Hi...

I'm trying to decide between running Apache using Red Hat 7.2 or (maybe) windows XP. I can't afford Win 2000 server so running IIS is pretty much out of the question. Any help is greatly appreciated.

This should be a no brainer: Linux. For one thing, XP would be a very bloated install for what you're trying to do. With your Red Hat install you can simply choose only the packages related to web hosting (assuming this is the only thing this box will be doing) and avoid installing unneeded parts like an X server. Also, because of its early state there are, and will be more, gaping security holes in XP. Case and point the whole UPnP problem. While Linux isn't totally secure either, it is, in my opinion, moreso then XP. Plus, Linux is free.

Never have I seen so many great minds bent on such small a task.

Linux is WAY more secure than NT. The folks at extremetech put up a Win2000 web server up to see how long it would take to get hacked. The server began downloading Updates from Microsoft. 20 minutes into this activity, it got infected by Nimda twice. I rest my case. Plus, there is that guy in England who is offering a million pounds(!) if you can hack into his Linux box...No takers.

"If you teach a child to read, then he or her will be able to pass a literacy test" - George W.

Linux and Apache is the way to go. IIS is just so insecure that you'll probably spend more time patching it up then running your webserver.

<i>It is not illegal until you get caught! </i>