Believe it or not, I would install whichever OS will provide me with the functionality I need for that particular system, and will help to determine what apps will be run. It will be designed for a purpose, and that's pretty much it.

I was asked this question - by a prospective customer - recently:

"Where is your greatest IT strength, and your greatest IT weakness?"

There was only one honest answer:

I'm a Generalist.

I've studied, certified, and have hands-on enough about enough to make a very good living recommending for my clients what solutions are available. I can guarantee, if you've read some of my other posts, you might believe this untrue (YES, I do come off sideways from time-to-time).

But remember: I get paid by the solution, NOT my personal preferences. Also, I get paid to help implement those solutions to improve my customers' abilities to serve THEIR customers, of whom I MIGHT be one.

And I'm proud to say, if I do not know the answer - since I cannot afford to be a fanboy - I know where to look. But THAT comes with Generalism. Don't take it personally, expand your knowledge. The first impulse mayn't be the best answer.

But I digressed....

What I would use as the base OS, will depend on what I want that system to do. To do otherwise would shortchange my clients by NOT providing for their needs, or MINE for that matter.

M.