I'm looking to have a linux server as a basic dedicated server, open to just the basics of any web server. With so many linux flavours out there I'm looking for some advice on the final 2 that i've chosen, RedHat and Mandrake.

Advantages and disadvanteges about RedHat 7.1 and Mandrake 8 would be very helpful.

My background is close to nothing in Linux, to compromise that I'm starting to take a RHCE online course online to build up my education correctly.

I have used Mandrake in the past, and I must say that I absolutely hated it.. It gave me all sorts of problems, and actually froze up on me several times when I was not even logged into the GUI.

I am currently using RedHat 7.1 though, and it's great.. Not a single restart in weeks (it is used as an office network server) and holds connections (not saying that Mandrake doesn't..it probably does too).

But you cannot go wrong with RedHat - great distro :)

They both use Linux shell. So for hosting I don't see a difference between them. Unless you want to manage it through GUI then RedHat would be good.

when it comes to general web hosting your best bet is to stick with red hat.

since it's the most used whenever any security hole is found it's usually patched very quickly.

Originally posted by Dexter
when it comes to general web hosting your best bet is to stick with red hat.

since it's the most used whenever any security hole is found it's usually patched very quickly.

On the other hand, Redhat developers have been known to stick a few (and sometimes quite a few) untested and risky software packages onto their releases.

Redhat - More (better) support, larger user base, better reputation.

I personally use RedHat. My servers run 6.2, and I'm currently beta-testing 7.2 on two of my home machines (including this laptop), and am extremely impressed so far.

I'll admit to having never used Mandrake; I have heard it's easier to install (though 7.2 was a breeze). Both support RPM I believe, though I don't generally consider RPM that much an advantage (if you've ever used FreeBSD's Ports collection, RPM suddenly doesn't look as good).

If you are familiar with one or the other, or more comfortable with one, use that. However, if you've never really used either, my recommendation is to go with RedHat. Pick up 7.1 or, best bet, wait for 7.2 (the .2 releases are always the long-lasting solid releases so far, and if Roswell (aka 7.2 beta) is any indication, 7.2 will absolutely rock).

i prefer red hat myself

wobam can you tell me from where you are doing online RHCE linux course.

sure,

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