I know that this subject has been discussed before, but after reading previous threads on this subject, I'm still unsure what I'll get for my money.

I currently admin my own box. I'm doing OK, but often I get lost, or scared, or confused. So what happens is that a change or upgrade that I would like to make just doesn't get done because I'm afraid I'll trash my box.

So... What can I expect from a managed server? Some examples of issues I'm not sure of...

- If I want to upgrade the PHP/Apache/mySQL versions, would this be done for me?

- If I want to install a special software package, again, who does it?

- Let's say I'm adding a new site. Who does the work? Who defines the Apache virtual server? Who makes the changes in the name server, the mail server, etc?

- Is the site really and truly monitored? Or do I still need to use an outside service (such as Internet Seer, etc)?

I've learned a lot about server admin in the year that I've had my box. To be honest, I really don't mind doing a lot of the work myself. But to be even more honest, I get really nervous each time I play with the box. How exactly would "managed" allay my fears and let me sleep better? There obviously must be some added value for the extra price, but on the other hand I can't believe the provider can take care of lots of nuisance requests such as adding subdomains, email aliases, etc. Where is the line drawn?

Hopefully some of your server providers can shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.

There is no simple answer to, it's a question you will have to ask each and every provider and their answers will differ. Some say "managed" and mean they monitor the server, some say "managed" and do everything for you including security, kernel upgrades, software installs and so on....

what walter has said is correct in that a 'managed server' can mean many different things depending on the company you go through. best bet is to ask any companies you are looking at using and see what they define it as!