Your Server

Linux or Windows?

Hi, I built myself a dedicated server, With Quad core, what is recommended to use? Linux or windows? I've never used Linux in my life so I'm VERY unsure right now. Please help as much as you can. Thank you. Thank you. Would Linux work on normal Intel parts? It's for a game server. Hosted for a hosting company "around the world" It's for a game server. Hosted for a hosting company "around the world"

Public Comments

1. To serve what? If you need a quad core it must be some pretty CPU intensive stuff. Linux is a good choice is most cases, but I would spend some time learning to use it on an old machine before investing money in a powerful box. Yes, Linux works fine on standard parts.
2. Installing a Linux server is really no more daunting than Windows. There are a number of Linux distributions that are specifically designed for server use. use the link below to see a list of all available distributions. You might want to start with the more "friendly" versions that will help walk you through the installation. For a server, you might want to look at Ubuntu Server or Fedora. Fedora is the open version of Red Hat, and during the installation, it will ask you if you want to use the box primarily as a server or workstation. You'll then have choices of server applications (Apache, MySQL, etc) to install. Most of the popular distros have large on-line communities for support, so you can always get help when you need it. You asked about Intel. Linux was designed on and for Intel and Intel-compatible systems. No problems there.
3. Hi, linux will be a lot better to use for a server than windows. Now u need support for the OS? If so then I would recommend Redhat Linux or SUSE Linux Enterprise. Redhat http://www.redhat.com SUSE Linux Enterprise http://www.novell.com/linux Redhat linux and SUSE linux r the best commercial linux distros. Now if u don't need support and want to use something free then try CentOS CentOS http://www.centos.org/ CentOS is actually an open source or free version of Redhat linux also designed just for servers. Now this isn't linux but its also unix like and that is freeBSD, its servers r very stable and yahoo itself runs on it. freeBSD http://www.freebsd.org/ Just make sure u use the 64 bit version for such a powerful machine and for daily use and even for simple server use I would recommend openSUSE cause its my favorite and very easy to use. http://en.opensuse.org Linux and Unix work great on intel machines and support all common hardware.
4. A true Windows server (not XP or Vista with IIS slapped on) can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the version. Each edition is tailored to one use or another, and may not perform well at other tasks. Linux is free, even most server versions (Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora, etc...). They can all be tailored to whatever use you need them for with very little trouble.
5. the best option for your comp is to go with Windows Server 2003 or 2007