Hi I am very interested in getting a dedicated server and running a small home based hosting business, but not with the intention of making lots of money- - rather pay for the server costs and make a little bit of spare cash.

I know ABSOLUTELY nothing about
-Linux
-Unix
-FreeBSD
-Apache

I want something where I can administrate EVERYTHING from a control panel

-add client and their accounts
-monitor their activity
-set all properties of a client account ie; bandwidth, diskspace, etc

I won't be hosting newbies really, because I obviously can't offer much support just starting out, just people who want a good priced hosting package on an unclogged server.

For Example - 15 clients paying 10$ a month is all I would strive for- I don't get selfish :)

Well, now that you know What I know, please share with me good sites that offer a solution for me, and what i should look for in a dedicated server so as to administrate everything from a control panel.

+ I am interested in running IRCD
+ setting up shell accounts for EGGDROP bots

/ Romario /

Well, ya had me right up to the time ya said,

"+ I am interested in running IRCD
+ setting up shell accounts for EGGDROP bots"

then I couldn't think of anyone to recommend. :(

setting up irc and shells are not a priority- I don't know much about it..

You need a managed server as you do not know much about servers and unix etc.

Then $150 is not enough for that. You will need to pay something arround $300 for such a server otherwise you will come up with problems that you are not able to solve.

Mac

Wouldn't it be pretty easy not to screw up a server if i just didn't try anything too advanced, say using a control panel that was easy to learn and just creating simple accounts for my clients.

There are always some bugs in control panels. Sometimes users do something wrong and a fix is needed.

Also no one will purchase service i he knows you won't be able to support hime.

Root is the only person who can do some tasks including repairs etc. I strongly suggest you to start working with a reseller account of your control panel of choice.

You will learn everything if you can study technical books and specially technical forums like WHT. You will need a few months to gain the ability of managing a server. (at least for most of the general tasks).

Mac