Web Server Advice

brucevde · #1 09-14-2004, 03:13 PM

Am I ever glad I found this Forum. first of all - > newbie alert.

I was given the opportunity to move into the wonderful world of web-hosting from my boring old job as a VB programming. I had absolutely no experience in Web - anything but I jumped at this chance. With no experience, I decided to go with a dedicated/managed Windows 2003 server from Rackspace. Somehow I managed to get a site up and running.

Anyways, my questions. I don't know what I need in the way of software. I don't even know what to ask for as I don't know/understand the correct terminology yet.

What is the purpose of a Control Panel? I don't plan on being a "reseller", I just plan on hosting/creating sites. Clients who take care of their own site will just basically FTP in to make their updates. Would a control panel be overkill?

What do I need to use to get statistics for each site that I host on my server (bandwidth/month, visits, hits etc.)?

How can I control bandwidth usage?

One more question. When I signed up with Rackspace they suggested I use "Name Based Hosting" rather than "IP Based Hosting? I said "Sure, why not". Was that a mistake? Is there much difference?

Any links or info you can offer would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Ww333 · #2 09-14-2004, 03:22 PM

You dont need a control panel if your going to be hosting personal sites, since you can add all the stuff manually. But if you are going to be hosting for a few people that do not have access to add accounts, then I would suggest getting a control panel. You can try out the plesk demo ( www.plesk.com ) to see how you like it, and if you need it. It will also monitor the bandwidth useage, visits, hits, etc.

MegaNetServe · #3 09-15-2004, 02:28 AM

What operating System? Linux, Win2003 (std or Web)?

ferox · #4 09-19-2004, 03:21 PM

Quote:

What do I need to use to get statistics for each site that I host on my server (bandwidth/month, visits, hits etc.)?

You'll have to choose a webserver logs analyzer program that'll parse the log files and fetch the statistics from them. Usually we call it webstats generator. Popular web stats generators are AWStats, Webalizer, Urchin and Analog. All of them except Urchin are free and I think (someone confirm) all of them are supported on both Windows and Unix platforms. If you plan to choose a control panel, you'll most probably get one pre-configured with it and you'll have to do nothing on this part.

Actually all of your questions will be solved automatically if you go with a control panel as resource management is the basic function of a webhosting control panel.

Chance · #5 09-19-2004, 04:06 PM

DirectAdmin would be the best choice for your needs. Its very easy to use and everything is clean. Demo is avaible at its website; http://www.directadmin.com/