Couple questions...

[blue60007]

I'm thinking about throwing a computer together out of spare parts...I want to give Linux a whirl, but I'm not totally sure where to start.

I checked out some of the stickies and I've chosen Ubuntu distro use, do you guys think that's a good choice? With this computer, I would probably use it for a file/backup server, as well as regular desktop stuff, like programming or photoediting. I would also like to set up a local web server up on it so I can mess around with PHP...and from what I read, Linux can Windows file share? Do you think Ubuntu would do this, or is there a better option (preferably a free option)?

Also, I'm concerned about hardware compatibilty. The plan is to use a P4P800SE board (plus the regular stuff). It looks like the video card is compatible (9600SE). Should I be concerned about compatibility with hard drives and opticals? And I've heard troubles with LAN adpaters, this board uses the Marvell 88E8001 controller. Or am I just wetting my pants over nothing?

Hmm, I thought there was something else...I'll probably be back with more ;)

Thanks,
blue60007

[faulkner132]

Give Ubuntu a shot. Since you are using spare parts, you have nothing to lose, and most likely it will detect all your hardware.

The server packages/software you mentioned is ready available in Ubuntu and is actually easier to set up (i.e. done automatically for you) than it is to do the same on Windows.

[ZeratulsAvenger]

If you are looking to just see if your hardware is detectable without bothering to install(partitioning, configuring, all that jazz), then you could download a LiveCD for Knoppix or Ubuntu. With download speeds these days you can probably get both CD's rather quickly(true install CD and the Live CD) so it could save time in the long run, but chances are the hardware will work without much of a problem. Largest problems I ever had were the occasional Graphics card problem, and my built in ethernet. Both have Linux drivers though.

I've tried Ubuntu and liked it, and also enjoyed Debian and Slackware. I would stay away from Redhat(I guess it's Fedora now, forgot about the name change), Suse, or Mandriva, but they would probably all work well.

To share with Windows you will need to(I believe), set up Samba. I believe it would be in a networking part of the package installer, so just keep an eye out when installing and be sure to install Samba. PHP, Apache, and all that stuff can also be installed right off the bat as well.

Happy Linux'in

[faulkner132]

File sharing in Ubuntu works just like in Windows out of the box. Right click on the folder and select share.

[blue60007]

Ok, thanks the advice...I'll keep what you said in mind. Actually, I should be more specific...not all the parts are spare, I'll have to pick up a mobo and CPU, which would probably be around $200 after that, so that's why I'm a bit concerned....and so, I'm not abesolutely set on doing this, and it might be a little bit if I do go ahead and do this, but I'll check back in if I do.