What linux is good for my situation

[fuji_man]

Hi, everyone I always been a Windows guy, always wanted to try linux, but don't have the chance to mess around with it nor have an extra system to install it to

Could anyone give me some advice as to what linux and/or software are best for my system?

I am trying to build a small linux home server from my home and a small computer from my cottage interconnected via VPN.

I am planning to use cheap as the computer could run it, I currently have enough parts to build 2 system of (about) AMD XP 2000+ and 256mb of ram. As for hard drive I am thinking could I use a full 2GB usb key for the systems for faster load time, if not I will be using a 20GB hard drive.

I will be creating two customized web based interface that will run on each of the system to do some per-programed task, so I will needed PHP, Apache, mySQL and possibility Java on each machine.

On the cottage system, I am planning for it to auto login, auto VPN connect and then lock the system to only this web base interface, unless log off and re-login as an admin. This system is mostly to allow me to do my work locally in my cottage home. I would like to save some sort of data into a mysql.

On my main home server, I needed some sort of a telephone system which could be targeted by some way via my database. Because I wanted to create someway to send a recorded phone call out to my contact list when a schedule alarm is targeted by my system via mySQL

The cottage system may eventually move to a laptop, so I also wanted to know is it possible to just clone the drive over to the laptop without reinstall the whole thing when and if I switch over.

One more question is that could I limit and control what usb key could work with my system and what can't by using their usb serial code? I wanted to limit anyone from messing with my system

I will wanted also install VNC that work through my VPN so I could remote admin the system.

I know how to do all of this stuff in Windows, but I would like to do this in a linux base way since I don't wanted to spend more money in microsoft.

So to sum up what I needed

Home Server:
VNC
PHP
MySQL
Apache
Java
Telephone System
Calendar (control by MySQL) that could target the telephone system
Virus Scanner
VPN

Cottage System
VNC
PHP
MySQL
Apache
Java
VPN
Completely locked to this special web site unless re-login to admin right
Lock access to only few USB key via serial code
Possibility to clone the software to a other system with different hardware

That is it, I thank you in advance for any advice you could give me in regarding to what type of software and linux to use.

[RobinVossen]

First, why do you want a Virus scanner? its linux ^^
And, well read the new users thing. Since it tells you alot about how to pick a distro.
Welcome t linux btw. Well the phone system is Asterisk. You also might want to take a look at "admins paradise"
And nearly every linux can be bend into the system how you want it.
Take a look at Zenwalk, Debian, Gentoo(if you have the guts), Arch and Goblin.
Well, I hope you get your system up.
Small advice. Dont use KDE or GNOME on a old system (way to heavy in my opinion).
If you run a old system you might want to run: Enlightment, xfce, openbox or Ratpoison.

Well, hope you get into linux.

Tux on

Cheers,
Robin

[aliov]

Dont use KDE or GNOME on a old system (way to heavy in my opinion)

I think he can run Ubuntu feisty fawn 7.04 in that computer , and it's going to be much more easier than zenwalk or ....

Regards.

[RobinVossen]

I think that the HomeServer really should be Admins Paradise or something.
Since it has

• PHP
• MySQL
• Apache
• Java
• Telephone System
• Calendar (control by MySQL) that could target the telephone system
• VPN

So, well.

And I am just moraly agains Ubuntu. I am sorry but I cant say that I recommend anyone to install *buntu...

Anyhow, well its his choice what he wants to run

[aliov]

And I am just moraly against Ubuntu.

Why ?


he can just pick up the Ubuntu server edition !

[fuji_man]

Thanks for everyone's suggestion, but I have to ask what is admins paradise?

[RobinVossen]

Why ?

Lets not go there now ok

Anyhow, back on topic.
yea he can try Ubuntu if he wants to.
But still its like chocolate. I like Milk with Nuts and My Girlfriend likes White with Filling.

Everybody has another taste. So, well Fuji, you just have to try it out.
Check Ubuntu if you want. Check Gentoo if you want.
Find what you like, and set that up. there is also a chance that you just dont like linux. Then you should go for Windows.
Its really your choice.

Edit:
Adminsparadise - Home is a Debian based Linux Distro.

[aliov]

Check Ubuntu if you want. Check Gentoo if you want.
Find what you like, and set that up. there is also a chance that you just dont like linux. Then you should go for Windows.
Its really your choice.

That's right for sure ,but it's a bit difficult to try Gentoo from the first experience with Linux .

Regards.

[fuji_man]

I prefer not to go back to windows, and try something new, as I always wanted to play with linux before.

I have a copy of ubuntu 7.20 and kubuntu (from a friend) any of this is good for my use?

[fuji_man]

Also no body addressed one of my question which is
If I clone my system to another system with totally different hardware, will it not boot and crash like windows, or will it at least allow me to boot and I just have to reinstall drivers?