[BELLonline]

I've always used CentOS, I was recommended it when I first started out and it's been good to me. I'd recommend it if you don't mind command line, but the Ubuntu desktop option sounds good even thought I've never tried it.

[Paul F]

Thank you very much andy and marco, that has cleared up my doubts and answered my questions. Time to get ordering now i suppose

[Marco]

Hello Paul,

If you want to have a linux user-friendly distribution, I would suggest you to use Ubuntu desktop. as it has a graphical user interface which it will allow you to work in windows based environment, thanks to the pre-installed nxclient server:
http://help.ovh.co.uk/UbuntuDeskGeneralities

Another option could be to install 1 of 2 OVH's release. This releases are prepared by OVH and they are supposed to be for the customers that do not want to install or update any packages, but they want only to be able to see their website up and running in a couple of clicks. This is possible thanks to the fact that the essential packages are already pre-installed ( Apache, email server, PHP, MySQL, webmin ) together with the OVH's module OVHM. You need to know as well that if you will update some packages like mysql or apache, they can introduce compatibility issues which could cause your release to work incorrectly. We update our releases with patches and you will simply download the latest one and run it by typing a few simple commands:
http://www.ovh.co.uk/items/distribut.../release_1.xml
http://www.ovh.co.uk/items/distribut.../release_2.xml
http://help.ovh.co.uk/OvhmUserGuide
http://help.ovh.co.uk/ReleasePatch
http://help.ovh.co.uk/ReleasePatchSecurity

You can still re-install at any time from a choice of our linux distributions within your manager by logging into it => click onto your dedicated server => click on services => click on the icon "Reinstall the server" and then select the one you need from the OS list:
http://www.ovh.co.uk/items/distributions_os.xml

If you have still any doubt do not hesitate to contact our support by email to customersupport@ovh.co.uk or by phone at the number 02072225500, otherwise feel free to post again on our forum.

I hope that helps.

[Andy]

If i chose Ubuntu, could i install a different distro later on from the control panel if that one isnt any good for what i need it for? Or would i have to install it manially myself?

Yes you can. Its all automatic from the OVH control panel.

[Paul F]

I'm about to order a Kimsufi server but wanted to know which linux distro would be good for a beginner? I plan on using the space for college/uni projects, a few websites & maybe even a shoutcast radio station.

If i chose Ubuntu, could i install a different distro later on from the control panel if that one isnt any good for what i need it for? Or would i have to install it manially myself?
I would choose windows but being a student i cant really afford the extra a month and it would be good to learn linux anyway.

Any help would be appreciated

cheers