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06-16-2012, 02:56 PM #1Junior Guru
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VPS to learn on. Recommend size etc.
OK I basically am a total idiot when it comes to VPS and servers.
I have used Linux (multiple flavors) and FreeBSD for years as desktops. So I can use a CLI.
However until recently I have lived in areas with extremely slow internet. So I never messed with the server side. I have a shared account and two reseller accounts but those are managed of course.
I am looking for recommendations for size etc for a VPS to learn server management and try out control panels and OS's on.
I have looked at Linodes smallest package (cheap is good since this is a learning account not active) and the multiple OS templates seems nice. However I can see myself becoming focused on OS's and not server items.
So I guess my questions in short are.
1. Size of account needed. Remember I want to test panels as well.
2. Xen, OpenViz, etc which would be the best to learn on?
3. Recommendations for a cheap host who wouldn't mind me wiping the server by accident on occasion.
4. Any other recommendations for an old fart who is trying to learn.
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06-16-2012, 03:08 PM #2Web Hosting Master
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1. Size of account needed. Remember I want to test panels as well.
>> 512MB RAM and about 5GB disk is probably the minimum if you want to test panels as well
2. Xen, OpenViz, etc which would be the best to learn on?
>> KVM actually, in my opinion, as you can install *any* OS you like from virtual CD/DVD and configure it *exactly* how you want, just like a dedicated server.
3. Recommendations for a cheap host who wouldn't mind me wiping the server by accident on occasion.
>> Most hosts have a panel with which you can do this yourself as often as you like
4. Any other recommendations for an old fart who is trying to learn.
>> Search the forums for reviews so you don't get something that's completely unusable but Linode's smallest package, as you mentioned, is a good option. If you pick a small company you might get a little more handholding, and a few more questions answered which might help you learn though.
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06-16-2012, 03:31 PM #3Web Hosting Master
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You need to worry about RAM, a minimum of 512 MB for the panels.
Xen HVM is the closest you'll get to a real dedicated.
You may want to get a managed server, that way if you encounter an issue your host can help you figure it out. Don't be afraid to ask them how they fixed it.
Best of luck!Jean-Pierre Abboud / I'm the TekGURU
www.Gotekky.com / Managed hosting solutions / AS63447
Web Hosting, VPS Hosting, Dedicated Servers
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06-16-2012, 08:09 PM #4Disabled
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Where do you want this vps located and what is your dollar budget
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06-16-2012, 08:56 PM #5Junior Guru
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Since it would be basically a test server. Anywhere in the US would probably give good connection times for my requirements.
Probably around 25USD for the budget.
I'm in Ohio so east coast would probably give the fastest response to my location.
Thanks jhadley and GoTek-JP some good points for me to think about.Last edited by lazyt; 06-16-2012 at 08:59 PM.
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06-17-2012, 12:28 AM #6Temporarily Suspended
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A virtual private server in Chicago seems closest to your location
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06-17-2012, 12:40 AM #7Web Hosting Master
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I will mirror whats already been said. I would also ignore Marks post, he is just fishing.
Size of account needed. Remember I want to test panels as well.
Xen, OpenViz, etc which would be the best to learn on?
Recommendations for a cheap host who wouldn't mind me wiping the server by accident on occasion.
Good luck with the project, You could even just set up some VMs on a home PC first.Last edited by SPINIKR-RO; 06-17-2012 at 12:44 AM.
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06-17-2012, 01:08 AM #8Junior Guru
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You can use vmware to set up VM. I think it is the cheapest way.
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06-17-2012, 01:45 AM #9Web Hosting Master
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Thats actually a pretty good idea. If ones computer is capable, doing it locally is free besides electricity and it can be shutdown or wiped easily.
If someone tries to run a site off that local VM, then I can see issues.
Burst.net would be a good choice now that they offer xen plans. OpenVZ is perfectly fine for learning but setups such as Xen or KVM are closer to a true dedicated server and provide a bit more control that you may not have with OpenVZ. Buyvm offers kvm plans too which would be perfectly suitable.
If I were you, I would have a 512mb memory or 1GB of memory vps along with a small 128mb or 256mb vps for both control panel and optimization experience.
Trying to squeeze the most performance out of a minimal amount of resources can really help one learn optimization techniques.
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06-17-2012, 02:32 AM #10Aspiring Evangelist
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06-17-2012, 03:39 AM #11Web Hosting Evangelist
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OpenVZ and Xen-PV are easy to start with because they are usually deploied fully configured with some template, so even if you have little linux knowledge you have a working system.
Xen-HVM and KVM are however more near to a real server installation.
So your experience will not be complete if you don't try them all :-)Prometeus.com & iperweb.com Hosting Solutions since 1997
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06-18-2012, 02:07 AM #12(formerly WhichGunDotCom)
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It's absolutely ridiculous that myths like this ("Xen is better than OpenVZ -- it can't be oversold" and so forth) continue to be spread.
How the host actually runs things is far more important. It doesn't matter which type of virtualization is used, all can be abused and oversold.
lazyt: A 512MB VPS from any respectable provider should be fine. If you want to be able to install any OS you choose, a KVM or Xen HVM (not PV) server will allow you to upload an ISO image and boot from it. If you simply want to be able to install any of the most popular Linux distributions (CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, etc.) don't worry about virtualization type. OpenVZ and Xen PV will work just fine.
For learning and testing purposes, you needn't spend a lot of money. Linode is an excellent provider, but there are many other hosts that will come in at a significantly lower cost but still work great for your needs.
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06-18-2012, 02:30 AM #13Solid State
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Yes, take that into consideration.
You can save yourself some money, especially since this is just a learning environment, and go with a cheaper provider. I don't think virtualization type really matters for you other unless you want to use uncommon distros that most hosts don't offer. Make sure you get a panel like SolusVM and at least 512MB RAM. At that budget, you might consider getting more RAM (1GB+) to have more freedom in what you can install and have running simultaneously.
techjr's idea about optimizing a smaller VPS is interesting, though. It just depends on what you want to get out of this experience.██ RamNode - High Performance Cloud VPS
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06-18-2012, 02:12 PM #14Junior Guru
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Thanks for the ideas everyone. I may try a VM on this laptop (Thinkpad edge 14) it should be interesting.
If the vitalization isn't that important to learn the basics on. I can see where OpenVZ is a "lot" cheaper.
I'll probably start with a simple old work horse, Debian. I've used it and it's variants for years.
However knowing me it's hard telling what I'll end up running. After all isn't experimenting ninety percent of the fun?
Something I'm unclear on. Will the SolusVM panel allow me to change to different distros? Or do I just make another instance inside the main container with the distro I want to try out?
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06-18-2012, 03:34 PM #15Web Hosting Evangelist
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I will suggest you go with a 512MB XEN from StyleXNetworks, they have OnApp and it will help you a lot in managing your VPS, prices are very reasonable, I guess they are running promotions with 10 USD - 512MB XEN- High Availability, or try with the free ones they have been offering a while ago. I would not suggest a VM on laptop, to workaround putty and configuring emails, monitoring, updates from a live server is really great, So go with a live VPS.
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06-18-2012, 03:38 PM #16Solid State
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