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.

It sounds like you should get "standard" unless you are going to have more than 4 processors or more than 4GB of ram. In which case you'll need "Enterprise". Performance will be more dependent on your hardware vs. the operating system flavor.

Web hosting? Linux/FreeBSD is the best and cost effect considering all the free stuff available Give a person a fish you feed them for a day. Ask a person to internet search and they learn a skill for a lifetime.

Wouldn't necessarily say that. Definitely is the most cost effective, but show me a messaging product from either Linux or FreeBSD that is as robust as Exchange. Not that he may need Exchange's features, but still... Please help survivors of Hurricane Katrina! www.redcross.org

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

You again are faced with a similar comparison. SQL is a solid product as well. I don't want to get in a pissing contest of open source vs. Microsoft. Generally speaking, Microsoft products are easier to manage but expensive relatively. Open source are obviously cheaper, often more secure, but support and ease of managability are comparably lacking. Not to deter people from open source solutions, but to bring your attention to this - many people jump head first into open source because it's free, and don't look at the "expense" of managing the solution. Make sure you understand what's involved, you know where you can get support if something blows up, etc. Look before you leap! For example, I use IPCop (open source linux distro) for a webproxy/firewall solution because I know I can fix it, admin it, manage it with little trouble. But I use Exchange for a messaging solution personally because the open source competition in messaging doesn't offer the same features, and I'm not comfortable with what the support options are. Please help survivors of Hurricane Katrina. www.redcross.org

one thing I havent seen asked is what is your knowledge level? You might do better finding someone to host your site yet give you access to it to make changes to the content.