For people starting off in the hosting business what things should they do?

Its been asked a bizzilion times before. Use the search button on the top to search for the exact same topic title you posted.

I bet you will get quite a few hits.

Good luck.

Peter

Start here (http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239722). :)

Originally posted by Aussie Bob
Start here (http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239722). :)
LOL! Bob I was just about to post the link to that thread! Beat me to it :stickout:.

Read, read, read. Ask questions. People might laugh now, but everyone hd to start out at one point. But - only ask questions after doing your research. A detailed question on a legimite issue will be answered in no time. You still have to do the work of researching everything yourself. You found the forum - you'll find the answers if you search.

The emphasis on reading everything you can get your hands on can never be stressed more at this point in your learning.

Always try to solve your questions on your own too, you'll be suprised how much information you can find via Search (http://www.webhostingtalk.com/search.php?s=) and/or Google (http://www.google.com)

-Read every post on this forum :)
-get some Linux books.
-Get a linux box (in your house).
-Study and use it.
-Study and use apache and all webserver related software.
-Learn to use your box remotely through command line.
-Learn to install security updates, kernel upgrades etc.
-Purchase a reseller package and host friends cheap or free.
-When your ready get a dedicated box and go from there.

... and write a business plan. Especially one that addresses the question on WHICH market you are going to target, HOW you are going to target it and WHAT your "competitive advantage" is over others.

It also doesn't hurt to plan out the financial side on an Excel spreadsheet. Plan out your expenses, fixed and variable as well as your anticipated income. Make sure you have enough capital to fund the operation even if you don't meet your initial goals as fast as you'd like, etc.