i know this is asked everyday around here....
but,
I want to get a package from either dedicatednow.com (unix machine with 500gigs a month + cpanel at 19.00 a month)
or a machine from calpop.com (500 gigs a month also but with Hsphere.. no extra monthly fee)
or a Raq 4 unit.....

i dont know what to choose... i dont know anything about apache or sendmail or admin, but i am a very fast learner and willing to learn the ins and outs...

what would be the best route for me?

hey,
If you want to admin your own box, well you need to learn some unix first.
Get a old p166 at home and load freebsd on it, test out some daemons and play around with configurations, its the best way to learn.
If you buy a server and start selling accounts without experience, it will probably cause some dramas.
I haven't heard of either of them providers, do some research on them both before you signup, but just remember you get what you pay for. If they have deals for like $50/mo with 500 gigs of traffic included, run a mile :pimp:
I recommend someone like HE.net (my host) or even rackshack.net, they host this forum and they seem pretty good.
Best wishes
- Ross

I agree with Ross here. Learn a little more about LInux, how to break things and fix them before making the jump. Have you considered getting a managed dedicated box? They're a little more expensive, but may be more up your alley. while you're still learning.

DedicatedNOW is a subdivision of Pegasus Web Technologies, a very reputable company. There are quite a few posts on them so you should definitely check them out. Most have given positive feedback. I have never heard of calpop but their webpage is something else hehe...