Small Business Server - Linux or Windows?

Question

Small Business Server - Linux or Windows?

Answer 1

Linux, there is only 1 real con for running Linux on the desktop and thats gaming, but in a server environment, that's out the window. (no pun intended). Linux will be more reliable, faster, no worries of reboots and other Windows crap and be much less resource heavy on your server(s). The only question would be whether you'd want support for what ever distro you run. If you need it, obviously go with RHEL. If not go CentOS. Debian is also a great Server choice but I'd personally go CentOS if your Linux capable. All the perks of running RHEL with NONE of the $$$.





@Bite - Dual boot a Server.....REALLY? Read the question before you answer.

Answer 2

Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux, Linux.

(I Hate Windows lol)

Answer 3

Linux, definitely. With the same hardware specs, Windows would not even get close to its performance.

Answer 4

You can run BOTH!



And I would suggest having MORE THAN 1!



There are MANY unanswered questions still BEFORE you develop a network

that your minimum requirements are met.

Answer 5

Linux. Licensing will be the biggest problem with Windows Server. Plus it's overkill for the environment you're describing. Also, many applications that are free for Linux are commercial in the Windows world. The biggest issue will involve getting a competent sysadmin. Linux is pretty easy to pick up these days (make sure you install the GUI) if a person has much sysadmin experience - most concepts are platform independent. But editing configuration files takes a bit of getting used to. Your best bet, assuming it will be used as a file server, is to install Samba and set it up as a domain controller for a single logon solution. Past that, the hardware will determine the speed. If users will be transferring large numbers of small files, a fast SCSI drive/array will help. Also make sure to load up on RAM.