Linux - best OS for internet servers?

Your boss and I agree. There are two reasons that I would rather run UNIX (aka Linux) on an office server. 1) UNIX was designed from the ground up as a multitasking operating system. It wasn't made to perform multitasking, it was built with multitasking in mind. As as result, it usually multitasks more effeciently. 2) It seems that most of the attacks (virus, denial of service, etc.) are aimed at Microsoft. Even if you use MS products on your corporate LAN, using a UNIX server offers additional protection that your server will not be infected.

One other strength of Linux, in my opinion, is the support base. If you have a problem with an internal component in NT, you have only one place to turn - Microsoft. Linux on the other hand was developed by thousands of people and the source code is usually readily available. Try getting Microsoft to give you the source code for the NT kernel.

Hi,

Not that I love Microsoft or anything, I feel I should write on a couple of points the True Texan made.

Windows NT (and 2000 and XP) were also built from the groubd up to be multitasking operating systems. In fact they were modelled on an operating system called VMS which in my opinion is still the best OS around.

I think what the TT meant to say was that Unix was built to be a MULTIUSER system. WinNT wasn't really although it doesn't do a bad job.

Yes, the True Texan is right about Microsoft's vulnerability to attacks. Although I dont believe that its much to do with the software - rather than the desire for people to kick Microsoft.

One thing about using the Internet Information Server is its integration. You dont get anything like as strong integration with thge other web servers. Many will "do the job", but not as well as the fully integrated Microsoft products.

Thats what Microsoft are really good at - integration.

re: Stability. Windows2000 is pretty stable now. Mostly stability problems are to do with configurations whether you're on Unix or Windows and a skilled administrator will be able to keep either running close to 24x7.

Unfortunately a lot of people bag Microsoft because they simply dont understand these configuration issues and they just want it to work without having to do any themselves!

Your boss has made his choice and its a fair one.

Cheers,
Tim.