Linux versus FreeBSD

Hi, it depends on your UNIX background. Linux is easier to use than FreeBSD (or any of the other BSDs, Open, Net and DragonFly). I would advise that you try out either Ubuntu Server edition before going to the BSDs -- their installation is both straightforward (ubuntu is slightly easier than FreeBSD), but getting software is a lot easier in Ubuntu (any any Debian derivative for that matter), the apt-get mechanism is addictive, and very attractive to new users; Given the hardware you mentioned, both BSD and Ubuntu Server will run just fine (I wouldn't run X server on it though), but like I said, it depends on your UNIX background, if you have previous experience on UNIX, go ahead with FreeBSD. By the way, BSD is not UNIX-like, the BSD people won't like that. BSD is UNIX (it's the Berkeley Systems Distribution of UNIX, as opposed to the System V of AT&T -- I can't remember the exact UNIX family tree now, but I think that's about close) , Linux is UNIX-like -- it doesn't share any codebase with the original UNIX lineage -- personally, I don't think these details are important, for me, the difference between Linux and UNIX is not technological, it's philosophical. Happy lottin.

I am not familiar with FreeBSD but I prefer Ubuntu Server for your situation.

I don't know much about BSD I am afraid, but currently use Mandriva Linux 2009, with the XFCE community edition and have found this to run extremely well, which is easily modified to your requirements and has plenty of software for it from the repositories.

I thought is FreeBSD is almost like Linux or is the same.. basically is unix derrative. right ? I'm currently using knnoppix live linux to try on the OS..Im currently enjoying using Linux.