How much.what kinda techy stuff will I need to know before running my own hosting business? I have a basic knowledge of PHP/MYSQL/Apache/Networking which I will study more, what other things are important on the tech side of things?

Customer service is the most important thing in owning a business.
Know your server inside and out, so when someone has a question you can answer it right away.

Know all standard paths and variables, for example, your clients may have a problem with a cgi script not working correctly, all the paths are correct, but your server may require a "-w" or a "-t" at the end of the perl path, You need to be able to let them know that sort of thing.

Good luck on your new venture.

FreakySpace

How much.what kinda techy stuff will I need to know before running my own hosting business? I have a basic knowledge of PHP/MYSQL/Apache/Networking which I will study more, what other things are important on the tech side of things?

I would start with a reseller account, you can always upgrade. If you jump right into a ded server you might find yourself having to pay people to fix problems. It is a large learning curve going to a ded server.

I also agree customer service is the place to start :-)

How about these samples taken from my regular questions list, these are generally thinsg you'll need to be able to answer or act on:

1. Can you help me set up POP email accounts in Outlook Express/Outlook/Thunderbird

2. I uploaded my site but nothing appears

3. Can you install this php/perl script for me?

4. I can't access my site

6. Certain people can't see my site but I can

7. How do I add ecommerce to my site?

8. I uploaded some images but they don't display on my web page

9. What is mysql - do I need it?

10. I can't connect to the internet (yes hosts even get this one!)

I wasn't thinking of moving to a ded server right away, I thought about buying the Mini package Micfo has to offer as that is in my price range and wouldn't to spends lots of money on something I've never done before.

Thanks for the replies any way, I will look into customer service & web hosting, see what people say about the type of questions you get asked, how to handle the not so straight foward people.

bluedreamer , thanks for as well.


Just one more question, is there any hidden costs you don't seem to know about untill you get stuck into setting things up?

How about these samples taken from my regular questions list, these are generally thinsg you'll need to be able to answer or act on:

1. Can you help me set up POP email accounts in Outlook Express/Outlook/Thunderbird

2. I uploaded my site but nothing appears

3. Can you install this php/perl script for me?

4. I can't access my site

6. Certain people can't see my site but I can

7. How do I add ecommerce to my site?

8. I uploaded some images but they don't display on my web page

9. What is mysql - do I need it?

10. I can't connect to the internet (yes hosts even get this one!)

Very nice list, good job!

Just one more question, is there any hidden costs you don't seem to know about untill you get stuck into setting things up?

Taxes, insurance, and business registration fees come to mind.