Linux and PHP

On Sat, 01 May 2004 20:02:57 +0000, Nick Mudge wrote:

> I currently have Windows XP, but I am thinking of changing my operating
> system to linux because all i want to do is web development with PHP,
> MySQL and Apache. Does anybody recommend the best linux version for web
> developement?
>
> Also, what is the best way to transfere the files that I want to keep from
> windows XP onto Linux?
>
> I know that there is the partishioning option of having both Linux and
> Windows on my computer, but I heard that, that is not the best way to go.
> Comments anybody?
>
> Nick

While I think that Linux is superior to Windows, I don't see any real
reason to change from Windows just for PHP development purposes. You can
feasibly do all of your PHP development on WinXP just fine.

However, there are many compelling reasons to switch to Linux beyond just
PHP development, including (but not limited to):

* relative safety from viruses.
* vastly more configurable environment.
* free software.
* freedom software.
* Tons and tons of free software. Included on the typical Linux distro CD.
* Expert-friendly environment
* greater default security (keyword is "default" -- Win2k/XP can be
reasonably secure; just not on a default install!)

With that in mind, asking "which Linux for me" is a bit like asking "will
I like chocolate better than vanilla". There are many Linux distros. Some
would say too many.

My recommendations are:

* Red Hat/Fedora Core 1
* SuSE
* Mandrake
* Gentoo

Not necessarily in that order. (Except I personally do put Fedora Core
first.)

Good luck, and by all means, make the switch.

later...

--
Jeffrey D. Silverman | jeffrey AT jhu DOT edu
Website | http://www.wse.jhu.edu/newtnotes/