Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : What do you need to know?

[Duster]

Whenever the subject of going to a dedicated server comes up, someone often says that one needs to know about srver management, though no one ever gives specifics. Since so many functions are handled by control panels, and the connection issues and setup are handled by the hosting company, what else does someone need to know in order to have a dedicated server (on Linux)?

Experience on shared servers with virtual hosting and virtual servers (better yet) can teach one a lot about some of the common functions (most done through a control panel), but there's a lot of uncertainty of what else is needed. I strongly suspect that uncertainty is the only thing holding many people back from making the move to a dedicated server and byspassing many of the problems found with the lack of support at too many companies.

Online resources seem to be lacking on this issue.

Anybody who runs a dedicated server care to respond with SPECIFIC things one needs to know for running a dedicated server? Assume:
1. hardware, setup, and connectivity issues handled by a hosting company
2. Intel hardware, Red Hat Linux 6.1, Apache server, a control panel
3. knowledge about FTP, the ability to install and configure CGI programs and most application software to be installed for the site.

Security and more about security, something that I neglected once... You have to stay up-to-date with all security aspects whether your hosting on NT, Linux/Unix, Apple. Subscribe to all the mailing lists and make sure you your system is up-to-date. This means making sure your programs have the latest service packs and patches installed, often released every month or so, multiple this by each software program you have installed.

For those hosting I guess you would need to monitor content for mp3 files etc... perhaps make a script.

You would also have to monitor performance.

I also thought hosting sites would be easy until I got my own dedicated server, I couldn't imagine starting a hosting company within the first month or so. The leap is massive and needs careful planning, several books from amazon, a few months to real get to know the OS/Webserver.

[Duster]

Thanks for the atttempt to answer, but I was looking for specific information, not generalities. The information provided is only slightly more defined than the vague mentions elsewhere.

For instance, in day to day operation (not hosting others), what functions are not performed by a control panel? Before I finished posting this message, I called Dialtone Internet and asked the same question (along with a more technical question I had). Rolando in tech support told me that moving files, and a few basic commands via telnet (involving directories and files) or FTP (when I asked) would be helpful. When I asked if there were any crucial day to day functions needed that weren't administered by their control panel, he said no, that their web site includes instructions for most anything that would be needed. They would have to charge if they performed them (as stated on the site), but they provide the information for their customers to do things for themselves.

That's the kind of specific information so lacking in this industry. Many people are disgusted with lousy service at one hosting company after another and would move to a dedicated server just for their own domain so as to be able to do away with many of the problems they have encountered. Some have already learned a few things about file management out of necessity, and are uncertain aboiut how much they need to know to make the jump to a dedicated server. While more knowledge is always a helpful thing, it appears that the minimum necessities are not as great as some imagine.

[This message has been edited by Duster (edited 03-16-2000).]

After going through different posts on these boards I couldn't help but notice that if I ever need someone with tact as an outstanding personal asset that you Duster would be #1. That's one of the things I love about the net. Our "citizens" are so colorful.

Client IP:171.226.172.154

[Duster]

Thanks for the kind words, though I've always considered myself too interested in the truth to be tactful. Too often, some people regard being tactful as holding back the truth in order to spare somene's feelings.

Maybe I seem tactful because I address issues and facts and don't ever insult the people (even those who do get insulting). I have no interest nor time to engage in petty personality disputes. They are a waste of time and energy and there are more fun things I'd rather do.

Duster ->

I too am in the market for a dedicated server. I have talked to Rolando (?) @ dialtoneinternet, and by talking to him, I received a good feeling as far as the quality of service goes.

At the moment, my only concern would be the type of control panel they offer with their red hat linux system... it appears that the control panel is not very extensive, only having three options available to the client - 1: frontpage extensions, 2: directory protection, and 3: I forget...

I'm a big fan of a highly functional control panel ... but who knows, maybe you can install your own control panel? I am very new to the dedicated server scene, so I still have some investigating to do and questions to ask... and I would *really* appreciate it if you would share any information you deem important to a newby...

Thanks -

- Esper


Client IP:209.245.7.198

[Duster]

Esper (and anybody else that's interested),

You can install your own control panel on Dialtone (and most any dedicated server) since you have full root level access on dedicated servers.

I know of two server control panels. One is Webmin, a freeware program I learned of here. It's at http://www.webmin.com/webmin/

Another is War Paint for Apache. It is a comprehensive control panel for servers using Apache server (which includes Dialtone). Pricing is $40 for s single license, $200 for a site license, and $600 for a worldwide license. You can find it at http://www.rovis.com/warpaint/

I'll be glad to pass on any other helpful information I learn. In fact, I'm redoing the technical part of my site and will include some of these issues, including security, spam prevention and blocking, etc. I'll post the URL when it's ready.

For now, here's a few things to be aware of. Dialtone has 3 backbones and 6 monitors. If a backbone goes down, or they lose the connection to one (it happened to my site with another host this past week with UUNET), you won't notice it as your server is automatically and transparently switched to another backbone. That's not true of a lot of other hosting companies, even if they have more than one backbone.

Spam prevention and blocking - is using Sendmail (which Dialtone provides), make sure relaying is closed (the default from 8.9.3 onward) and set the level of messages to be mailed out at one time low enough to catch anybody trying to spam from your server. You might also want to enable RBL (Realtime Black List) and similar free services in Sendmail, which will block a lot of spam. You can read more at http://sendmail.org, http://maps.vix.com/rbl/ and http://www.securityfocus.com/

I was talking with my associate today and it looks like we will be signing up with Dialtone sometime this week. I'm satisfied with my investigation that they are the last hosting company I will need. In other words, everything I have learned about them has been positive and I don't expect to ever have to go looking for a better company. This will be my fourth and final. I know some guys that have used 18 and are still looking for a good one.



[This message has been edited by Duster (edited 03-20-2000).]

The control panel at dialtone is kinda cheap and needs more options, anyone agree?

Client IP:209.178.190.250

[Duster]

It would be helpful if you gave specifics as to what kind of options you are talking about. I find no value in crtiticisms like yours that have no substantive value. If, however, you support your view with data, your criticism serves a purpose.

What else would you look for in a control panel?

It wasnt a critisim, it was an opinion. The server admin panel looks alright. But I think the client side lacks too much, they only allow you to:
configure email
configure FP
and show account usage

In my OPINION a good control panel should allow for:
configure email
configure FP
and show account usage
control SQL
cron tab editor
billing
configure subdomains
site manager


I think that for the price and reliability, dialtone cannot be beat though.


Client IP:209.178.190.95

[Duster]

An opinion can be a criticism, and there's nothing wrong with being critical. We have movie critics and others who give critical opinons for a living. Unfortunately, it often has the connotation of being negative, but it isn't necesarily so. It often takes on that meaning when people make a remark that something isn't satisfatory (up to their expectations) without stating why.

With substantiation and in the right context, criticisms can lead to improvement.

I passed on these comments to Dialtone Internet and learned that they are making improvements to their control panel. My experience has been that companies that strive to excel are usually receptive to suggestions for improvements. They are astute enough to realize that anything their customers or potential customers are interested in, is something worth considering. The authors of most of the programs I use on my site are most appreciative of suggestions, have incorporated many, and their programs have improved as a result. It doesn't surprise me that a host like DI would have a similar attitude.

[This message has been edited by Duster (edited 03-23-2000).]