I have a working apache/mysql/php, ect. server, but Im a little familiar with the Linux OS. From what I can tell its easier to monitor packets/traffic, open ports, configure all the networking layers, and more versatile to run a server on linux. However, all of my graphic design stuff is stored on the same desktop that the server is ran on. I have a laptop, so doing my graphic design on here wouldn't be that much of a chore. I just wanted to know if there were any big advantages to using Linux vs Windows server.

Oh Boy! THAT'S a can of worms! LOL!...

if you're doin' your stuff in apahce/mysql/php, you're one step away from LAMP anyway... use the Linux server, it's a natural fit for it...

I won't get into WHY Linux is a way cooler operating system for this - it's sufficient to say it's a natural for what you're doing... market is split with LAMP and WASP.NET anyway...

R U using Apache/Mysql/php on Windows now? (WAMP?)

Yea =) It works fairly well. I'm thinking about getting more into packet sniffing and messing around with certain things. I know enough to be dangerous at this point, but I want to play around a little more. I think linux is better for packet capture too.

yup yup yup... all counts.. and there's some nice free scripts out there to that probably already do exactly what you want to do...

r u gonna have root access to this thing?

I work technical support for a webhosting company. I would have to say probably 90% of our servers are Linux. I know how it can be just starting out in it, but once you get used to it, it's fun. And, in my opinion, if you know what you're doing, it can be a bit more stable and more secure than Windows in a lot of ways. I'm not sure how much you know already, but here's a tutorial that helps me out all the time.

http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/toc.html

Good luck, man, and have fun. :)

truth from the mountain man!

I've worked in the Linux environment when I worked for a tax company as a network admin. I know a fair amount, and yes I will have root access. Thanks guys =)

In this field of environment, you most definitely should go with Linux.
LAMP is readily available.
Remember that "Linux' is made for the programmers, and Admins.
Windows is just trying to follow suit.