Hi guys,
I will be requiring a dedicated server sometime soon, and I just have a few questions....

Firstly, what are some of the primary issues that I need to be aware of when running a dedicated server: ie: server monitoring, security, control panels etc...

How ready to go are dedicated server packages: Do I need to do a lot of installing/configuring before it is ready to go?

What are some good companies for those getting started( I have been considering lightone, rackshack and rackspace) although rackspace may be a little expensive at the moment........but I would rather pay more and have quality....

I will have more questions, so if anyone could also spare some time to answer more questions via email, that would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks again everyone!

My suggestion is you go with a smaller provider who will have time to give you individual attention than a large provider rackshack where some tech support may not understand what is DNS resolution! [I read it just now on some thread..] :D:D

You go thru all the documentation in Apache.org. You should know basic admin of the OS [like creating users, assigning quotas etc] and DNS [recommend djbdns - but you will be left without control panel] and apache admin

And for email I recommend qmail whole heartedly along with vpopmail

For FTP ProFTPd is a good choice

For heaven's sake steer clear of Windows- you will have a very hard time securing the OS. If you are interested in a really secure OS that can do the job well try OpenBSD 2.9 or 3.0 [less than 2.9 will be slower]

Alternately use FreeBSD 4.4

First evaluate and select your OS,DNS,MTA and FTP servers [software] - for webserver there is nothing better than Apache [use 1.3 +]

Second , having chosen your tools, read,read,read about the tools!
Everything that has been asked and will be asked is already on the web

Good luck with it

For any more questions, email admin@valai.net and I will try and help you to the best of my abilities - but there are many masters here like cperciva,DavidU,Priyadi,allera and a few others who I have found are more than willing to help! :cool: :)

Cheers
Balaji

Hi 21inchguns,

Also get a copy(book)

"MAXIMUM LINUX SECURITY" Second Edition

Publisher: SAMS
AUTHOR: ANONYMOUS --YES it's correct

And to tweak your server:

"APACHE SERVER BIBLE"

PUBLISHER: IDG
AUTHOR: Mohammed J. Kabir

You need some good reference books to guide you or do some reading when you get stuck. Of course :), the other option is logon to WHT and post your problem(s) and most gurus here are very helpful.

Whoa... now I'm master, I'm flattered... :)

About the original question, if you really don't understand about the aspect of dedicated hosting, I suggest you take the managed solution where your provider will take care most of the important day to day operation, such as security updates and ensuring all services are running fine.

And while they are managing your server, I suggest you install an almost exact replica of your server near you, so you will be able to learn quickly. There is no exact list of issues of running a server as everybody has different set of requirement.