[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux software/hardware Server based questions

[Carlo Pellegrini]

Hello,
I am new to Linux and I have some questions about
using Linux for a project in development. The project
involves using server-side Java(JSP/servlets) to
create charts(png images)dynamically. We use classes
from Sitraka Jclass ServerChart. What we have observed
so far in our beta testing is that the creation of
these images consumes significant server resources(CPU
and RAM) through the Java Virtual Machine processing.
We have been using a hosting company in a shared
server environment. The server is a Sun Sparc running
Solaris 6 with Zeus as the server software and Tomcat
as the servlet container. It has 1 gig of RAM
installed and a 333mhz processor. The box is around 2
years old.
In this shared server environment, we are not getting
enough power to generate our charts quickly enough,
thus we are going to move to a dedicated server
situation.
Can anyone give me any suggestions about how to go
about maximizing the benefits of Linux for our
situation.? 
Hardware: I would like to know what 
processor/motherboard works best with the OS. We are
looking at getting a dual processor capable board to
allow scaling up based on our needs.
Software:  I assume Redhat is stable and robust and
has wide support. What about the Java Virtual Machine?
Is there one that would work best in our situation,
which does not involve a huge number of users and
charts, but  it does require the rapid generation of
the charts. 
Webserver Software: Apache seems like the way to go,
any thoughts on Tux? We will most likely stick with
Tomcat as our servlet container.
I would appreciate any response. I would especially
appreciate if someone wouldn't mind me calling them up
to talk in person about this.
Thanks,
Carlo Pellegrini
Palermo6 at yahoo.com



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