Best Distros For Server

[carger314]

I know that FreeBSD with Apache is legendary in terms of security, stability, and popularity in the server world. But, I was wondering: what is the second most popular distro for running servers (with Apache, of course.) Note: I use the word "distro" for all UNIX based operating systems (except Mac OS X and Solaris.)

[vbp6us]

Im using SuSE 8.0 pro and its excellent. :) Just get Webmin for the configuration of Apache and your set. :p

[mdwatts]

All can be used as servers, so one is really not better than another.

Redhat Advanced Server
Caldera OpenLinux Server 3.1.1
SCO Linux 4.0 Server (based on UnitedLinux 1.0)

[HighOrbit]

This kind of stuff usually starts a flame war... but here we go...

I have two answers here because of the difference in politics vs. technology.

First the politics - If you are setting up a web server for "corporate" use and you have to convince the boss, then Redhat Advanced or SUSE is probably the answer because they are the most accepted and are backed by corporate support from either the distro vendor itself, or by IBM and Dell (if you are buying your hardware from them). If you are trying to get Linux accepted "for the first time" in your company, this is probably the route to go.

Now the technology. For personal/small business use where you make all the decsisions, my pick is with Debian and here is why. Because it has a "go it slow" development cycle, Debian-Stable is rock solid and highly reliable. Unlike some other distros, Debian doesn't feel the need to rush "new" experimental or bleeding edge features into their release. Nothing in Debian-Stable is bleeding edge. Additionally, the Debian package system with APT is exceptional for keeping your system patched and up to date. I use APT to keep my *base* system current and to install minor applications, but I compile all my production applications like apache and php from source. This keeps my server patched against security issues while giving my production apps the flexibliity of source compilation. I also think APT makes a Debian system far far far easier to administer and upgrade than any other distro.

Now to talk about FreeBSD vs Linux, I think *generallY* FreeBSD is much more stable than most Linux Distros. This is because most Linux Distros throw all kinds of experimental bleeding edge crap into the release that makes the whole house of cards unstable. FreeBSD has a single core team who control everthing in the OS and they exhastively test everything before it gets included in a release. This keeps FreeBSD very stable compared to your average Linux distro. The exception to this rule is Debian-Stable. I think Debian-Stable is just as good as FreeBSD-Release. The only place where I think Linux beats FreeBSD hands down is support for new hardware (like the latest and greatest video cards). But who needs that kind of stuff in a server anyway?