The dark side

Kymmy · 05-09-2008, 10:07

OK guys,

Currently running win2k3 as a webserver with php5, fast-cgi, mysql5, python, phpmyadmin, iis6, winroute firewall and winroute mailserver.

I've had a VPS before running WHM/Cpanel and could use it OK, could even telnet in and install/run stuff like IRC and teamspeak servers...

Now as the win2k3 box will never be more than 95%+ stable I was wondering what's the simplest and easiest linux package I could put on a box to run php/mysql/apache/exim (not fussed about python as that was just to run a few scripts that I don't need anymore...) I'd prefer a graphical interface like cpanel but not 100% essential..Oh and of course it all needs to be free...

The box though is old (P3-800, 512Mb)

Answers on a postcard please to "welcome to the dark side, po box 666, the death star #3"

Raistlin · 05-09-2008, 10:13

Kymmy
welcome to the dark side
po box 666
the death star #3

Dear Kymmy,

I had a home web server running Ubuntu a while back, I used the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) install to set it up and then added Webmin on top of that.

The Ubuntu install was pretty bomb proof, and putting Webmin on top made it feel fairly simple to run.

The processor (an old 500Mhz Athlon) went all soft and squidgy in a nasty fan-failure type incident a few weeks after I set it up so I can't say what it would have been like to live with long term, but it seemed ok whilst I was using it.

I hope the above is of some use to you, if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to write back.

Regards,

Rob M

dilli-theclaw · 05-09-2008, 10:15

The NTHW game server was run at one point from my house via ubuntu, so I'd say that is a more than capable starting point.

I also used it as my webserver until I moved to adsl where I had to retire it as I doubt virgin would appreciate me still doing so

Kymmy · 05-09-2008, 10:22

Thanks guys

Just found an old P3-600 fully populated board so might get up a little test rig for a week

I was considering ubuntu and thanks for the LAMP info...

Webadmin?? is that a seperate util?

I know where Unbuntu is can people provide a link please to the webadmin and LAMP??

Thanks
Kymmy
Trainee Sith under Darth Dillilious...

Raistlin · 05-09-2008, 10:29

You want Ubuntu Server Edition:

http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatI.../serveredition

Which comprises the Linux part and should give you the option to install Apache, MySQL, and PHP (thus completing the LAMP) setup when you run the installer.

Webmin is available here:

http://www.webmin.com/

---------- Post added at 10:29 ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 ----------

Useful looking guide for installation/setup (for an older version, but should provide good info):

http://www.howtoforge.com/lamp_installation_ubuntu6.06

This is a good guide as well:

http://www.ubuntugeek.com/ubuntu-710...ver-setup.html

Graham M · 05-09-2008, 10:33

I personally recommend Fedora if you're thinking about running a server, based on the Red Hat distribution it's a distro built for the job and very simple to use, YUM (Yast Update Manager) makes light work of any software installs, I once had an uptime on Fedora 7 of 190 days (and then someone tripped the RCD

)

Kymmy · 05-09-2008, 10:38

mail server??? which would people recommend???? also which is configurable by something like webadmin...

Raistlin · 05-09-2008, 10:52

Ubuntu-SE comes with a mail server:

http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whati...res/mailserver

.....and there's a module for managing it available for Webmin

http://www.webmin.com/standard.html

Kymmy · 05-09-2008, 11:07

thanx again Rob

Looking at all the options posted in here and in other posts I'm gonna try ubuntu...

If I commit suicide with a half charged light sabre then you know I should have stuck to windows

Graham M · 05-09-2008, 12:12

I recommend as a beginner that you try Kubuntu as well as some people find the GUI for newbie-friendly

If you go ahead with the install you could just install KDE on Ubuntu for a try

Kymmy · 05-09-2008, 12:32

I'm not unfamiliar with non-gui systems, just unfamiliar with Linux....

Not done any major command line sys admin since I worked for DEC on VMS...

Graham M · 05-09-2008, 12:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

I'm not unfamiliar with non-gui systems, just unfamiliar with Linux....

Not done any major command line sys admin since I worked for DEC on VMS...

That's what I'm trying to help you with, you see there are 2 major players in the Linux GUI front, one called Gnome and the other called KDE, each comes with its own set of Core and Extra applications and some find one easier than the other, if you want to try both, your best bet is to install Ubuntu and then install KDE afterwards which will allow you to try both (Ubuntu comes with Gnome). If you want any help I will be on MSN all evening tonight!

Kymmy · 05-09-2008, 12:58

Just really want it for server app, not as a desktop... As I said used to be happy with Cpanel/WHM but as they're licenced based a bit out of reach for what the server does (it runs a website for a NPO/club...)

I have used both KDE and GNOME in the past when I did look at linux as a desktop but the distinct lack of game support for what I was play meant I discounted it.

I'd actually be happy staying with windows but on this old server the OS overheads aer way too much to a pont where any glitch has disasterour results instead of just an inconvience

I'm sure though that whichever way I do go that I'll have lots of questions so thank you for that offer

mr_bo · 05-09-2008, 19:43

I have spent the last week installing Ubuntu for a server. Learnt lots too.

Some links to start with:

https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/serverguide/C/index.html

http://flurdy.com/docs/postfix/

Kymmy · 05-09-2008, 21:21

thanX