Donald Teed wrote: > Howdy, > > My workplace is a small University currently working > with FreeBSD and Solaris for their *nix OS standards. > > I'm recently become the sysadmin. My boss agrees > that FreeBSD isn't serving us as well as it did. > To me, the big kicker is the dropping of our backup > client for networker from FreeBSD ports. > > We are evaluating Redhat, Suse and Debian. I've > been working with Linux for several years, and my > preference comes down strongly on Debian fitting > in where BSD currently provides our core Internet services. > I have no problem supporting Debian and another > Linux distro where commercial software requires > Redhat or whatever. However we are trying hard for > just one distro to suit all needs. > > I've told others involved in the decision making that > as there is no money changing hands, and no > press releases, Debian is a quiet success and point > them to the Netcraft stats showing Debian as the #2 > web server platform in their automated scan polls. > > It would be helpful if I could learn of other academic > institutions using Debian in core Internet service roles, such > as email and spam filtering, DNS, DHCP, web, etc. > I know Debian is a common desktop choice > or research platform for many as well, but this group > is looking for more information on experiences > with Debian in the server room. > > If you have the time, I'd also appreciate any comments > you can share on pros and cons of Debian. I think > I'm aware of the basic features from my experience > running Debian, but I'm thinking of things that > might not come up until in a real life production > system with load factors, fires to put out, > maintenance windows, and hardware support of > stuff like iSCSI SANs. > > You can send these to me off list if you like. > > Thanks, > > --Donald Teed > I think Debian's biggest plus is that it is very easy to automate the various administrative tasks. I have talked to people that have admined a number of Red Hat or SuSE servers/workstations and the consensus from them is that if you are willing to pay the $$ for the enterprise management tools from Red Hat or Novell, they are a piece of cake to admin. I am not sure if Red Hat and SuSE are as automatable (is that a word?) as Debian since I have not done it first hand. However, I do know that I occasionally amaze my buddies with some of the stuff I can do with Debian that they can't do with Red Hat or SuSE. Now, for them, they came from the background of being Windows admins (some of them still switch hit), whereas my only serious sysadmin experience is with Debian. If you know Debian well, you will be much more productive with Debian. If they want to be able to replace you with another competent *nix admin (in case of accident or whatever), then they will probably be better off with Red Hat or SuSE since admins familiar with those distros are a dime a dozen. -Roberto -- Roberto C. Sanchez http://familiasanchez.net/~roberto
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