Is it possible to run and admin dedicated servers through virtual control software only, and with no understanding of programming?

Or is this only possible through managed servers?

I strongly suspect I know the answer to this, but I'm simply playing with options. :)

If you had a fully managed(Security, system upgrades patches, daily/weekly backups) server, then all you would have to do is provide good support and know how to create accounts using your control panel. Regardless, you should learn how to install a few programs to understand the system a bit. I use Redhat now, so i'm not sure if Win boxes are the same(if not easier).

Programming ? Yes, basic knowledge of the OS? No.

Programming really has nothing to do with it. The job gets easier when you can write shell scripts (perl, php, sh, whatever) to make your job easier... which is more or less what most of the Panels do.

fore security reasons, and to warrantee the unexpected, I wouldn't suggest heading in to an unmanaged solutions without a working knowledge of the OS, and what to look for as far as the security aspects, but i think provided you run a control panel ( like cPanel a lot, you can get a list of distributors from cpanel.net), you can go far without actually coding anything. Well of course you'll need a website, you may need to do some html coding for that :)

-Steve

Yes, it is possible. You will mess up a lot during the first 2 months but after that, you will be ok. :)

LOL! Thanks for the replies. I will try and ensure I have a reliable tech on board before dipping my toes in that direction. :)

A control panel won't do it all for you that's the simple answer, I would recommend a low end dedicated server or a vps to play with for a few months so you can get used to it. Over two years in the business and theirs always something new I learn nearly everday.

Yep cpanel stuffs up sooooooooo many things :D
You need to know what your doing to fix it. I normally only post here asking for help when I am totally lost...

Well, with a post count of almost 1800, that's hardly encouraging! ;)

Originally posted by I, Brian
Well, with a post count of almost 1800, that's hardly encouraging! ;) Well i admint that i ask for help when i need it whats wrong with that :eek: :eek2:

Calm down Tiger :D I think he was only joking in reference to 1800 posts for help.

Brian. A control panel gets you a long way day to day with most of the administration of a server, making things happen quicker, and more consistant. However there are times (and many of them) where you'll need to get your hands dirty at the command line, and especially if it's something that's gone pear-shaped because of the control panel in the first place :)

Cpanel often makes things harder than they should be ;)

a control panel is meant to automate processes that the administrator would otherwise have to do by hand. if the control panel is less than perfect (which all of them are), the administrator needs to know how to do all that the panel does by hand. preferably, you should also know how to undo what the panel does in case it mucks up (which they do quite often). the latter, however, can be amassed over time.

in short: dont put paying clients on an unmanaged box if you dont know how to run it. if funds and time permit, i suggest getting a low-end box and hosting a bunvh of people for free until you are confident you have figured it out to a reasonable extent =]

good luck,
paul

in short: dont put paying clients on an unmanaged box if you dont know how to run it. if funds and time permit, i suggest getting a low-end box and hosting a bunvh of people for free until you are confident you have figured it out to a reasonable extent =]
Exectly what my company did when entering the world of windows hosting. I personally learnt a lot by offering the free account to people using ASP .NET, ASP, and Access. Without them I would have lost a lot of business and reputation. Learnt heaps in running things. This is the best way to go. However I didn't get a low end box...