Which LInux flavor...

[Zemuss]

I am starting to get the Linux urge again.
I want to learn more about LInux in general and try to setup a Linux Server.
From my understanding the server capabilities of Linux or the same as a Windows server right?

So promoting it to a Domain controller.. etc. is the same but the commands might be different?

How is the security for users? I.e preventing them from doing installs etc..

Also which Linux flavor should I start out with..

Red Hat
Mandrake
Slackware
or
FreeBSD?

Thanks.
"Z"

ALl information is appreciated.

[BobGuy]

Originally posted by Zemuss
Also which Linux flavor should I start out with..

Red Hat
Mandrake
Slackware
or
FreeBSD?
http://www.distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

It lists 10 distributions, which are generally considered as most widely used by Linux users around the world. There are no figures to back it up and there are many other distributions that might suit your particular purpose better, but as a general rule, all of these are popular and have very active forums or mailing lists where you can ask questions if you get stuck.

[Walden]

out of the box, i'm going to have to go with Mandrake 9.1. I've messed Free BSD 4.8, it was good. just didn't like it that much though.

[BobGuy]

How is the security for users? I.e preventing them from doing installs etc.

As a general rule, users can not do anything harmful to the system without the root password. This includes installing software into the global system.

Users can only use their account to do things in.

Keeping up with the security updates keeps it this way.