I want to start a hosting business, and i want to purchase the server on eBay, which i expect to be used. I don't need a lot, cos i will be hosting small bandwith sites, and with about 20mb space per/each customer. I think the max number of clients i will be holding will be around up to 15-20. Here is a link to the item i may wanna look into - Does anyone think this will be good enuff?


http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1236835141

Shawn

Where are you going to colocate it? Many data centers do not allow minitower/midtower cases.

As for whether or not it would be enough, sure. 15-20 small sites would work fine on that box. But you have to ask yourself if it's worth colocating a P200 :)

Although it is kind of cheap desktop, but i don't think it is suitable to be a server. And like what nishansoft said, i don't think people want to host with that kind of server.

you can get a real server as little as $59 if you go for a search on this forum.

:)

You will probably find co-locating a rack mountable server will save a few $$ and open the doors to a few more co-location data centers to choose from. ;)

The machine is more of a workstation build than a server, though it would of course work..

I think your best bet will be to rent a dedicated server. Getting a colocated line will start to be expensive. Try getting a dedicated server. Here are some cheap dedicated server companie where they will pay for your line and server. www.*****.com www.version12.net www.orbitauctions.com www.verio.com. Your best bet is to do that !
Thanks

Colocation alone will cost you as much as a dedicated server with more power then that server. The only thing I can see a P-200 good for is maybe a door stop :)

I can't think of any applications you would be able to run on that "server". Maybe install linux on it, but then what are you going to do with it? It would be too weak for a firewall. Maybe a mini router?

That's not a server, it's a desktop computer.

tabernack, i am new to hosting, and have never done this before, so i dont know a lot! But thank you everyone for your help. Ok, for now the answering questions..

I will 'colocate' the server in my house (if thats wot you mean). No, i am not going to hold my servers in a 'data center' or i think you mean also like a small office building? This hosting business for me will be very small - i am going to hold the server in my house.
And for ksstudio: I could really find a server for only $59? That would be just fine! And by searching this forums, i can find that? I don't quite understand what you mean :)
I don't know what "co-location" means, can anyone help me with that?
And for 'kieferfloors': I really wanted to BUY a server, and host domains myself with complete control. Deticated Servers isn't what i'm looking for :)
LOL !! "The only thing I can see a P-200 good for is maybe a door stop" (vizi)
And, i forgot a few info that i didn't tell ya guys.
I will probably be using a Cable, or DSL connection for the server.
And i would allow up to 150MB of Bandwith per client, and as i mentioned before; 20MB space. Would a server that ksstudio mentioned that i can get for $59 be capable of doing this?
Thanks everyone!

Shawn

Shawn, welcome to the wonderful world of web hosting

Colocation is the term for putting your server on another company's Internet connected network. You are renting space in their facility, called a NOC (Network Operations Center) or data center, as well as a port on the network and paying for bandwidth usage.

What server operating system are you planning on using for your web server? NT4.0? Windows 2000? Linux/Unix??? The machine in the auction needs to have more RAM installed for NT4.0, isn't anywhere near sufficent for Windows 2000, and is way overpowered for a Linux box.

You can't run a web server off a cable modem, of the two choices you specified, you'll need DSL (and be sure it's SDSL not ADSL, or none of your customers will be getting any bandwidth).

Hi nishansoft,

It sounds like you are not too familiar with hosting/system administration, therefore you might want to consider reselling before you dive into this project.

If your clients sites are not critical and they don't expect their sites to be lightning fast, then you could host them off your cable/dsl connection. It's just not a professional way to do it and they're many disadvantages, like no power backup, no generators, no dedicated and fast connection to the net, no redundancy, no dedicated IPs (with residential cable/dsl), etc..etc..

If you resell with a host that offers whm/cpanel, you can even have your own control panel which will allow you to create accounts, modify quotas, query services, suspend account, and much much more.

why don't you people tell him the address from where he could get the server for US$59/mo. I think so a SDSL connection would be more expensive then uS$59..

:)


Thanks,

Ok, thanks Phoenix and everyone else for your help. Ok, now for answering questions..
Sorry for not mentioning the OS i want it to have; OK, i will be using Linux, and i dont know which one, but would Red Hat be good? yeh, i won't be wanting the thing on ebay anymore - i think its features are not good enuff of what i want.
Oh, i didn't know ksstudio meant the server for $59 would be MONTHLY. I thought i could BUY it for that much - in one payment. Nevermind then, i want to BUY a server, not rent one.
OK Phoenix, i will use a 'SDSL' connection - i wasn't sure if a cable modem was any better, but i do now. What's the difference between a SDSL, and ADSL connection?
tabernack, i'm sorry but i dont know what 'reselling' is! :) I am so new to this, i have no idea!
Yeh, i definitly want a cpanel, and all the good stuff you mentioned!!
So, where is the cheapest place i can get a SDSL connection? And what is all the other hardware i need to host domains?

Shawn

First, the difference between ADSL and SDSL:

ADSL is asymetric=faster download then upload
SDSL is symetric=equal upload and download <== More $$

Second, CPanel costs more $$ to liscense!

Third, DSL isn't the best for hosting sites

Fourth, learn more and try reselling first.
Reselling is when you buy server space from a company and then turn around and sell it to someone. You can make money, but you have to provice support. Look @ www.site5.com under programs for an example.

Hosting is a very serious thing, one that I'm still learning. I recommend you just read around here about security, software, etc. before you do anything more.

Hi nishansoft,
Dogma is right, hosting is a very serious thing! But I don't think you can start as a reseller right now. I guess you are so young, or maybe you are a student. Actually, I care about this:

How do you support your clients without any hosting knowhow? :confused:

And for ksstudio: I could really find a server for only $59? That would be just fine! And by searching this forums, i can find that? I don't quite understand what you mean

Dedicated Server - Unix
• Single Pentium 233 MHz
• OS=Custom Red Hat Linux 5.2 **
• PERFECT FOR 1 DOMAIN
• 64 KB cache
• 32 MB RAM
• One 2 GB ATA/66
• 100 MBps Bay Networks Ethernet Card
• 32-Bit PCI Graphics Adapater w/ 1 MB RAM
• 1 IP Address (no additional IPs can be added)
• 20 GB Transfer Per Month
• Pre-Installed Software
• Dedicated Server Warranty
• $59 per month + $50 startup


Thats the special offer from *****. The Link is below:
http://www.*****.com/?zone=products/dedicated_limited_time


Oh, i didn't know ksstudio meant the server for $59 would be MONTHLY. I thought i could BUY it for that much - in one payment. Nevermind then, i want to BUY a server, not rent one.

To start your web hosting business, you can't buy a server and "host" at your home. You need a better connections. What you pay per month for a dedicated server actually is the bandwidth.

:)

OK, thanks dogma for the link, and definition to reselling. But i don't think reselling is my solution; just as HostMaster mentioned.
Yeh, i understand web hosting is a serious thing, but i REALLY want to learn a lot more, and i want to be as knowledgable as you guys! Don't worry, if i ever do even get this started, it would be awhile till i accept clients - i would learn about everything there is to know before start the actual hosting.
I guess you are so young, or maybe you are a student. Actually, I care about this:
You are right, i am young, and not even a student yet!! Not usually people my age are interested in web hosting as much as i am; but i think its the most productive, tightest thing a computer can do!
ksstudio, thanks for the link to that deticated server, and info.
It says "PERFECT FOR ONE DOMAIN"; that cudn't mean i cud only host one domain does it? LOL!
I understand i need a lot more higher connections for hosting, but i won't be hosting LARGE bandwidth sites like some of ya guys to. Probably limit of upto 100MB per month! That is very small, right? About 10,000 hits?
And most you guys charge your clients thru credit card; How do you take the payment out per month? PayPal? LOL!

Shawn

Okay, I have to admit I'm a student too. And I didn't know almost anything on hosting when I joined WHT, but I've just been reading posts for a couple of weeks and I have learned so much!!

For Credit Card processing, search this forum (CC or Credit Card processing also search on Merchant Accounts). PayPal generally isn't the best!! ;)

I would recommend waiting, as I am, and just reading here to learn more, or pick up a book!!

Dogma, it seems that you have found a very clever way to learn more about web hosting. Thanks for the suggestions! :D
Yeh, i figured PayPal is no good for clients to transfer their payments. I was just jokin' !!
Thanks again!

Shawn

P.S. How old are you? I am 14

Originally posted by nishansoft
Dogma, it seems that you have found a very clever way to learn more about web hosting. Thanks for the suggestions! :D
Yeh, i figured PayPal is no good for clients to transfer their payments. I was just jokin' !!
Thanks again!

Shawn

P.S. How old are you? I am 14

Shawn,

Actually some hosts use Paypal for that purpose, there was an angry thread around here somewhere about it just a couple of days ago. We've been using cybercash for dog's years and it's done well by us.

You are 14? And you are interested in starting a web hosting company, enough that you were ready to buy your own server and give it a shot? More power to you. You have a bit of learning ahead, but you are certainly getting a headstart on your future, which shows that you are no 'kid'.

It seems that we have two young people, Dogma and Shawn, who are both newcomers to the industry, and obviously interested in learning about both the technology and business sides of our industry. Would anyone like to volunteer to mentor them?

I'd be glad to answer any questions about the technology involved, and pass along tips, tricks, hints, etc., and if you are in the Boston area, I'll be glad to let you spend a day in our offices soaking up as much secret web hosting lore as you can.

Any resellers out there want to help our young friends figure out a strategy for getting their feet wet in the hosting industry before buying/leasing their first server?

Well,

I just became 15 this april 15.

And I have been in the Hosting Industry for more than 2 years. In the beginning I had been reselling, then I ordered a server at CobaltRack.com and soon cancelled my order after their way of handling clients.

I became afraid that everyone would be like them. Now I have ordered a Server and waiting for my server to be ready.

I am a webdesign and programmer too.


BRB... errghhhh

:)


Thanks,

Thank you Phoenix for your confidence, and suggestions :)
Yeh, i know that i need to learn A LOT more than i do now to become successful in what i want to do; Web Host. And you are right, i'm not just a regular 'kid', i have a different way of the internet than most teens think of it. And i am willing to learn, and hope to get a good head start for the future.
Thank you Phoenix for assistance if i need any, or asking other people to help me - i appreciate the kind help!
Sorry but i don't live in the Boston area :( Actually Wisconsin; but thank you for offering for letting me take a visit to your NOC! That would be an excellent experience for me; is there anyone here that has their hosting business near Kenosha, or Racine area?
Yeh, i've decided to start by reselling a server, instead of buying one quite yet. Maybe once i have more experience, and know what i'm doing, i will re-consider buying a server; somewhat Dogma is doing.
Wow, Omair Haroon - you started out when you were 12? That's really cool! What reseller company did you use at 1st? You web designer to eh. Well i do that, but i don't program (if you meant C++ programming etc..).

Shawn

Wow!! I am 15 and in WI!! This is weird. I would love a mentor. I do go to Boston a couple times a year (take the duck tours <== VERY FUN!!) So I may drop by if thats okay Phoenix!!

Hey Guys,

First of all, school is time consuming, and also should be a number 1 priority. Now I know that these 14/15 year olds starting reseller companies have the summers, but I have always said you should wait until you are older. Also, just consider the fact that customer service is very important. Now, what if you have a problem with a clients website and you have your own server. Now just think....the site could go down at 9:00 AM and could be down till you get home at 3:00 PM. Now, for some websites, that could be the end. Also, what if clients have some questions, or they need some help. Would you be the one calling from a payphone from school?

You guys just have to realize that running a company is a big thing. Now, I realize that some kids know how to do this and thats great. But, what happens if you get sued? What happens if a disgruntal client decides he wants to have all of his money back (even after 3 months of service). Your parents would be stuck in legal issues then.

Just something to think, Im not trying to put a damper on your dreams or anything. My suggest would be to go through high school and college and then get a Degree in something like Computer Sciences or get an MBA. Then, you can go out and apply for Venture Captial, get 20 mil, and run the web hosting industry...lol

Anyways, just a thought!

Jim

I've learned that age is no barrier to maturity, as long as there is intelligence, respect for others, and an eagerness to learn.

All minds are not created equal, some are more equal than others, and never is the difference more apparent than during youth. We call them 'gifted' or 'prodigies', labels that usually get the snot kicked out of them on a daily basis, but most of them are adult intellects in children's bodies (i.e. Enders Game by Orson Scott Card).

I'd recommend starting a new thread requesting recommendations for resellers and see what you come up with.

Good luck :)

Thank you phoenix. This is part of the reason that I haven't gone for a dedicated or reseller account. Basically I am looking for something for my design customers so that I can give them a good host.

Phoenix, I have been meaning to do that (thread) just haven't had time :( Will do it soon. Thanks

Originally posted by Dogma
Wow!! I am 15 and in WI!! This is weird. I would love a mentor. I do go to Boston a couple times a year (take the duck tours <== VERY FUN!!) So I may drop by if thats okay Phoenix!!

Dogma, you would be most welcome, just drop me an email in advance to make sure that I'll be available-just please bring me some Vernors ginger ale (if they sell that in WI). I'm from Michigan originally and you wouldn't believe what they call ginger ale out here-weak.

I love Enders Game, its one of my favorite books!

Jim

Thats very funny because my english teacher last was in love w/ Vernors!! I will if I am in the Boston area!! :)

Dogma, you really live in Wi? That's cool; what city exactly?
Jim, what you said is somewhat true, but doesn't exactly apply to me, in my situation. The truth is, i don't go to school, i am home schooled, so that is the advantage for me in having a web hosting business. For people who go to a regular school, well it may be tough, but i guess they manage (like dogma).
Some people it may be necessary for them to finish college first before starting a hosting business, but for me, i think i am at a good enuff age, and i think i may be able to handle it well.
And for Phoenix, i agree 100% with what you said, and i think it was well-said!

Shawn

I make due w/ school. Luckly I am a frosh and have very little homework, but the next few years will be difficult!!

BTW Summer Vacation ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well,

here.. schools are total different..

we are off at 1 and I reach home at 1:30.
I do my homework at night.

I have given my 10th grade exams and we have 6 months holidays and I am totally enjoying it..

I am doing few courses which include Java Programming, ASP and VB, Web Design(a total guru in it, so just take one or two classes to revise), Flash and Director

and I would be joining for Linux Advance Administration.

I am almost free as my classes are on alternate days.
We are +5, so thats a plus point.

I have been reselling for DigitalSpace.net .
They sucks.. because they closed my clients account even after I had paid them..

Inspite being just 12 i got many clients from the local areas and international too..


Well, for reselling i recommend Ventures Online (http://www.venturesonline.com )

Any more questions.

I wish I could also see an NOC.


Thanks,

Dogma, what city do you live in? And i have another question :) What was your best way to receive clients when reselling? I'm just afraid that the first month of me reselling, i may not get any customers :( Then i'll loose money.
Omair Haroon, thanks for the suggestion on reseller companies! Yeh, KS suggested i use http://www.venturesonline.com too. Is that a good, well know company who i can rely on? I have no idea so that's why i'm askin ! :)

Shawn