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.

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

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

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?

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

Hugs,
Danielle

Yes Ubuntu

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.

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

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)

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

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

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.

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.