looking for best OS for web hosting

[gibby]

I'm going to be buying my own server and running my own web hosting business. If I buy Windows Server 2003, what's the best edition I should buy?

Here's what I need it to do:

-web hosting (obviously)
-FTP capabilities
-Remote login
-Email hosting
-Compatibility with a typical Database Management System
-maybe also used as a DNS

If I was going for performance, what should I get?

If I was going for cost, what should I get?


Thanks for any advice.

[corey84]

have a look at windowss server 2003 R2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/r2/webplatform/default.mspx

looks like that would be what you are looking for in a windows solution

performance wise cant really comment cause ive never had any problems with either linux or windows hosting, cost wise linux would be a lot cheaper and it also depends on what you will be developing your web apps in. If PHP then i would definatley go with Linux as it performs a hell of a lot better on that system, if ASP windows is its native environment

[gibby]

Thanks Corey,

Now suppose I go with Windows Server 2003 R2 and I wanted a DBMS on my server. What would be the best DBMS? I'm thinking MySQL. Suppose I went with Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition? What would be the best DBMS then?

Thanks

[dimeric]

MSSql i think

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/default.mspx

[Horus_Kol]

MySQL runs quite happily on Windows 2003 - i have it on that OS at work... serving two web-servers...

I went with MySQL because it was free - and i had a very tight budget (ie, none...)... I have started to use MS-SQL in recent times, and I can see anything in it... ultimately, it comes down to raw and abstract numbers...