Hello,

I've always used shared hosting to host my sites. But now my sites are growing so I'm considering getting a dedicated server. So I have a few questions:

- I saw that you can get a dedicated server for $99 at rackshack.net. Is that the cheapest dedicated server that I can get on the Internet?

- Is it only $99 a month or are there hidden costs?

- If I get a dedicated server, do I get it ready to use like I get my shared hosting account? Or do I have to install everything (cgi, php, etc ) myself?

- How about upgrade, do I have to do it myself?

- Last but not least, is a virtual server something to consider, or is this a bad choice because I will be sharing the server with other power users?

Please let me know.

Rackshack has a $250 setup I think.

Your dedicated server comes the way you want it, 99% of the time. Most of the time, php, and other packages are loaded and if they aren't you can tell a company to load them for you.

Originally posted by dherman76
Rackshack has a $250 setup I think.

Ok, besides the $250, are there any other hidden costs?

Unless you go over with bandwidth I don't think so :)

Last, but not least, something to consider: are you ready to manage a server?

That is one question most people overlook. Ask yourself that quetsion HONESTLY.

Originally posted by Walter
Last, but not least, something to consider: are you ready to manage a server?

Manage a server? What is there to manage? I thought it would be just like using a shared server!

Lets just say that no one watches over you if you screw up or no one installs software for you.

Not really.
Control Panels these days make it easier for a newbie, but soon there will be a time when you really need to know how a shell works. You should also have a fair knowledge about


the OS (e.g. Linux) basics
web server (e.g. Apache)
bind
FTP
ability to read and understand a configuration file
file ownerships and permissions


and you probably want to know how to update your OS and keep it secure (patched). But of course that all depends a bit on the provider of your dedicated server - some do more for you, some less.

At this point, i dont think you are ready. Maybe if you hire a sysadmin, yes, but now, no.

Originally posted by dherman76
At this point, i dont think you are ready. Maybe if you hire a sysadmin, yes, but now, no.

Nope, I'm not ready! But what do you guys think about virtual servers? My only concern is that you will be sharing the server with power users. Let's face it, only users that use lost of bandwith will get a virtual server!

That's probably true. But a poweful server can handle very much traffic.
Your other option is to get a "managed server", where the company does all the work for you. But this is even more expensive than a normal dedicated server.

Originally posted by Walter
That's probably true. But a poweful server can handle very much traffic.
Your other option is to get a "managed server", where the company does all the work for you. But this is even more expensive than a normal dedicated server.

I can't afford more than $99 a month! So I guess my only option is a virtual server.

If you could tell us a bit more about your needs (how many sites, how much traffic and space) maybe one of the hosts hanging out here is able to help. maybe post it in the Request forum...

Originally posted by DeNasio


I can't afford more than $99 a month! So I guess my only option is a virtual server.

what if you found a server, for $100/month.. and the setup fee was a one time fee of like... $100 ? or $150 ? just wondering.
Can you afford that?o rare you telling us your monthly budget is max $100

If you learn better when you're dumped into something I think you should do it. Like me, I jumped right into a dedicated server and love it! Of course its just a RaQ. But it's control panel is used just to insert users into it. Most of what I perform is through the shell.

If you are a slower learner, or do not learn well in a pressured enviroment, setup a server at your house. Just get an old Packard Bell (about all their good for) and set it up as a network server. If you don't have a network, purchase a network card (one for each system) and get a crossover cable to connect the two. Give your system one IP address and the server another.

Besure to get something like RedHat which is easy to use. Just use the server install; that way you're forced to use the command line, you will get spoiled with the GUI. If you still have questions email me (tommy_pitchford@mysun.com) and I'll help you get started. Web hosting is extremely fun, but difficult at times.

About the virtual server thing, its true, one server can handle a lot. Only somebody with a huge site would need a full dedicated server for their site. I mean, most hosts have well over 100 accounts on each server (correct me if I am wrong) so does your site really need more than a virtual server?

Another things too, if you talk to the provider for the virtual server and really explian what your site needs, you could end up on a server that is shared with only one other client, or just s few. Another advantage to having a virtual server (in some cases, depends on the provider) you will be able to host additional websites at little or no extra cost. So if your friend down the street wants a site you could setup one for him for free, or evem make a little money on it.

There's my 2 cents.
Hope this helps!
Mike.

If you would like further help on finding a virtual server, you can email me at mike@paradonsolutions.com directly. I have dealt with several companies that offer virtual servers and reseller accounts(which are pretty much the same in most cases).

Good Luck.
Mike.

Originally posted by Walter
Not really.
Control Panels these days make it easier for a newbie, but soon there will be a time when you really need to know how a shell works. You should also have a fair knowledge about


the OS (e.g. Linux) basics
web server (e.g. Apache)
bind
FTP
ability to read and understand a configuration file
file ownerships and permissions

and you probably want to know how to update your OS and keep it secure (patched). But of course that all depends a bit on the provider of your dedicated server - some do more for you, some less.
This is a good question, I've had the same thought like DeNasio, $99 is cheap, and I think I can handle the price, but don't know what else do I need to know.

Walter, are there any books and site that you recommend for a newbie like us?

If you are on linux and are not a very experimenting kind of a person then you can easily go for a dedicated server. It is a nice stable box usually... :)

Also, it doesn't take much time to learn howto keep your site running full time.
You'll really get addicted to linux.. .

However, if you have a serious site on the net which pays for your bread and butter then invest in a sysadmin. who would look after your site.

Have a great day :)

regards
amar

Hello,
If you can only pay $99 dollars a month you need to take a
closer look at rackshack. Because they are in Texas you have to
pay them 8.25 percent sales tax on the server which makes it
$105 something a month. Also I think you have to pay the 8.25%
sales tax on your income off of the server.

Just some information I hope it helps.