Which OS to install?
Once you have assembled your computer, you must now install an operating system. Here are your choices:
- Windows 2000
- Windows 2000/2003 Server
- Linux
- FreeBSD
In the following section I will break down the pros and cons of each choice. Generally, however, most people would be fine with a standard Windows 2000 professional installation.
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 Professional is marketed as a consumer OS, and granted that, it is. However, it also is a very stable, if not secure, server OS. Web, FTP, and all other types of servers can run reliably on Windows 2000 and I generally enjoy using Windows 2000 as a server operating system. However, there are a few drawbacks. As mentioned previously, security is a major concern with any Windows release, but more so with Windows 2000. There have been more critical security flaws in 2002 and 2003 with Windows 2000 than ever before. With a patch management system, though, you should be able to keep the beasts at bay. The other issue with Windows 2000 is one of expandability. Because Windows 2000 was not designed as a server operating system, it has lessened support for serving Microsoft .NET applets and other Microsoft-specific server technologies. However, casual webmasters will usually not need such extended .NET support. Basically, if you are looking to start a website, run a fileserver, or host games, Windows 2000 should fit your needs just fine.
Windows 2000/2003 Server
Windows 2000/2003 Server releases suffer from the same security issues as Windows 2000. However, they have a few unique advantages over Windows 2000 in the Microsoft department. First of all, you are able to setup a domain controller with Windows 2000/2003 server; this is a must in any Windows office environment. Windows 2003 Server seems to have reached near perfection with domain policy management. Also, these two server releases offer strong .NET support and other Microsoft-specific features.
Linux
Although I am just as much of a Linux “freedom fighter” as any other guy, I would have to discourage the average guy from trying to run a Linux server. Although Linux is secure, Linux is also near impossible to configure for server usage. The sheer number of programs that have independent management interfaces and configuration text files that oftentimes conflict each other will confuse the budding server administrator and will most likely eat up quite a bit of his time. Second, Linux has many design quirks and flaws that are cumbersome at worse, but certainly will make a newbie intimidated. And, of course, why fix something that isn’t broken, right? If Windows 2000 fits your needs, then by all means, use Windows 2000.
FreeBSD
FreeBSD is the ultimate secure operating system. However, FreeBSD is definitely *not* user-friendly, despite what any open-source nut will tell you. Therefore, only users familiar with UNIX should even attempt using FreeBSD as a server OS. Personally, I am familiar with it but it took me a few months to get into it, so to say, and it is not worth the massive amounts of time that are spent configuring.
FYI
For purposes of this tutorial, I will assume that you use Windows 2000 Pro as your operating system as it is a very popular choice indeed. The next page will describe the installation of Windows 2000 Pro.
Linux is hard? Ubuntu can start a server up with just a few clicks. In under 10 minutes a user can start hosting their own websites.
http://www.lullabot.com/videocast/install-local-web-server-ubuntu
It is MUCH easier and safer to start and maintain a linux server.
Thanks for the update about Ubuntu! This article is a little dated, so perhaps Linux was not as user friendly then (2004 i think)? I dont know, I am just entering the open source scene.
can Microsoft Xp pack2 Professional edition is used as server.
@shah – No, it can not be a server. However, you can install software, that provide services that servers often do. Such as FTP and Web servers. But it can not act as a Domain Controller and provide user authentication on a network.
Windows 2000 is a better OS than Linux (any version, you choose!) for a server??
That’s a new one!
I think that for you to make a “how to”, you should know what you’re talking about!
Hello David,
Great tutorial, but is it possible to update it with the current technology?
Thanks!
Linux makes a much better server than any Windows, period. Sure its a bit much for your average Joe to set up, but for us geeks and those of us that have the yearn to learn something new, its perfect. There are plenty of Linux/BSD distros that are server oriented. Lots of distros also offer software packages that let you configure everything from a web interface. Webmin and eBox are 2 perfectly good examples.
Well if you read the article linux brown nosers you will realize we aren’t talking about uber nerds setting up servers here its talking about the average guy/techy doing so and windows servers support active directory and other such apps that provide additional functionality for companies (which you will find most use windows as their operating systems not linux as lets be honest here windows is used by over 80% of computer users and large companies and the organisation functionalities provided by windows are far better keeping that in mind.) so yes windows is a better choice for ease of use and compatability with your current windows based network and company.
hey just wondering since we have new technology out now can windows 7 handle a server
So i think i am the average guy that he is talking about at the begining. I am trying to setup a file server which can share file over the internet and also LAN based for my company. There were few designers around and the file are just messy as my room. I hope they can share the file and used it so there will have no 2 to 3 different version of the same file like you updated your and i update mine. I would like to start it with a free software like UBUNTU since it is free and it is also linux which makes rare to virus attack. Is there any suggestion?
This has to be a dated piece. I am new to linux but have been using Ubuntu for a month now. There is no windows to run to if thing get tough on my laptop. I know linux ten years ago was daunting for a newb. I know I looked into it. I ran away scared. With some self-taught schooling one can get their feet wet with not much trouble. Just be willing to learn the command line. The support forums out there are top notch too if you get into trouble.
I started with dual boot to get used to it and I recommend that to anyone wanting to try linux.
Linux Vs Windows: All comments Here are dated,,,,,,, even Ubuntu comments,,,, server 2008R2 has much greater security but it has moved into the realm of need a Degree to work it. I have a Windows 2008R2 server now much is done from the command line as well now or in power-shell. same difference. But still it is harder to run especially if you want to run some applications that are more high tech. Same thing on an Ubuntu Box . To run different programs you must learn the operating system.
On Ubuntu to put in an updated program you have to use the command line . Not all the programs come with it nor do they have them in the Ubuntu server download area. Very few Users want to Use the command line. Only serious Pros will attempt such a thing. So,,, Think about what you are arguing about. Doesn't make much sense
One day,,,, Someone will get Smart and Design an Operating system that needs little watching over for the masses and is secure. and has some nice design in it.
When they do and if they offer it at a Reasonable price all others will become Moot.