Need advice on getting a dedicated box...
 

Good morning everyone.

I am going to need a dedicated server soon, or in the coming months, and I have been checking some prices and packages from various providers. I really like the "unmanaged servers" for the pricing reasons, but I have no idea how to run my own server. How much would I have to learn, to be able to run my own unmanaged server.

This is one of the packages I found, and comes with the following:

24X7X365 Network Monitoring Free Reboots
Choice of OS
99.9% Uptime Guarantee
Failed Hardware Replacement
8 IPs
MRTG Graphs
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Month to Month Contract 24x7x365 On-site Technicians

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice on this matter. |thumb

The amount you'd need to know to have an unmanaged box really depends on what you're planning to do, and what software you're running.

We could set you up with everything you described below and more, and could install a control panel such as Plesk or Cpanel. The control panel pretty much eliminates the learning curve. A few clicks, and a site is setup. A few clicks, and you have email. It's really very simple.

Visit our site at http://www.marlinwebhosting.com/ and you can see the packages we offer. You can contact me at danny@marlinwebhosting.com or on my cell phone at 407-697-6594.

If unmanaged comes with cpanel, there isn't a lot for you to learn, but cpanel also takes up valuable server resources too.

Personally, I think a managed server is the way to go.
It's tough to put a price on top-notch customer service.

"Personally, I think a managed server is the way to go."
Ditto

Yep even with cpanel there is still a fairly complex process involved to secure the box, you've got a firewall to install, brute force detection, intrusion detection. That's just to set the box up then you have to consider the time and effort involved in checking log files, making sure you are uptodate with the latest security fixes etc, which should be done on a daily basis. So it's a lot harder than simply getting a box and setting up the accounts :)

An unsupported box can be a total fucking nightmare. A newly setup box is shit. The moment you get it you want to go in and disable telnet, disable direct root login, install a root kit detector, install APF (advanced policy firewall), install BFD (brute force detection), and install mod_security for Apache. And that's the very least you'll want to do. If you are unwilling to do that yourself, you can get a server management company to take over for you for a monthly fee or even get a one time 'hardening' service done. AcuNett does both.

I was like a kid in a porn shop when I ordered by box. But when it finally got handed over to me I was like 'what now?'.

Phat servers all the way..

Thanks everyone.

I'm glad I asked, as I wasn't aware of what all was involved, and you all brilliantly described it for me. I think for me, it will be best to go with a managed solution now, but I want to thank everyone that responded.

You'll get the best deals by contacting hosts directly. They tend to sweeten the pot via email or ICQ as compared to their listed prices.

if you're still looking at deds, feel free to contact me to get you set up
chris@
icq # 273099174
http://www.atcihosting.com

I hear good things about webair's managed servers :) Talk to Mike (icq 20458616)...

So the original question was answered and now this is turning into a spam fest I'm moving it over to "Looking for."

Thanks Cleo, sorry didn't intend on causing a spammy thread. :)

Very cool UW, I will try that avenue when I get ready to make the jump. Great tip man!

LowryBigwood,

Please have a look at our dedicated/managed plans the prices and services we offer siimply cannot be beat.

http://www.webair.com/hosting/hosting_dedicated.html

we offer 24/7/365 tech support via live person chat & toll free phone support as welll.

• Choice of OS
• 99.9% Uptime Guarantee
• Failed Hardware Replacement ON SITE
• 8 IPs - all dedi plans include 10 ips
• MRTG Graphs - webair proprietary stats • wusage stats included
• 30 Day Money Back Guarantee - for sure
• Month to month contracts
• 24x7x36 On-site Technicians
• Free webair proprietary control panel - contact me for a demo
• Weekly Backups included
• Full Server Administration
• PDU access for remote reboots

And much much more! |shocking|

Lowry, glad to see you are going managed, its a lot of work making sure that your server is secure and stable and at the same time fast and responsive to your visitors, this is best left to the pros.

If you have not found your new hosting home, hit me up on ICQ 118860760 or email sales@chilihost.com - I will give you a great deal on a fully managed, maintained and monitored server and will go out of my way to help you get things setup and running exactly how you want it.

cheers,
Luke

I can recommend you HQHOST.
Managing of dedicated server costs $10 per hour. That is not so much.

Talk to Kathy at National net. Tell her that Z @ CJ sent ya. www.national-net.com

if you are still looking for dedic.
Check this adress: AlfaHost.ORG