I am very new to this. I suspect I will have to muddle through installs and admin as a first-timer. So my question is this:

What companies offer a dedicated server with Perl, PHP, and MySQL installed? If a company doesn't install it with setup, what is the typical procedure for getting it done (can you call and get them to do it, or do you have to add it yourself to /usr/local, or do you get root access, rpm)?

Also, what happens with security issues? Do dedicated hosting companies come with firewalls and so on? Lastly, the 95% issue I've been reading about is making me want to try something like a pay-for-the-line option. The $149 for a 256k line from server4me.com sounds good, but I read some posts that trounced server4me.com for their $49 option. What do you think?

Most dedicated server providers will install software for you. I've heard good things about http://www.rackspace.com/ and http://www.skynetweb.com/ also they both seem to have decent pricing.

[This message has been edited by JTY (edited 08-03-2000).]

What companies offer a dedicated server with Perl, PHP, and MySQL installed?

All Linux based servers will have Perl installed, but not necessarily all modules. you might come across a program you want to use that requires a Perl module that isn't installed, and it will need to be.

There are companies that have PHP and MySQL installed, or some alternative programs. However, even if they aren't, you can generally install them yourself or have them installed. I did that recently myself.

I have a lot of information on my site for beginners at server management (which includes me). I've recently added more information about security issues. Just go to http://techcellence.net and look on the right side menu

Also, what happens with security issues? Do dedicated hosting companies come with firewalls and so on?

Generally, security, like most other matters, is up to you. Firewalls and other measures are your reposnsibility. Since some commonly used programs have inherent weaknesses, you should be aware of them. . It may affect your choice of companies.

There are some that use more secure programs, which can reduce the likelihood of your server being cracked.


Lastly, the 95% issue I've been reading about is making me want to try something like a pay-for-the-line option. The $149 for a 256k line from server4me.com sounds good, but I read some posts that trounced server4me.com for their $49 option. What do you think?

I think you should understand the 95th percentile system before you make a decision based on it. It is how most hosting companies are charged for their bandwidth and ensures you will have enough for peak periods.

yes, rackspace.com installed php/mysql on my linux server for free...

needed php/mysql for my forums :D

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Australian Neon Genesis Evangelion (http://www.eva2000.com)

Catalog.com installed MySQL and PHP for free for me also.

Thanks everyone. I ended going with a Virtual Server from vservers.com (which I think is just an arm of hostpro.com).

The server will peak at about 8 GB of transfers/month, which is low (I think). But they waived setup fees, have a good control panel, and came recommended as a host with zippy servers. The MySQL and PHP are either installed or install-able via the control panel (I couldn't figure out which from the web page, but the Sales person said it was available at no extra cost).

When I migrate to a dedicated server (assuming I will need to) I suspect I'll go with catalog.com. They seemed like a viable alternative.

As a followup, my server came online today (yeah, it took from the 3rd to the 8th to go from placing the order to getting server access). I got to play with the control panel, and it works nicely. Virtual Hosting isn't so perfect, because the email between the domains isn't easily sorted, but I suspect that's one of the reasons why you guys like multiple IP addresses.

As for the server speed, so far it's dead slow. Really. The server isn't serving. My only consolation is that many of vserver's customers, including some of their high-profile domains, are down too. Hopefully later tonight they'll be back online and I can test their speed, which seems to have impressed most customers.

My only other comment would be that the Sales people seem very good. I note that most other customers call/email their reps directly, rather than using the general support areas. I am doing that too. My rep (Raymond) has replied to every email that needed a reply, and usually does so within 12 hours.

As a second followup, almost immediately after I posted, the servers at the vservers all came back online. They do seem fast.

Doing phpinfo() lists the software as: Apache/1.3.1 PHP/4.0b2. Is that PHP 4.0 BETA 2??? In any case, I can install PHP 4.0.1pl2 on my own, correct?

Thanks!