Re: [tlug] Question On Server and Enterprise software ( Happy New Year)

[Jonathan Byrne <jq@example.com>]

On Friday 02 January 2004 05:46 am, Sanjay Chigurupati wrote:

> 1) With Linux, is it advisable to run ftp/ http or any server software on a
> regular desktop?

That depends?  How important is the website in question, and how concerned 
about the security of both your workstation and your website are you?  If the 
answer is "very" to both of those, use dedicated machines.  Also, if it's  
high-traffic site (in which case the answer is probably already "very"), use 
dedicated machines.

> 3) Redhat and Suse come out with server editions like Advanced server ,
> Enterprise server. Which are the situations in which they can be used? 

When your boss won't let you use Debian.  Other situations might include when 
you are using Oracle and you need/want Oracle support.  AFAIK Red Hat 
Enterprise Server is the only platform certified by Oracle (at least in the 
US; when I was in Japan, I seem to recall that Miracle Linux had been 
purchased by Oracle and was used as their reference distro).


>  What could be the limitations if I were to use general Linux instead of
> these special editions?

None, except special situations like the Oracle case mentioned above.  In 
fact, the Enterprise editions tend to be more limiting.  For example, with 
Red Hat Enterprise, you are required to use only RH's binary packgages, at 
least if you want support.  If you have compiled your own kernel and then 
call up RH for support, the answer will be along the lines of "Go back to the 
standard Red Hat kernel and see if it fixes the problem.  If it doesn't, then 
we can help you.  If it does, ticket closed."

Mandrake enjoys a (well-deserved) reputation for being an HWS (Hood Welded 
Shut) Linux, but as far as I'm concerned, the "Enterprise Editions" are far 
worse on that score."

HTH,

Jonathan