XP or linux? file server/website - Overclock.net

madcat66 · 05-20-08

So I was planning on setting up a home file server and attempting to make my own web site over the summer...

Would you guys recommend I use Linux or XP on the server?
I feel fairly comfortable using Linux, so that is not really an issue. I am really just wondering which one is easier to use and has better options in terms of setup and security.

Take into account that I have never done any web programming or anything before, so i am a noob in that dept

...all the coding I have done has been C, C++, hardware design, and robotics programming.

Looking for some opinions, experiences, etc...

**BFRD** · 05-20-08

Personal preference, I have two main servers that I use, one of each. I use the linux for picture hosting and a few blogs that I have hosted. I use the windows box for email (before moving to google) and all of the .NET work that I do. In terms of percentages, I probably have more stuff on the linux box, but wrote more code for Windows. Almost everything on the linux box is a canned project (like coppermine photo gallery).

**stanrc** · 05-20-08

if you are familiar with linux then i would go linux all the way.

newphase · 05-20-08

Linux - or one of the MS "server" editions. (imho) not XP

madcat66 · 05-20-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by newphase

Linux - or one of the MS "server" editions. (imho) not XP

Hm. I didn't even think about a server edition. What would that offer me that XP would not?
The reason I was thinking XP was because I already have an old comp running XP, I was thinking of DL'ing Apache or something and trying to use that for a file server. Would a MS Server edition be a much better choice than XP, then?

newphase · 05-20-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by madcat66

Hm. I didn't even think about a server edition. What would that offer me that XP would not?
The reason I was thinking XP was because I already have an old comp running XP, I was thinking of DL'ing Apache or something and trying to use that for a file server. Would a MS Server edition be a much better choice than XP, then?

I will be corrected if I am wrong, but I *think* the server editions of windows are more secure?

mytronphe · 05-20-08

I think Linux would be safer / faster & stuff, but some MS Server edition should have more useful apps

rocketman331 · 05-20-08

Windows Server 2003 is geared more towards Active Directory/Domain/DNS... with fairly easy GUI configs that still allow for command line configurations. A linux server distro will be faster but will require command line about 99% of the time. If you're comfortable with linux I would stick with linux.