Hi,

I am in development for of a fairly large web-app (PHP/MySQL). Currently I am hosting on Linux (CentOS) using Apache in a Virtual Dedicated Server with RackForce.

I am a one-man show. I have about a decade of Windows development and server admin experience. I have zero experience with Linux.

This decision was made to go with Linux because of a partner who is no longer with me, and in principle I agree that Linux is probably a better choice technically.

However, I am faced with a serious problem: I have to administer the server hosting a mission-critical web-app for thousands of paying clients.

If (when) something goes wrong, it will take me ten times longer to solve it on Linux because I wont even know where to start. On the other hand, one might say because the app is mission critical - it should be hosted on Linux. I want to be technically on solid ground, but I have to be realistic.

Should I stay the course with Linux. Maybe I need to get some classes in at my local polytechnic institute? Or, is the reduction in stress and time I could be spending on making the application better by switching to Windows a far greater benefit?

Any advice appreciated.
TIA