I'm wondering how easy it would be to set up a Linux server at home on a DSL connection. Is it a project I could give to a teenage wiz-kid and have him set it up with PHP and MySQL in an old P2 box without a lot of experience on his part (or money on my part)? Which version of Linux would you suggest?

I installed IIS on my Win2K system and it was super easy, the only problem being that it is IIS:rolleyes:

**edited to correct my dumb spelling of Linux**
(I hope no penguins where harmed by my actions)

Hi, First off I presume you mean "Linux", you could get one thats really easy to setup from somewhere like www.redhat.com, download it and burn it to CD then install, it comes with alot of helpful utilities and you can also use something called "RPM" to install your programs, its not a great way to do it but will do for a beginner.

Once you have pickedup the basics you can then go onto the more complex aspects of Linux.

Good Luck

If you're new to Linux, Smoothwall might be what you're after. It is very simple to setup, and you can do future configuration via its web interface. It probably isn't as secure as a Debian, but it should do. www.smoothwall.org

[edit] My mistake, misread the post. Please disregard ;)

http://en.conectiva.com/
Conectiva Linux 7.0 is in Portuguese

Anyone know a site that i can download English version?

Maybe take a look at http://www.apachetoolbox.com

I suggest using RedHat Linux...along with Apache, PHP and MySQL.

I have several linux servers at home (http://matt.techboost.com is the very bottom one in http://matt.techboost.com/rack/rack_front.jpg) I have three more computers in that rack now than in that picture...and a much nicer switch (which you can't see in that pic :), but it is on the top)

But anyway, if you need any help..send me a PM or whatever.

My bad. Yeah, I meant to say "Linux". It was a loooonnnng day.

Thanks guys for your input. I'm going to give it a try. I'll let you know if I need any help. The computer I'll be using isn't being used for anything else now so, it doesn't matter if I screw it all up:cartman: . I'm just wanting to learn more about all this stuff.

A question on getting started: should I reformat the hard drive to remove all the windows partitions and stuff? What is the best way to start off with a clean install?

Thanks

Originally posted by Lamont
My bad. Yeah, I meant to say "Linux". It was a loooonnnng day.

Thanks guys for your input. I'm going to give it a try. I'll let you know if I need any help. The computer I'll be using isn't being used for anything else now so, it doesn't matter if I screw it all up:cartman: . I'm just wanting to learn more about all this stuff.

A question on getting started: should I reformat the hard drive to remove all the windows partitions and stuff? What is the best way to start off with a clean install?

Thanks

The installer will do everything for you..just let it take off every single thing and do a fresh server install :)

Note that installing RedHat Linux on your machine is going to overwrite your Windows OS.

You will not be able to switch back. :)

You don't know how many times I've been asked. "I didn't like Linux, how do I get my Windows back?"