Hi,

I'm looking to buy a dedicated server in the not too distant future, and I'd like to ask a couple of quick questions...

I know a little about Linux and using Up2Date etc, but I am still unsure about remotely updating the server.

If I go with an unmanaged server with Cpanel / WHM can the server be kept up-to-date with security patches and updates using WHM? Or will I have to install RPMs manually?

I take it that with a managed service the security patches etc. are taken care of?

For example - the dedicated servers at www.beachcomber-creations.com - are they managed, and if so, to what level? Would I still be responsible for keeping the server secure?

www.rackshack.com seem to get good reviews here, but these are all totally unmanaged right?

I suppose what I'm really asking is, how much of a headache is it keeping a Linux box secure and up-to-date remotely?

Sorry for all the questions, any help is much appreciated...

I'm sure I saw some software on the webreseller.net website - basically, for automatically getting sorted for security updates - CPanel, etc. I assume it's general release software as well? Check that out.

I'm also getting tempted to go the way of dedicated hosting, but I have no experience of Linux. Used CPanel for a while and I'm used to having to learn new software quickly. I'm wondering whether it would be too far over my head, though.

I'm going to install Linux at home very soon - only reason not done so is because I want to partition the HD first, and that takes time.

This is a long term consideration - not immediate - so I figure I'm in a nearly similar boat to madshu.

I'd go for hosting of local new business start-ups, so I doubt I'd be competing with anyone here. :)

I figure the security updates are the least of the headaches...


[EDIT - sorry - I've answered myself - start small with reseller account, and play with Linux until I'm confortable with it. Sorry if I've distracted your thread, madshu.]