Hi all:)

Because there many newbies who want to know how to own and deal with
their own servers(including me;D), I would like from the ones that have experience and
knowledge with managing servers, to help in making a complete guide to managing servers..

A guide that guides you form the beginning, to be an expert server manger!!

I think it will be helpful rather than posting repeated threads or searching the
forum from top to bottom!

I think many will agree with me. Do you? :eek:

First thing to do is go out and buy Linux Unleashed. Loads of information in there.

Linux Apache Web Server Administration is a nice book too if you want to manage Linux Apache servers.

The entire "Craig Hunt Linux Library" series by Sybex is good... I have "Apache Web Server Administration" and "Linux System Administration"

Here's a link to them all at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-keywords=craig%20hunt%20linux%20library%5C&search-type=ss&bq=1/104-8537992-9984720

I suggest Linux Administration A Beginner's Guide by Steve Shah. It is easy to understand and covers Apache, Firewalls, recompiling the kernal, etc.

Why don't you start with the net? Plenty of good resources are available for the asking for free. Google is your friend.

linux and web administration isn't something you can just learn from a 10 step guide. Its a long project that can take months or years depending how much you're into learning it. Buy some books and look around on google.

Its also good to install apache/php/mysql on your home computer so you can mess around with it or to buy a test server cheap somewhere. These things, some patience, and time will turn you into a good admin.

Man pages are great too. Get to know your command line.

Hello everyone,

I'm newbie too, and wondering if I have to know those technical stuff to run my web site on dedicated server..??

I'm looking into dedicated server, because I want to run chat room on my site in the future. All of shared hosting plan I know don't allow chat room.

Is there any web hosting company that I can run my web site without knowing those complicate technical stuff? Or do I have to learn all of those tech things?

I'm willing to learn, but I'm too busy with other stuff right now - php, mysql, css, etc, etc., so just wondering if there's any way I can run my web site without knowing those Linux tech stuff...

And what is "Man pages"? Is that a book or online tutorial?

Thanks and happy new year!

bohemian, that depends on whether you get a managed server or not. If you have a managed server, all you should have to know is the development side... html, php, whatever you use on the site and maybe ftp to get it to your server.

You shouldn't have to know much about administering a server, as your hosting provider would keep it up and running (and patched) for you.

However, if you get a server somewhere like rackshack it won't be managed, and you'll have to do those things yourself... :rolleyes:

"Man Pages" are Manual pages that are built in to the commandline. So if you wanted to know how to use the 'ls' command, you'd type 'man ls' .

Originally posted by RobotDSquad
"Man Pages" are Manual pages that are built in to the commandline. So if you wanted to know how to use the 'ls' command, you'd type 'man ls' . Man pages will soon become your best friend!

It's good to read a book to get the grasp of all the concepts and learn about system administration in general... but no matter what your experience level there will come a time when you don't know all the switches to a command, or need a refresher.

Wow, that was fast, thanks for answering guys! I appreciate it.. I'm going to get one of those beginners guide book and start learning.

Thanks again!

Man pages are kind of like the help command in DOS like; move /? or deltree /? or netuse /?

Cool.

Here is my quick guide to managing servers:

1. Get a good book
2. Get an old PC and install linux on it.
3. Play around with Linux/Editors until you are very comfortable ( this part takes anywhere from 1day-years so be prepared to learn.
4. Install/Customize scripts and or services
5. Setup a secure stable machine used for a particular job, i.e - running a large website
6. Do this on a large scale every day. ;-)

If I left out anything, beat me up! Good luck and just dont be afraid to learn.

Oh oh and take classes too. They will help you.

For a mere $1700, you can have the 20 tape video series.:stickout:
http://www.keystonelearning.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/Category/keystonecat.d2w/report?cgmenbr=7020&cgrfnbr=5445

Never tried it, so I have no idea about its worth. Perhaps someone else has given it a try. I saw a set on Ebay that I thought about getting, but it went for over $700.

I suggest getting a managed server with a company that doesn't mind answering "Why?" or "How?" Also, a test box is worth its weight in gold.

Oh yeah, try this for fun....keep a watch on the technical forums here in WHT and other forums. See if you can figure out (through web searches, books, test box, etc.) the solution to the issues you see there. (No geek jokes, please, because you people have done this, too!:eek: ) I am NOT saying that you should give advice, but use their experiences as learning tools.

-Lamar

Originally posted by bohemian
Is there any web hosting company that I can run my web site without knowing those complicate technical stuff? Or do I have to learn all of those tech things?


I am in same boat as you Bohemian.

i found this host, and they have a decent reputation.

they have a plan called "EasyAdmin"
http://www.datapipe.com/easyadmin.asp
as low as $199/mo (and i think no setup)...

Their easy admin interface is awesome... try the demo.

I think HostWay.com has a decent plan too.

Cpanel/WHM is actually not hard to manage. The Cobalt RaQ is a nice and easy interface too. And if you are planning to provide exactly what the control panel can provide, there is really nothing much you really need to do.

But of course, it would be best to arm yourself with some basic Linux/Apache knowledge because if your customer asked you about setting up say a MySQL database or why their CGI doesn't work. At least you can give an intelligent answer, instead of 'err ? Could you explain what you mean by CGI ? '

One fundamental thing you need to do are to be able to setup your DNS servers and setting up of accounts. Your web host might provide DNS Services but it would not look all that professional if you start using theirs (okay if you use theirs as secondary DNS but not everything). Or else they might come up to you and ask if you are reselling for that company. Worst still, if that company sells virtual accounts which are similiar to yours.

My first dedicated server was a Cobalt RaQ and it took me about 3 weeks to get it up and running and about 2 months to be able to confidently do things like set up accounts and DNS.

Cpanel/WHM setting up your DNS is a little more complicated but not impossible. But the setting up of accounts is a major breeze.

If you do get a dedicated server, experiment a little for some time, add and remove accounts and so on (non active ones) and if you are confident with it, then go move or start your business through it.

I suggest you start looking on the web.

www.linuxdoc.org
www.google.com/linux
www.onlamp.com
www.linuxnewbie.org
www.linux.org
www.linuxplanet.com

tons more...just search the internet :)

Google is your friend.

I have learned soooo much from google.com links. I'm still learning and learning. No need to buy the book, I can search the engine. :-)

Linuxnewbie is a very good one. :-):D :D :D

Dave

Hi again :)

I thank you all for shearing your knowledge with us...
it was very helpful.

Now let us go to the security side:

Who can I secure my server from top to bottom completely?:confused:
What is the programs, tools and hardware to do so? keeping
in mind the lowest cost.

I thank you again for your help...:)

Who can I secure my server from top to bottom completely?If anybody says they can 100% guarentee they are able to make your server hacker proof, don't believe them. Even the most experienced security expert in the world could never guarentee this. All they can do is the best they can to get as close to that 100% as possible.

Securing your server, I'd say start with updating all the system software: apache, bind, kernel, ... That's already a big step in the right direction. Make sure to keep all the system software as up to date as possible and apply any security patches that are released.

Secondly, some kernel hardning will also help, if running Redhat Linux, you can use Bastille for this (www.bastille-linux.org).

Thirdly, a firewall will also help prevent the annoying little script kiddies from causing any damage. The Bastille package includes PSAD, which from my (all be it rather limited to some) experience works quite well. Also be sure to keep this security software up to date.

Fourthly, don't use passwords that appear in a dictionary. Use combinations of letters and numbers and don't make the passwords too short.

Hardware wise, most datacenters will put their servers behind a basic firewall (at least I hope they do), but for a more advanced hardware firewall, you will end up paying $$$.

Also, a control panel is an aid. To effectively manage a remote server there is no substitute for SSH. A control panel can only do so much. It basicly just gives a graphical interface for certain system processes, like creating email addresses, hosting accounts etc.

Up for the eyes:D

Possibly the most useful shell command you'll ever learn:

man -k [keyword]

So, when you completely space the name of that obscure command you need to do X, you can find all the commands related to it. :)

Also, check your local junior college for continuing education courses in linux/unix system administration to get a good feel for the environment. If you're a post-Win95 person who's never really used DOS it will definitely be a help as the command line is an entirely different animal from a GUI...

But rackshack forums have some really good how to guides for Newbies, that do not make you feel too bad about learning and they are helpful.