How To Install CentOS 5.5 For a Web Server

I finally decided to play around a little more with CentOS. After work today, I decided to kick back and install CentOS 5.5 to use on one of my personal web servers here in my home office. I'm pretty excited about testing out the OS. Already, it does seem much more complicated compared to Ubuntu Server. We'll just have to see how things go. By the way, if you're experienced with Linux and happen to have some opinions between the two operating systems, feel free to chime in.

The reason why I'm installing CentOS is because most all of the web hosting accounts I have with companies such as HostGator or BlueHost use CentOS. I really like Ubuntu Server, but I don't think it's fair to draw an opinion between the two unless I try them both. I'll keep you posted on the progress and testing.

What Is The Best Linux OS For a Web Server?

Most all major web hosting companies such as HostGator, BlueHost, etc. use CentOS as their web server operating system. In my home office I run a couple personal web servers using Ubuntu Server. I really like that OS, but it concerns me that I might not be using the best operating system for my web servers. I'm pretty particular about things, and with my web server, I like to keep them maintained close to being identical to a standard production web server you'd expect to see running on the grid from a large web hosting company.

All that said, what's your opinion about this? What do you think is the best Linux operating system to use for a web server? Are their any added benefits to using one over another. I really look forward to reading opinions on this subject.

Kbuntu vs Ubuntu... KDE vs Gnome... Which Desktop Environment Is Better?

I absolutely love linux. Over the years, I have always had an interest in using Linux. It wasn't until recently that I started using Linux full time. In the past I always had trouble either successfully installing the OS, or simply using it for day to day things. Today the story is much difference. Most of that can be credited to Ubuntu. It's an amazing operating system. But now I'm starting to wonder about the Linux Desktop Environment. Specifically, KDE vs GNOME.

If you have tried out both desktop environments (i.e. Kbuntu vs Ubuntu) let me know your thoughts between the two? Which desktop environment is better, and why? As you may know, Ubuntu uses Gnome by default, which automatically makes it more popular. That brings out a few questions, such as why Ubuntu chooses Gnome over KDE. Anyway, any opinions that you have about the two environments will be much appreciated.

Blogger Blogs Get Indexed Quick in Google

Barely 24 hours after converting my blogger blog to use a custom domain, the site has been indexed in Google. That's a pretty cool discovery, especially for other bloggers using Blogger who want to use a custom domain, but have concerns with getting their blog reindexed. Here's a screen shot:

The second link is to my most recent post prior to this post. I will be keeping an eye on how quickly Google indexes my posts here on this blog using Blogger compared to some of my other blogs that use WordPress and let you know if there are any speed differences, and or SEO values to using Blogger over WordPress. Stay tuned. 

Curious about Linux Disk Partitions... Perhaps Ubuntu Server?

For the last few months, I have been toying around with Ubuntu Server and one particular thing of interest has been different ways to partition the disk prior to installation of the operating system. If you're curious about the different directories and want to learn more about their purpose, check out this page. Ironically, I have been looking for a page that has this information, and ironically I happened to have stumbled across it tonight without even looking for it. Here's the link: http://linuxcommand.org/lts0040.php

Finally Got Around To Updating The URL of This Blog

It took a long time, but I finally got around to updating my good ol' blogger blog address. While this blog is still powered by Blogger, I finally got around to updating the address with a custom domain. The new address of this blog is now www.garryconn.net. You should probably update your bookmarks. Also, expect a new design coming up and a complete overhaul of the blog... including the content you'll soon be reading.

How To Determine Keyword Search Traffic

Doing keyword research can be a challenge. It's difficult to find good keywords, but it's more difficult to figure out how much traffic certain keywords will deliver once you rank for them in Google.

If you would like to know more about the amount of traffic you can expect to receive from certain keywords you research, I have written an article that provides the steps. It's pretty straight forward, and following the steps don't require you to purchase anything.

All that's required is some time to study trends, and Google Insights. Take a look at my guide and let me know what you think. Once I discovered this trick it immediately aided me with determining which keywords to target and which keywords aren't worth my time and effort. Read my article to learn how to use Google Insights to determine the amount of search traffic keywords receive.