, but I want to try linux, and I assume they all have server capabilities (apache,php,mysql) built in? Or only some? I have read that ubuntu is good for nix nubes. What is freebsd? only a server? or linux OS?

01-04-2010, 12:39 AM	#5
Danielle Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: My Coffin Posts: 1,227	I'll add my vote for Ubuntu. It's very newbie friendly. Hugs, Danielle

01-04-2010, 01:03 AM	#7
symtab Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 415	Most of the servers out there run CentOS, so i recommend you install CentOs (it also comes with a desktop). You can also find a lot of howtos for ffmpeg/mencoder/yamdi on CentOS.

01-04-2010, 04:55 AM	#8
Marialovesporn Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 579	You'll find hosts using debian, centos, red hat and freebsd. There can will always be small differences in configuring and/or file locations per distro. But once you get a hold of it, a different distro wont be hard to manage. Ubuntu is noob friendly but maybe not wide used by hosting companies. Why not check what your favorite host uses and try to learn that. Gives you double advantage ;-) Else go for freebsd or debian, but thats only my 2 cents ;-) Good luck

01-04-2010, 05:06 AM	#9
Klen Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Little Vienna Posts: 32,235	For server best is cent os,either for basic or advanced operations,better then free bsd and anything else.And when it comes to desktop i think there is no best solution here,since distrubutions are based mostly on same applications. You could try ubuntu,fedora and open solaris for desktop.But if you want to go hardcore on desktop try slackware.(i learned using linux on it since slackware doesnt have gui tools for system configuration)

01-04-2010, 05:06 AM	#10
bufferover Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 25,202	Maybe not a wise but Ubuntu is what you need for a start

01-04-2010, 07:14 AM	#11
SuzzyQ Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Along the shore. Posts: 1,557	We learned Linux with Ubuntu and still use it as a backup OS on our home computers