Windows server Vs. Linux server

[mazdarx7-64]

If I wanted to setup a domain with 100+ users with windows 2000 or 2003 server would I have to get 100+ licenses for server, or just that many licenses of windows XP, or both??? If I had to buy that many licenses of server or both XP and Server I would rather go with Linux, I just have more experance with windows server than linux. If I was to go with Linux for a server, just a simple domain login and minor file server and game server, what distro would be easy to pick-up, and fast to learn. Again this is a simple file server, domain controller,and game server, not web server or anything really robust. Also do most games have a Linux version of the server that windows clients can join into??
~Thanks

[mazdarx7-64]

If your gonna vote at least leave a reason why you voted that way.

[kantlivelong]

linux - stable, secure, cheaper(free), more support.(ex php scripts mainly coded for linux), less memory usage.

Redhat Fedora Core 2 is great.

[mazdarx7-64]

This won't be in the net, local conections only, so security won't be a problem. It is more for a game server than anything else.

[kantlivelong]

then deff linux.. it has exellent performance for a gaming server.. more resources avail too..

[mazdarx7-64]

Do most LAN type games have linux server ablities, that windows PC's can connect to??

[willy_ph]

So long as the game has a server program for linux, then you're good to go. Most, if not all, multiplayer games now release server daemons for linux, along with windows builds.

[computerwizz]

Take a good look at this interesting article guys...
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10...dows_security/

[mazdarx7-64]

With a linux setup the users will be able to login to a "domain" from the windows PCs to the Linux server, right??

[mazdarx7-64]

thanks computerwizz, i'll read that when I get home!