I'm looking at getting a dedicated server with Ensim and I don't think I can afford a managed server.

I am a quick learner (self-taught programmer) and I'm sure that I am capable of learning and doing what needs doing, but just looking at what things are involved in managing a dedicated server and where I can learn more about what all I need to learn.

Jennifer

Ensim is easy to learn -- but with an unmanaged server when things go wrong, they REALLY go wrong. It would be nice to have someone to help you out should you run into real problems. You'll never value this service enough until you need it and realize it's not there.

You ought to set up Linux on your local box and test it out before going dedicated (unmanaged).

I agree that you should first learn how to use Linux on your computer before actually purchasing a server.

Things you should probably learn:

Basic Linux commands
User & Group administration
Firewalling
Updating and Patching
A little networking information is helpful
Backing up your data!!!

www.linuxdoc.org
www.linuxsecurity.com
www.securityfocus.com
www.google.com/linux

If you can read documentation and find a provider who does 3rd level support you should be fine.
If you're a self-taught programmer, then you know the basics - always make a backup copy, test it, test it again, test it again.
The most annoying thing to a provider (ok, me ) is when someone goes into a nosedive and A) somehow now it's their fault B) it has to be done NOW!

A little research, an email describing the proposed changed and a reason behind it goes a long way towards stable, fast systems.

You can afford managed services - http://www.nocster.net .

I've been with them for about a week now (on a cheap server from their halloween sale, but they have inexpensive servers), but have had their techs work with me in the past (when I was on a virtual server). They monitor the server for me, and already have upgraded the kernel for me. They've also ran numerous tests on my server. If you don't want to try them, you can check out http://www.easyservermanagement.com , they have some decent prices. If you are new to the world of Linux (like I am), go with a managed server.

- Matt

Greetings:

http://whois.onlinenic.com/ on easyservermanagement.com shows the site was registered on October 2, 2002; so the company may very well be about one month old.

http://www.easyservermanagement.com/tos.html shows
"IMPORTANT NOTICE: *All Payments To Easy Server Management Are Non-Refundable*"

I'm not sure how confident customers would be forking out money for services that may never be rendered, and have no money back guarantee or refund policy.

=> Security Hardening and Monitoring Package - $50 per month.

There was recently a huge dicussion of what you would get or not get for $25 per month. It basically came down to a guy pretending to know how to use a paint ball gun trying to disuade armed terrorists <smile>.

What will $50 get you? Not sure, but it cannot be a lot more.

Sighing....

EasyServerManagement is ran by Mouse over at the RackShack forums (http://forums.rackshack.net) - it seem's that he's pretty trusted over there.

- matt