Feisty

In general, Ubuntu Feisty, and Debian Etch can both be configured for server operation, thus allowing for the minimization of installed applications. I cannot say which one is better for a server, because they both are inarguably stable, and provide recent versions of Mysql, PHP, Apache, and the Kernel. While Ubuntu is more consistent with its updates, Debian is practically indistinguishable, and arguably more stable. Overall there is no great need for a bleeding edge version of Mysql, PHP, Apache, or the Linux Kernel. Most all software is always provided as backwards compatible, therefore earlier versions of software, in most instances, are capable of performing as expected or required. The most that is sometimes required is custom compiling, in which the major headache is package dependencies. Package dependencies are indeed an interesting topic. Many Linux distribution utilize custom installation programs that are capable of mitigating package dependencies thoroughly. When compiling code in a bash terminal, it can be extremely frusterating trying to track down, compile, and install required dependencies. Software that automatically resolves required dependencies, compiles them, and proceeds to installation, is the crux of the Linux Movement. It is what sets Linux apart from Windows, as the incredible size, and shear volume, of software titles that are avilable as GPL, or GNU, or otherwise FREE of charge, will provide the tools necessary for the development of next general PC technologies.