[KLUG Members] Question On Server and Enterprise software ( Happy New Year)

[Adam Williams]

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

Depends on the size of the organization and what downtime will cost.

> 2) If so, which are the situations in which we can use a desktop machine as
> server and which are the situations in which we should use a server
> machine?

Sometime workgroup stuff can be hosted on a local dual-purpose machine. 
But if more than a few people depend on the service it isn't really
feasible,  especially given the price of systems.   Desktops aren't
usually in protected places, on reliable power sources, etc...

Would be lousy if two dozen people where sitting around on their hands
because someone spilled thier big-gulp on their desktop which is also
everyones server.

> 3) Redhat and Suse come out with server editions like Advanced server ,
> Enterprise server. Which are the situations in which they can be used? I
> have gone through the site and would really appreciate feedback from a
> person with experience on this

I haven't used any of these.  I've read about them but don't really
grasp what they offer.  A system tuned for server operation?  I can do
that myself.  Commercial support?  I'm just not interested, but
experience has been that commercial support is usually worth something
equivalent to a room full of minimum wage workers (with the exception of
I-B-M support, which rocks!).