How detailed is the support at rackshack? Will they help you with the hardcore technical questions? Or will they just tell you its out of their range of support. How quick can you get responses, etc?

You can usually get decent response times, either through irc, email, tickets, or live help.

They do answer very technical questions, however they won't touch your server unless its something they did to it (like a problem i was having with a bad mrtg setup on my box). But if you cant start your system, you can request a reboot and if that still doesnt work, you just have to pay to get your system restored. They wont look into problems.

They're pretty good, but you'd better know how to administrate a server.

As far as administration I have been up to par, but when it comes time to install a complex application, or upgrade software, I can run into trouble. Should someone like me stay away from rackshack?

Originally posted by ravegti1
As far as administration I have been up to par, but when it comes time to install a complex application, or upgrade software, I can run into trouble. Should someone like me stay away from rackshack?
Yes, and there fav word over there if you stuff up is "A restore is needed"...

I believe that Rackshack is an unmanaged dedicated server host so the support is chiefly on hardware.

As far as installation of complex applications and upgrades, that would be classified as software. You may want to engage an external administrator to assist you for that. Some datacenter do provide custom installation for an additional cost usually between $50 to $75/hr.

This should not mean that you should stay away from Rackshack, they may still prove to be a good deal for you. Of course, unless you need to install application on a very regular basis.

where could i hire an external administrator?

Check Rackshack Forum, there are a few lurking around in there. Or just ask here in 'Request and Related Offers', I am sure that they will come.

Offhand, I have not use them so it is hard to recommend. One name comes to mind, TheServerDen.com .