1.) How exactly do we have full root access? SSH?

2.) Remote Reboot Ports, what exactly are they? I know you can reboot the server in most cp software right?

3.) Anyone know of any resources about running a dedicated box?


Finally, Ive been looking at serverbeach.com, rackforce.com, and dedicatednow.com

can anyone give me the lowdown on these 3 companys?



In YOUR opinion please list the top5 dedicated providers....



Thanks

1.) How exactly do we have full root access? SSH?

Yes, technically speaking Telnet access through SSH if you are using a Linux based machine. For Windows, you could install programs such as PCAnywhere and work with the Windows interface (almost) like you are working on it locally.

2.) Remote Reboot Ports, what exactly are they? I know you can reboot the server in most cp software right?

Remote Reboot ports are like your hard reboot button you find on your pc. It is used when the server completely hangs and you cannot access the reboot feature of the control panel. Of course, it is sort of an item of last resort and should not be use if you can reboot the proper way.

It is like on Windows, they tell you to do a proper Shutdown or Restart and not to just hit physical turn off the switch or do a hard reboot is necessary.

Although these may not be what your web host is using but here are some pictures of how the remote reboot equipment looks like

http://www.wti.com/power.htm

3.) Anyone know of any resources about running a dedicated box?

It depends on what you mean by that. If you are talking about information on how to manage a dedicated box, well, you can find books on linux and probably on Apache web server. I am currently reading the Linux Apache Web Server Administration and it is a good book. If you need a dummies guide, Dummies has a Linux book too.

Although most of the features for normal day to day usage can be found on the control panel, there may be times when you need to shell and modify some configurations or restart services.

http://www.sibbald.com/topics/linux.html <-- this is not a comprehensive guide but it gives you a place to start.