[TerminatingZero]

I have a lot to ask and I hope that everyone can take the time to hear me out. I want to build a server for website and e-mail hosting. I am going to have a chance to toy around with Windows Server 2008, but because I do not have the money for Windows Server I plan on hosting a Linux System. I was wondering what is the best Linux match to Windows Server. I understand there is a lot of other software that goes on under the hood, and I have some experience with the linux shell. I would like a fairly graphical approach. I have not background in web hosting so the least amount of command line use would probably be the best for the time being. I have heard a lot about Apache servers and I have taken sometime out to look them up but have not made much progress. Please be easy on me. Like I said, I plan on toying around with Windows Server just to get my feet planted but from there I will probably implement a Linux Server.

This post has been edited by TerminatingZero: 26 July 2011 - 12:39 PM

[linuxrants7xpg]

I'm not aware of any distribution that is better than the others for this type of thing. Any of them should be relatively easy to install Apache on, and then I think you can accomplish what you're wanting to accomplish using ApacheConf. I've never actually used this tool, so I can't speak to it's quality, but it seems to be what you're looking for. Please let me know what you think of it if you decide to give it a go.

[Evildave]

Another thing to consider is 'web hosting' at a server farm. For a few dollars a month, you can have a virtual server on UPS (with generator) with database, back-end scripting, automatic backups, in a secure facility, connected to a trunk line with infinite bandwidth and storage available to it, with 24/7 babysitting. Virtual hosts cost only a few dollars a month (you share the same computer with other virtual servers).

Dedicated servers cost about as much as a home internet connection a month, (but usually a few canned builds that can be 'upgraded'). You probably only need one of these if you are going to host your own native Linux apps.

http://www.google.co...q=linux+hosting

Most of them come with 'easy configuration' options to enable common web things, and even the cheapest ones will do 'everything'. Some support a selection of canned apps (version control, forums, etc.) that you can set up and configure with a web UI.

Virtually all of them can be 'upgraded' to higher priced plans as you grow. So no need to buy an 'everything' plan, especially while you develop and test a new web site.