Ubuntu as a server

[David Hart]

On Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 02:14:47PM +0200, Duncan Anderson wrote:
> I should like to know whether it is problematic to use Ubuntu Linux as a 
> host/server. In other words, should there be any problem with installing 
> Ubuntu, enabling the root user login, and configuring the machine as a 
> mail or proxy server or as an SQL server or the like?

I run a couple of Internet facing servers (they're virtual under Xen)
as well as some boxes that are on fixed ip ADSL and have had no more
problems (approximately none :) than with any other distro.
 
> It seems to me from reading this mailing list that most people use it as 
> a replacement for Windows. In other words they use it as a workstation 
> or home pc.
> 
> Do any of the members of this list have any suggestions, advice, 
> warnings, caveats, or otherwise to offer me regarding Ubuntu's use as a 
> server?

It's probably a good idea to limit yourself to packages from main for
Internet facing services as these are the only ones guaranteed to have
security updates.
 
> I work with Mandrake, RedHat, SUSe, Debian and FreeBSD machines 
> configured as servers (or hosts, a term which I prefer in the context of 
> UNIX/Linux) as well a various flavours of UNIX. I am curious to find out 
> whether anyone sees Ubuntu as a serious rival to SUSe or RHEL or 
> Mandrake Enterprise or the like.

Ubuntu has already become certified for one of IBM's databases (IIRC)
and I believe the intention is to encourage more suppliers to do the
same.
 
> My gut feeling is that there should be no problem with getting it to act 
> as a reliable back office machine.

I think your gut feeling is correct ;)
 
-- 
David Hart <ubuntu at tonix.org>