Best *nix distro to create my own server?

Networking/Security Forums -> UNIX // GNU/Linux

Author: J0k3rus PostPosted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 9:46 pm    Post subject: Best *nix distro to create my own server?
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Hi, i'm getting all together some spare pieces (actually decent hardware that i don't use anymore) to make my own server.
It's gonna be serving...well, i don't know, if i get used to it i could give free webhosting and whatnot.

I was thinking in FreeBSD but maybe i went too far and i should get something more user friendly as i'm a beginner. Maybe like Debian, i think it's enough user friendly for me and what do you think about its security? I'm told FreeBSD is more secure but i think it will do.

Any advices? Of any kind and angle. Everything will be useful.

Thank you guys.

Author: RoboGeekLocation: LeRoy, IL PostPosted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 9:57 pm    Post subject:
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SME Server

I have it running in everything from car dealers to fire depts - and even here in my shop.
Tons of plugins to really customize it to your needs. Comes configured for fileserving, mail and web server and is administered through a web interface

CentOS is another good one, but much harder than SME

Author: ryansuttonLocation: San Francisco, California PostPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:28 am    Post subject:
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I went with CentOS to build my web server because that was what the LAMP guide I used suggested. For a Linux install, it was almost painless.

Author: graycatLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:32 am    Post subject:
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CentOS is a good distro but not sure I'd recommend it for a home install personally.

Author: J0k3rus PostPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:25 pm    Post subject:
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I'm not that interested on it to be easy to work with than acually learning *nix OS administration. I mean it doesn't matter if it's painful Smile

So what do you suggest? I was thinking on Debian and FreeBSD for their security, and above all their documentation and online support, so i can learn and stand up everytime i fall.

But i'm open on suggestions, i hope that explanation makes it more clear.

Author: GroovicusLocation: Centerville, South Dakota PostPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:46 pm    Post subject:
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I will second SME server. I used it for a few years on my own server. Learning to use the template system will give you a work out. Smile

Author: graycatLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:53 pm    Post subject:
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J0k3rus wrote:
I'm not that interested on it to be easy to work with than acually learning *nix OS administration.


in that case I'd take a look at what's in use in the commercial sectors and start with the most common ones. CentOS being the offspring of RedHat would definitely make sense in that situation.


Oh and before it becomes painfully obvious - I'm just a Windows admin playing with linux so take any linux advice I give with a big pinch of salt Laughing

Author: capiLocation: Portugal PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:45 am    Post subject:
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Bollocks to CentOS and RedHat. Inconsistent repositories, inconsistent package naming schemes, poor dependency handling, and for crying out loud... RPM? Really?

You can't beat Debian for usability, stability and just being well done and thought out.

As for security... within GNU/Linux there's really no way to go but Hardened Gentoo. If want to go the *BSD route, you might want to look at OpenBSD, but you're probably better off going with GNU/Linux... BSD just isn't so widespread.

I suggest you check out these threads:
http://www.security-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=56843#301289
http://www.security-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=56121#298224


Last edited by capi on Thu Oct 15, 2009 8:48 pm; edited 1 time in total

Author: J0k3rus PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 4:31 pm    Post subject:
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Thank you very much for your time guys. I think i'm going to Debian after all.
I'm gonna check out those links too.

Thanks!



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