Which is the best enterprise server OS as of today?

Question

Okay, keeping investments out, which of the following Operating Systems should I be using for a small-scale high density server that serves up-to 25 clients, acts as a DHCP server, maintains databases, maintains user files, and a print server all rolled into one. The options I have is:
Microsoft Windows 2003 SB server (for its application support)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (for legendary reliability)
Cent OS (Free and lite)
Fedora Core 5 (Free RHEL clone, no support)
FreeBSD. (Unmatched system stability, highest uptime ever)

Also, Which hardware architectures would help me best?
x86 Intel Xeon
x86 AMD Opteron
IBM PowerPC multicore
x86 Intel Core2 Duo
x86 AMD Athlon64 FX

Tim's right about Sun Solaris, but then I can't just get the OS, I'll need to buy the whole system from Sun, including it's SPARC based processors (Situation similar to buying a Mac). The whole idea here is to hand-assemble the grid. My core application circles around MySQL, PHP, Apache as a small-time internet server that has a reasonably high uptime and can handle local intranet traffic for the developers as well. What do you suggest? Should I place a different host for local networking?

Answer 1

Well. Good question. I suppose your choice should be based on being the cheapest/best for what you need. Your clients are probably on Windows, however a free Linux Distro like CentOS can certainly handle DHCP, printing, Files hosting, etc.

I guess it comes down to exactly what applications you need, and the type of database. If you need .net and sql server, you gotta go Windows. If you can hanlde MySQL, go linux.

As far as hardware, get the biggest fastest thing you can afford.

You didnt list it, but Sun is also a good Server option.
http://www.sun.com/servers/index.jsp

Edit - Point taken... you can just get the Solaris OS (I did), but you couldnt use it as a business server (legally). However, you can get cheaper Sun Fire servers running AMD Opteron (not SPARC) starting at around $1000:
http://www.sun.com/servers/index.jsp

But, if you are not planning on hosting Java web applications, Sun might not be the way to go.

You mentioned Linux developers, and basic Apache/PHP/MySQL hosting. Then you might aswell go Linux... what are they developing for? Red Hat? You could even go with the same Linux they are working on.

Answer 2

It seems like you've answered a lot of your own question by defining a benefit from each. You have to take a deeper look at the organization you're supporting before making a final decision. The type of applications will do the most steering, as you probably already know.

Windows Server 2003 is likely your best bet for compatibility and easy management. I'd just be sure to go with an x86 solution (the Core 2 Duo or Athlon 64 so that you have the 64-bit support option).

Answer 3

between the unique reward of linux is that the kernal (or middle of the OS) is loose. the countless distributions are often loose as nicely. besides the fact that if, in case you desire assist you are able to desire to purchase the product. while you're searching for for a sturdy thank you to learn an os like linux i desire to recommend Slackware Linux. in case you desire function % a distribution like RedHat (Fedeora middle) or Suse Linux. you will might desire to purchase those to get help. you are able to acquire them yet will have not got any help. Linux is a greater stable OS because of the liberal international in elementary terms writing viruses for domicile windows based platforms via Microsoft being a capitalist entity. If linux have been a for income entity and microsoft replace into loose the liberal international may be writing viruses for linux. No huge deal.