Distro Overload!

martyn

Ok this should be in the install section or somming, but not many people pass through there 😉

I have a old machine that just coughed its last breath. It does have some specs though 😉

300Mhz AMD somming
96MB RAM

And thats it,

Well what i really want to know is what distro is best for making a dedicated Apache/PHP etc enviroment for PHP development.

I have been looking at Red Hat Linux, apparently there are 3 CD's but i remember reading somewhere that you do not need all the CD's to install it.

As it will take 8/9 hours to d/l each CD i want to know if it would be good for making a http server and secondly which CD's i need.

Thank You,
- MP

cahva

We have been using FreeBSD without problems for 3 years. Its very stable and secure + it doesnt need a high spec machine to work.

You can find everything you need to setup a webserver at www.freebsd.org.

terrabull

You could also use Mandrake Linux, it's very nice for first time Linux users. I think on Mandrake 9.1, everything you'll need is on cd 1.

bye!!

brad_fears

It doesn't really make a difference what distro you use if you're planning to install Apache, PHP, etc. from scratch.

I've been using Redhat on my home development server for 2.5 years now without issue. I've also used debian, freebsd, and many others that I have run across while consulting for different clients.

Some of the distros, such as debian and freebsd have package systems that make it really easy to install Apache and php, but I've found that stability usually results in being stuck with old versions of Apache and php. And then there are RPMs, but they tend to install extra garbage that you don't really need.

I say go with what you know, and learn along the way, but you shouldn't spend too much time wrestling with the server if your goal is to get back to the programming.

--Brad Fears

martyn

Ok, now onto practicality.

How many CD's worth of data do i have to d/l to install Red Hat.

I understand only CD 1 is needed for the basic OS, and then i can install MYSQL, APACHE, PHP Mod_Perl etc. on my own, is this true?

dnszero

I'm an avid FreeBSD fan, I've installed FreeBSD setups similar to what you're looking for on a variety of machines ranging from 486 DX4/100 to an AMD XP1700.

The FreeBSD docs are great and the best part about the install is you only have to download 2 floppies to get started. Then, after setting up your NIC the installer itself only downloads exactly what you need based on your choices.

Personally, I've find the FreeBSD package system easier to work with (especially when upgrading months later) than the Redhat RPM system. Also, the FreeBSD ports collection is extremely helpful if you want any easy way to optimize and compile apps specifiacally for your system. In general, I've found it very easy to tailor FreeBSD for low-end computers.

If you go that route, I'd recommend FreeBSD 4.8 (the 5.0 branch is brand new and lacks some compatibility still with older hardware).

WARNING: The State of California has found the above statements to cause cancer and OS flamewars in labratory mice.

FYI, everything described above can prolly be done with any 'NIX distro given sufficient knowledge and time. I've simply attempted to briefly describe my preferences based primarily on anecdotal evidence and personal experience.

martyn

Ok, i found Red Hat 5.2 on an old PC Plus CD (I got all of em)

I also got, mandrake, BEOS, FreeBSD, SUSE, and a few others.

But will red hat work with the currnet APACHE etc?

If so then good 😉

It is not gonna be connected to the internet so security is not a problem 😉

martyn

OK kill that one, too much trouble.

I think i will download the l8est one cause it will be easier to install, i hope 😉

martyn

The only problem with busy boards is that most posts run off the end of the page to quickly.

So:

BUMP