well, i am setting up a new hosting business /w a partner and we kinda ran into a dilema.

Neither one of us can really "admin" a dedicated server, i currently use mandrake linux but never really "admined" a server. Is it difficult to do so?

The other alternative is to go with reseller hosting which can basically get rid of those problems for us.

Any answer would be great.

some places like http://rackforce.com (whom I recommend) offer managed, dedicated servers. you can also get a hard box firewall with it. security is something you need to keep in mind as well.

If your not to hot with linux, you can:

> Get a dedicated server to start with

> Setup a p1 or something fairly cheap to make at home with linux on and have a play

Mandrake wouldnt be the best option for a server. Red Hat would be a good choice if you have a small amount of experience.

Just curious.. why would you go into a business you don't know how to run :confused:

I don't know anything about chemistry... so would I try to start a chemical company? If you are getting into hosting because you think it is a quick buck.. I'd study the market and research the business a bit further.

no no no, i know how it is, its just im a little clueless on how hard it would be to actually "admin" a server.

ive been researching for about 2 months now and it seems do-able. i just wanted to know what everyone elses opinion on what we should do

reseller or hosting.

i use linux at home so i know how it works i just never tried to admin a server with it.

reseller, then hosting when your costs and income justify a managed server.

as far as managed servers go, do i basically just call them up and say i need something installed and they will do it for me?

btw, we plan to launch business within a month or so

there are different levels of management. some hosts will claim managed because u get a control panel (rare tho). some will do a lot. The reason i like rackforce is because they do more than they advertise. They use plesk on their servers, but you can get other control panels externally.

Managed places don't always support everything (even rackforce) but they will support what they install internally unless they say otherwise.

just check around for anyone's reputation for service. it makes a big difference. it's kind of expensive if you have to hire support ad-hoc. Especially if your server is compromised.

Get a reseller account and read as much of these forums as you can :)

definitely get a reseller acct first. there is a LOT to learn, and you don't need to be trying everything at once.

Originally posted by icyhost.com

Neither one of us can really "admin" a dedicated server
That issue doesn't seem to have stopped a lot of people starting up their own web hosting company.

personally, i couldn't admin a chunk of tuna, but that's not my job. As long as you build in enough margin to cover it, you just hire other people to do it. It also allows you to focus on what you're good at, be it selling, marketing, web design, etc.

Get a reseller account play with it. Add ,delete domains etc etc..
Then take a managed dedicated server...
:D