CentServer: Like CentOS, but on one CD and without X

I was pleased as the proverbial punch to receive a link in the latest Distrowatch Weekly, and I didn't even have to stoop to my usual begging. (Thanks Caitlyn!)

What I also saw in the column was the announcement of a new distribution, CentServer, which is based on CentOS. For those who might not know, CentOS is itself a free clone of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

I've run CentOS as a desktop system, and lately especially (since 5.2) been extremely pleased.

But CentServer, and those behind it, care not. They want a SERVER OS, with none of the trimmings. No X (because real admins don't use X ... or is it because of the hit on performance?).

Here are CentServer's features:

• Optmized for server
• No X window
• Minimal server components included
• Automate installation support (without any interaction)
• 1 CD (384MB)
• Setup from scratch in 5 minutes

I like. A single CD, automatic install (although real server geeks like the fine-grained control you get in the Slackware installer, where you can choose what will install package by package). Five-minute setup — great for getting a box up quickly.

Here's another distro I'll be watching. I don't exactly know what makes it more secure than plain-vanilla CentOS, and I'd certainly like to find out.

CentServer's big problem: This might not be a problem for you (the global you) but it's a problem for me: CentServer is 64-bit only. It runs on both AMD and Intel 64-bit CPUs, but I don't have a single 64-bit CPU in my herd. ... OK I might have a old AMD laptop in the junk pile, but I'm not about to turn it into a server ...