Question

I am starting a small project with one other developer and need to setup a dedicated system to house our version control and any other short-term needs the project may have. Requirements for the server are:

• Free/open source OS.
• Must provide source control.
• Must run all the time.

That’s it. So I know there are about a thousand Linux-based server distros around that can accomplish this, but looking for success stories from anyone who has managed their own server(s) for a small project. Which did you find easiest, most flexible, most powerful, etc?

Side question: favorite source control system and why?

Answer 1

I have a dedicated Ubuntu server using GIT for version control.
Managing private repositories with gitosis. And it’s been great.

Manage git repositories, provide access to them over SSH, with tight access control and not needing shell accounts.

gitosis aims to make hosting git repos easier and safer. It manages multiple repositories under one user account, using SSH keys to identify users. End users do not need shell accounts on the server, they will talk to one shared account that will not let them run arbitrary commands.

It’s robust, damn fast, and reliable.