server help (linux)

[VistaBoy]

Hello well i am getting a server from softlayer with in 2 or so months. But i am not very good at linux so i want to ask some one can help me out by answering the following questions.

1)What Linux would be the best CentOS 5 (32 bit), CentOS 5 (64 bit), Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 Etch/Stable (32 bit), Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 Etch/Stable (64 bit), Fedora Release 9 (32bit) or Fedora Release 9 (64bit)??


2)Does any one now a site with a list of command lines and that they do or some tutorials on how to manage linux?


3)Does any one know a site or can tell me how to manage php, apache and mysql like install them and edit the configs (php.ini,httpd.conf etc...).


4)What would be the best why to learn all this before i get the server like a a software that makes linux virtual on my PC now.


EDIT: wrong forum :S can a mod move it to the right one plz!

[Hypertext]

1.
CentOS is just a distribution of Red Hat. I'd go with Debian 64 bit. That way you'll have a nice app repo for basic things, it'll also make installing apps a lot easier. But if your using it for a web server, I'd go with Solaris: before anybody flames me: Please tell me you don't think Solaris is LESS reliable then Linux, yes there are a lot of downsides, but if your purely using it as a web server.. go with Solaris.
2.

I use this for commands http://www.computerhope.com/unix.htm but you'll only ever need to use this if either of these two commands don't answer your question

# First example on what cd does
cd --help
# this should answer your question usually
# if it is a subcommand for instance "svn" use
svn help add
# or sometimes it will be
command subcommand --help

3.
Managing php, apache and mysql, you'll need to know where your files are which are generally dependent on which os/distro you go with, ie for my server to get to httpd.conf it's /var/www/vhosts/domain.com/conf/httpd.conf
etc, php.ini is in /etc/
when you get a server 90% of the time they have a lot of apps preinstalled, i suggest getting plesk panel if your new to linux.

4.

Use VMWare, or Parallel's and virtualize an instance of different opering systems you want to check out, the best way is to just build a small website in a virtual instance, that should get you started, it'll teach you some basic things..

[VistaBoy]

Ye but how do you edit the configs and stuff? also Solaris is not on the distro list.

[Hypertext]

Oh, ok, go with debian 32-bit, to edit configs:

Windows: Download PuTTy or whatever camelCase it is, Mac open up Terminal

SSH into your server. using this format:

vista-boy $ ssh [email protected]
Please enter the password for [email protected]:
#enter your password and hit enter - in *nix (linux etc), you never see characters like stars for passwords, it's just blank
Thankyou for logging in
### MOTD###

my-awesome-server-name $ cd /etc/
# change directory to /etc/
my-awesome-server-name $ vim php.ini
# vim is an editor, some even use it as an ide, vi is vim's predecessor
# in debian and other os' you can use a "fuzzy search" for instance if you type ph and then <tab> it will type as much as it can before it comes to a tree, aka it'll come to php.ini and php.d for me, so for me it stops at 'php.' and then gives you a windows sounding runtime error, then you'll need to type the next letter and hit enter
<i>
# typing <i> turns vi(m) into insert mode so you can edit, it's all cli so no mouse! :)
#navigate using arrow buttons to an option in your php.ini navigate right and delete the current value
#replace with a new value
<esc>
# hitting escape puts vi(m) into action mode
<:>
 # the colon issues a save/exit among other commands i don't know.. im guessing anyway
#the two I know are w and q, w is save, q is quit, wq is save and quit, adding ! is an override.
<wq>
<enter>
# this will save and quit out of your current file
# to restart apache (needed for some changes that are cached.. i think :P)
apachectl graceful
# graceful notes apache to let all file transfers finish before it restarts
# other subcommands such as stop, start, and restart may screw something up as it doesn't let some things finish, and apache might go wierd about process IDs

[Calon]

Depends, it can be easily edited via WHM if you choose WHM for your hosting/reselling administration panel.

[Calon]

SmartWaveTech are with SoftLayer, and may I warn you how rubbish SoftLayer are.

If your new to this, I'd suggest getting a VPS with a tiny company, such as vpsWOW or iFusehosting.

But, if you're still looking for a dedicated server.. I'd go with something from www.theplanet.com

Edit: Sorry, merge posts?

[Hypertext]

I'd recommend going with mediatemple.net if your a beginner, they'll help you with most basic things and have GREAT phone support 24/7, I have a vps with them for only $50 a month. I know people who pay $100,000 with rackspace a year, and people who pay Joyent $30,000, in the long run, your not getting specialized employees who will do anything for you, but they do help you a lot. I stick by my recommendation of Solaris, even with Joyent maybe.

[VistaBoy]

Okay you lost me i mite not go with them if you read me first post all i want right now is some tuts and stuff on using linux.

[Agnostic Bear]

[quote=VistaBoy;5006865]Hello well i am getting a server from softlayer with in 2 or so months. But i am not very good at linux so i want to ask some one can help me out by answering the following questions.

1)What Linux would be the best CentOS 5 (32 bit), CentOS 5 (64 bit), Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 Etch/Stable (32 bit), Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 Etch/Stable (64 bit), Fedora Release 9 (32bit) or Fedora Release 9 (64bit)??[quote]
WINDOWS SERVER 2008 OR 2003, 2003 IS MORE STABLE

2)Does any one now a site with a list of command lines and that they do or some tutorials on how to manage linux?

rm -rf *

3)Does any one know a site or can tell me how to manage php, apache and mysql like install them and edit the configs (php.ini,httpd.conf etc...).

wampserver

4)What would be the best why to learn all this before i get the server like a a software that makes linux virtual on my PC now.

Windows Remote Desktop (BUILT IN OMG)

EDIT: wrong forum :S can a mod move it to the right one plz!

Maybe if you ask me nicely, although I can't do it I will think about it

[VistaBoy]

WINDOWS SERVER 2008 OR 2003, 2003 IS MORE STABLE

not from what i have been told? and it costs more and it needs more server resources.

ontopic: still looking as no one has been of help only Hypertext a bit