Hello everyone!

I am relatively new to the webhosting enviroment. We've set up with apache on a linux box to host our own website with a lot of learning + work. Now we'd like to move into hosting a few other websites, nothing major but so far security is an issue, which we're resolving with the information out there.
What I ask is if any of you could take the time to explain some fundementals and the in's and out's of taking on such a task, recommend any software which will allow us to proceed, how to configure a server.. or where one would go to find information on where to begin.
I am looking to be able to set up user accounts, alotted webspace, adminstration, set permissions, provide ftp access, provide cgi-bin access, and the elements a good webhost would provide on a small scale. My server guy is a expert in NT and around 24/7/365, and new to linux, my programmer is very good with linux, but new to webhosting solutions, and I am a more or less a webdesigner.
I know we should look at providers already out there, but with the time and effort we hope to be able to move on our own. And insight /help/thoughts/suggestions are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks for your time! Look forward to hearing from anyone!:rolleyes:

Well, you might want to check out software from either, http://www.plesk.com/ or http://www.ensim.com/

Or for a free solution check out http://www.webmin.com.

Thank you very much for the *FAST* response... Awesome! So these programs are the building blocks? Any recommendations for a newbie, as in a simplified solution with *EXCELLENT* laymen documentation?:rolleyes:

And what about your server security ???

Our server did have a few openings and was shut down a few times by suspected DoS attacks. Now we're looking at a firewall to close up any remaining holes, as well as documentation on the do's and don'ts of webserver security. :eek: Its been an eye opener.
The server routinely is subjected to port scans via the same 3 ip addresses, but *I* am not 100% sure the significance of that. I will leave the security to the other guys who are more competent in that area :rolleyes:

What linux are you running? Redhat? etc

We were running redhat, but switched to the latest version of Slackware. My brother is the programmer and is pretty familiar with slackware + felt it was better ( again all 3 of us developing have little experience with webhosting so input is encouraged ) as well as more secure to date.

Also thanks for the interest and support! Very positive so far.