I am interested in a dedicated server but i have some questions.

since i am a noobie, i would like to go with a managed server first. my question is that what i can learn w/ managed server? Will I learn a lot so that I can get a unmanaged server later? it appears to me that using admin tools such as PLESK would not increase my knowledge of managing a server a lot.

the 2nd question is about CPanel. Can I use it to manage/create multiple domains (not subdomain)? I am familiar w/ PLESK but have no idea about CPanel. I ask this because nocster offers "managed" server (are they really managed?) w/ cpanel and I am kind of interested.

thank you all for your thoughts.

With a managed server, you can put clients on it right away while you learn about managing. I have an old 166MHz at home that I use to learn Linux with. I wouldn't put clients on an unmanaged box if you are learning.

As far as Cpanel goes, you can pretty much do everything plesk does and then some with accounts. Plesk has some built-in addon functionality like domain purchasing etc that Cpanel does not though. Also, resellers have no hard built-in limit to their domains so they can oversell their space if you allow them (which makes it more profitable for them).

Originally posted by best-card
Will I learn a lot so that I can get a unmanaged server later? it appears to me that using admin tools such as PLESK would not increase my knowledge of managing a server a lot.

I'm confused.

Getting a server, managed or not, isn't going to be some magical tool which will pump information into your head. Learning is going to be entirely dependent on yourself, and just from your comments... get a managed server, and then setup an environment where you can learn (read: break) things that won't effect any customers you might have.

I'm with clockwork on this one. Go with a managed server, pick up an old box, put Linux on it and "work" with it until you're sure you know what you're doing. The advice of "breaking" and learning how to "fix" things can't be overstated..

when u do get to doing your own stuff on a server, make sure you check how much restarts cost. one wrong hdparm -X or something and u could be down. could rack up quite a lot of charges.

thank you all for your feedback. i wish i'll have time to play w/ linux but i think i will start w/ managed server first.

perhaps time to get a cheap box from dell soon.

One thing you'll find about Linux vs Windows is that Linux will run on an old computer quite well. I have a 166MHz in my den for that.