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I am going to install and administrate a virtual server for a small university. The server should run inside a virtual machine (VirtualBox OSE).
It is only used in the university network and is invisible to the outside world. It should run Apache web server for PHP, MySQL and probably a mail server.

I don't know which OS to use. Main criteria for choosing include ease of administration and updating, package management and performance.

I wonder if anyone has any suggestions?

And candidate OSs are:
Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, Slackware, FreeBSD, OpenSolaris. Add any other OS if you know any better alternatives.

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I suggest you also consider using NetBSD -- I use it to host hundreds of internet sites and it performs very well. – Randolf Richardson Jun 21 '11 at 7:29
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Your requirements are not uncommon, so therefore I don't think that there's much of a difference between either of the distributions you mentioned. Remember that Debian and Ubuntu have a lot of (community) documentation due to their widespread use. Apart from that, I think it's a matter of personal preference. – slhck Jun 21 '11 at 7:34
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4 Answers

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If you are the one to install and administrate the server - use the operating system you know. That's the best advice you can get.

If you don't have prior experience with any of these systems - you'll have to do some research and see what other people say about them, but after all, it'll be up to you again to choose, since all systems have power users, fans, zealots and haters :-)

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This was a good point to mention. I have been working with Debian/Ubuntu/Fedora for more than two years. So based on this post and other posts and comments I will go for Debain or Ubuntu. Thanks everybody for their help. :) – Ako Jun 21 '11 at 15:21
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up vote 1 down vote

Debian and Ubuntu both have a very powerful package manager (IMO, the best package manager available), which means updates are easy.

Between those two, Debian has a stronger emphasis on security and high-quality code, while Ubuntu has a stronger emphasis on releasing frequently with new features.

For a server, I would choose Debian over Ubuntu, as security is usually more important than new whiz-bang features.

But if ease of use is truly a high priority, then Ubuntu may be better suited to your needs.

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up vote 1 down vote

Decide on a list of must have tools and applications and check which OS supports them best , also keep in mind that many distros of Linux do not have a long term support so ensure that the os that you choose will be supported for at least next 4-5 years. Personally I would go with Ubuntu Server .

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I am using CentOS. Very happy.

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Could you explain why you are happy with CentOS, specifically in the areas the question asks about? Without that, your answer is pretty worthless to the question. – Flimzy Jun 22 '11 at 7:33
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