running a dedicated server- how complicated is it?

[disgust]

our site uses more than most sites out there- so much so that the idea of virtual hosting accounts are almost a joke.

so we're considering moving on to our own dedicated server. the price is something we can swing after some minor advertisements (adsense among them), but I don't know how much I have to actually know to do this- and I've never been able to get a straight answer.

although it's for one site, I'd like to be able to set up multiple domains and sites, set up mysql databases, have webstats and logs, set up ftp and ssh accounts for the individual other accounts.

how much would I need to know for such a thing? would getting something like the cpanel hosting instead of the bare redhead but worth the extra money?

we go through 250+ gigs of bandwidth a month. we get 10,000 unique visitors a day and about 100,000 pageloads a day.

thanks :)

[Cricket]

Have you considered a managed dedicated server as an alternative to doing it all?

[disgust]

how much more expensive is that typically?

the plan we wanted was 100$ for the basic redheat or 120$ a month for redhat with cpanel

[john_loch]

Given what you said above, I'd definitely go with the managed dedicated box.
The bonus with CPanel is you also get WHM - allowing you to create as many cpanel accounts as you feel like.

If you had to manage each aspect of your site/s yourself, you'd just not have the time. Don't forget, some hosting companies will charge you for hard reboots, and it's up to you to know when the server goes down etc if it's simply a dedicated box.

Go for a managed solution, you have all the necessary resources inplace, and all the support you're likely to need. Shell access will ensure you have console when you need to install that extra module (or whatever) :)

That's not a bad price, just make sure they don't skimp on the monthly traffic, and you're on a fat pipe.

As for Cpanel itself, it's intuitive and very easy to use. Also comes with a fully scriptable API for integration with remote apps and serverside apps like ModernBill etc.

:)

[vinyl]

...and with a lot of bugs :) its unstable control panel, but indeed, its more than functional by my definition of that word. so stability or functionality, make your choice. id personalty choose cpanel, still, just look at their forums and check the number of reported bugs...

[nlopes]

Plesk 7 is also very good.

[vinyl]

...and much stable/less functional than cPanel. It's relatively new on the market but I also think its quite good.

[ddziuban]

[QUOTE=disgust]our site uses more than most sites out there- so much so that the idea of virtual hosting accounts are almost a joke.

so we're considering moving on to our own dedicated server. the price is something we can swing after some minor advertisements (adsense among them), but I don't know how much I have to actually know to do this- and I've never been able to get a straight answer.


Be Prepared. With "virtual" hosting, theres some advantages to have a helping hand

With a dedicated box, there is no one to blame but yourself. Consider updates,backups,maintance and anything that may arise.

We recently migrated from a virtual host to our own dedicated server, after moving 300+ domains we went home to celebrate the almost flawless transfer. Keep in mindy migrating sites with permissions and cgibin is no easy task, to make a long story short, we had some minor tweaking to do, and never updated our backup systems, Murphys law in place, the hard drive failed right after dns changes went into effect. No host to point fingers at, it was our fault.

Using cpnale,plesk etc, but you have to keep in mind account creations and domain transfers is no easy task. As customers are very very dependant on their email. Changing that MX record will create a slight delay with changes, add in the clients numerous email accounts, forwarders, auto responders, aliases. Be ready, Be prepared and PLAN AHEAD.

[nevetS]

Let me spell something out for you.

HACKERS WILL TRY REALLY HARD TO GET INTO YOUR BOX.

I see attempts in my logs all day long, and it's a constant battle to keep them out. It's not a 9-5 job the majority of the time, but some days it's a 24 hour shift putting updates in and testing them. If you are thinking about managing the box yourself, lock everything down with a firewall, and make sure you understand all of the security implications with opening any necessary ports. Many implementations of SSH are insecure even, so you really do have to spend some time reading up on things.

Most FTP applications are vulnerable in one way or another, so again, you must be careful with what software you choose and how you choose to implement it.

Popular and cheap server farms are prime targets because their out of the box implementations have holes, so hackers are constantly searching for a new guy to take advantage of within that IP range.

Having said all that...

Once you have your own server, you will never move away from it. Having total control over the box is an addictive thing. Having great performance on limited hardware is nice too. You really should have some linux experience though, and some time on your hands to get your feet wet. Don't be afraid to call in an expert or two when you get overwhelmed. The money is well spent, believe me.

[SecureCP]

Managed dedicated solutions can be had cheap. I've heard of really good packages under 200 dollars, so they're not always expensive. Don't get scared lol

[theapparatus]

Managed dedicated solutions can be had cheap.

I pay about $75 per server for my management but that's a bulk price. I also pay a per client fee on top of that.

They pretty much manage upgrades, log management and review, firewall rules, etc.

[SecureCP]

I pay about $75 per server for my management but that's a bulk price. I also pay a per client fee on top of that.

They pretty much manage upgrades, log management and review, firewall rules, etc.

Do you pay that on top of the cost of the servers? With the support you mentioned above, there are some hosting providers which will do that for you at no additional cost to their advertised price. Do you use a white label support team who answers your clients questions for you too? That's what I'd expect at that cost. No offense whatsoever, just wondering. ;)

[theapparatus]

On iPod. Excuse shortness. Own servers. No lease. Also pay bw, rack fees, direct admin. Think that's it.

Break it down some day if folks want.

I could probably manage but 1 part of support agreement so let them do it anyway 2 most server issues discovered through client problems so combine both good idea 3 more timefor me to interact with clients be on my own projects.

Just wish could pay myself more. Damn ex

[ravee1981]

actually it isnt complicated at all. Just setup the server initially, put in security, block all unwanted ports, install your software, and just run it. Nothing should go wrong as long as some nutter doesnt get in thru the backdoor and screws something up or sends in a trojan

[SecureCP]

some nutter doesnt get in thru the backdoor and screws something up or sends in a trojan

When babysitting approximately 1,000 servers, you have no idea how often this happens.

[theapparatus]

When babysitting approximately 1,000 servers, you have no idea how often this happens.

Doesn't even have to be a "nutter" either. Soccer moms will do this as well when they install some script because they think it;s cute.

Don't get me started on unsecured CPanel boxes either. Love sites that don't keep their CPanel or Fantastico installs current.