Hi All,

what is/are the main reasons for having managed dedicated instead of unmanaged dedicated ...

Assuming I can do a kernel upgrade and setup my own IP tables .. what else would I need managed for ?

I'm assuming that in both instances the server owner would fix a blown CPU or crashed HDD ...

Also can you get an unmanaged host and just get the guys to backup for you ?

Any thoughts welcome ..

Thanks

maybe a lowlevel of management would suit you, its really easy for me to do so sorry i cant give you a definate but to check quickly ...........

if you know ssh you should be fine

You can also take an unmanaged server and hire a system admin for specific tasks or subscribe to one of those server management plans. In many cases, this is better than what they claim to be full management.

You would not need managed if you have the expertise to upgrade a kernel and setup iptables. I assume you know the basics of getting around on Linux, how to add/delete accounts, how to monitor the logs, and a general idea of how to get a server working. If not, just get lowlevel managed, probably purchase some extra support.

Yes. You can definitely handle if you know the basics of linux. If you think you can upgrade the kernel by just following a how-to here, I would strongly advise against it. Installing third party software etc are fine but be careful when you deal with kernels. A novice can really mess it up. My suggestion is to learn linux first and then venture into unmanaged. If you know your way around linux, then it is fine.

my question would be here .. IF I can upgrade linux / setup iptables ... what ELSE would a managed service offer that would be difficult for me to do on an unmanaged server ...

I'm asking as the way I see it, if a hosts builds up to needing a dedicated server, the guy / girls .. should know something about server management and be able to do the basic stuff .... or am I wrong ??

Not necessarily. If the person is only used to using the control panels, he will not know anything about the OS. Also there are many people who would think that they can spend the time they spend to fix the server on getting few more clients. It is a matter of your priority.

If you are able to take on most of the major software installs/upgrades, you might consider a managed service to provide 24/7 server monitoring and problem mitigation. If you don't have time to deal with the issues all the time, a good server admin company can step in and handle things for you when you are away.

I completely agree with rishidude. In fact, I am an example. I know very little (in fact, practically nothing) about SSH and linux. I know how to use most of the commands in WHM and CPanel, and that suits me fine. I get unmanaged servers (actually, my suppliers claim they are managed, but they really aren't... but that's fine with me). But I also use bobcares for support, and they manage the servers for me. If a problem arises with a server, they can take care of it. They even contact my server suppliers if there's something that needs to be done at the data center.... and just keep me informed. The system works really well for me and my customers.

If you need someone to support your customers (like bobcares), or if you already have someone like that, ask them if they can also take care of the odd server management issues that can arise.

So to answer your question WebWobbler, a hosting company owner need not know how to manage a server. I don't, and I have a couple dozen servers.

I hope that helps.

Hmm ok .. thanks guys .. the only problem that for a small company ... getting a managed server and someone like bobcares will be expensive right upfront .. but I guess you gott to spend money to make money ...