I know next to nothing concerning *Nix and others but since I am busy working on a website which will consume much bandwidth, I would like to know if basic software based FTP knowledge would be sufficient to managed a RS server. Also can we consider a dedicated server to be like a Super Shared Server?

Originally posted by netneurones
if basic software based FTP knowledge would be sufficient to managed a RS serverOnly if you choose Cobalt RaQ. Having experience with all 3 control panels RS offers (Cobalt, Plesk, Ensim) I must say that in case of Plesk and Ensim it is strongly recommened to learn how to operate the shell in Linux or to hire an experienced technician. You will need Linux knowledge straight away, just to fix default RS setup (http://forum.rackshack.net/showthread.php?threadid=1536).

you'll need more than basic FTP commands to run your own server. I agree with the previous post. RaQ may be the better choice. Especially is your more of an application guy than a linux guy.

I was in the same situation (newbie at dedicated webservers). It seemed like cobalt raqs are getting to be dated and new software like ensim and plesk can do more.

I decided to go with an Ensim "private" webpliance server. That way I could have total flexibility/ownership & have tech support too. It's been about a month and having direct support helped me learn alot faster then going it alone. I can tell you it would of been a bad idea for me to go w/ a totally dedicated Ensim server w/out support (maybe next year though).

Other than what I did, I would say go Cobalt. But I can say having killer support available can really make the experience positive. Theres all kind of weeird things that come up.

Since plesk/ensim require some level of knowledge regarding the operating system, why don't you try playing around with linux? Install some distribution like redhat or slackware on a test server, and just play with it until you have a basic feel for it. That way, when you dive into plesk/ensim, you'll be better equipped to deal with whatever happens to come up.

I read a lot of posts about using an Ensim server requires some Linux experience. Can someone provide a list of Linux commands and activities that are needed to get a server up and running? That might give some of us newbies a better idea of what we are getting into.

:eek: Errrrrr... well... there is absolutely no way that someone can post a nice, short 'linux admin in a nutshell' list (which is what I think you are asking for?). Search for 'linux tutorials' or 'linux newbie' etc., here and on the net and you should at least find some basic commands. Really, the pages of commands don't mean much until you actually have to do something and then it all makes sense. More of a learn by doing thing, rather than a read all about it and be a linux admin thing.

http://unixhelp.ed.ac.uk/ - a very good start

I have to say though that Ensim requires very little activity in shell to keep it ticking over (compared to cpanel)
Its the initial set up thats the problem.


Gordon