i'm undecided on which to use. i've used redhat a lot more then ubuntu. i want to set up a personal dev server for myself to build web based applications.

what would you guys suggest?

You are comparing apples and pears:
Ubuntu is Debian based and uses .deb files, RedHat uses .rpms
Ubuntu is current, RedHat is obsolete and out of date and discontinued

CentOS is a better bet for a server.

Well, RedHat9 is getting a bit old, so I would suggest Ubuntu; on the other hand, if you really like RedHat - and don't want to spend a fortune - , you might have a look at fedora, which is the new free RedHat distro

just my 2 cents

But Fedora is designed as bleeding edge and unstable - not a good idea for a server. CentOS, Mandriva are 2 potential rpm based server distros. Debian is a popular distro for servers.

i've finally decided after the obsolete comment to try ubuntu for a while, i like that fact is has an "auto updates" section, it feels like windows, with the aura or linux.

see whats it like running an apache server with tomcat, and some basic mail servers!

thanks
guys!

Just a personal choice thing but I really don't like Ubuntu. I think it's been more hype than substance, but that's just me.

For a server I would highly recommend Debian, or Slackware, both of which are extremely stable.

debian is very similar to ubuntu isn't it?
whats the difference? honestly?

if i put debian on? and install gnome on both unbuntu & debian, will i notice a difference?

On any distro you can install gnome or kde , some distros have some kind of "control panels" and specific configuration tools. Ubuntu is based on debian with packages as up to date than debian "unstable".
See for yourself on their respective websites, missions, target people, etc...

Actually Ubuntu is only up to date as the day they took the snapshot of unstable.. meaning a few months ago.

If you want to build a server, go with Debian Sarge if you've decided to go the .deb route, or Cent OS (insert other RH clone of choice here) if you want to stick with the Redhat way (or Slackware, my 2nd fave .. and a very close 2nd it is.. might as well have a tie for 1st lol ). Ubuntu is tailored for desktop use (I'm not that keen on it anyway, give me Debian any day). I'm not really sure what you mean by Ubuntu feeling like windows, as it sure didn't feel that way to me, and I'm glad. I don't want my OS to feel like windows, else I would use windows.

Just keep in mind that for a server or production box stability is far more important than having bleeding edge apps. As long as security patches are up to date, which Debian does a pretty good on, you really don't need the most current, bleeding edge software chich by nature is almost always less stable.

I personally prefer Slackware for a server, but it's a matter of personal choice. I find it to be a good mix of current apps and rock solid stability. I also find it easier to configure and maintain but that's likely more due to having used it far more than Debian.

Don't misunderstand me, I have NOTHING against Debian for a server.