Setting up self-managed dedicated

I've decided to try out the features of a self-managed server and see if I can set it up. So I just rented one recently.

No clue how anything works so it'll be all adventure.

Here's what I plan to do:

1. Install a firewall, rootkit detector, antivirus. Any recommendations on good ones?
2. Once the server is secure from intrusions, install OpenVZ for running VPS. Will set up a VPS for myself.
3. Set up XAAMP on the VPS, which includes PHP/MYSQL and a ton of other modules... or should I install PHP/mysql manually and modules, or it makes no difference? Or maybe install lighttpd instead and install others manually?
4. Install VHCS for templating the server as a control panel.

Couple questions. How do I set up custom DNS nameservers on the server? Will VHCS control that for me?

Any other security stuff I need to install?

Just need to know the BASIC installation process of what I need to setup in order to make the server safe and ready to go.

Thanks!

 

First decide if you're going to need a control panel or not. Doing all freaky things can make a control panel never install unless a OS reload is done.

Personally, I use directadmin CP and manage stuff quite well.

 

I'm using VHCS

 

Hmm...is it all up and running or still need help?

BTW, VHCS on Debian Etch OS works perfect.

 

Waiting for it to be installed for use.

It'll be running Fedora Core 5.

Thanks

 

Fedora is good for desktops, IMO...Debian/CentOS ideal for servers...anyway, good luck getting vhcs installed on fedora!

 

Thanks!

Fedora Core 8 server, that's what it is exactly.

It'll be a challenge but maybe it'll do. Does Fedora make it different in any way compared to Debian in terms of installation of objects?

 

GNUPanel is free and works fine... but maybe is a bit noobish (the panel)

 

CentOS is most preferred for servers though Fadora is also good

 

Anything except Debian will be a trouble for VHCS install...

 

If you dont have a control panel and your asking how to setup just the DNS then you will need a management company to setup stuff.
But you should at least have Cpanel to do all this or even plesk. It will cost not matter what to run a dedicated server.

 

Like I said I'm new to this and want to learn how to set up my own server, so this is what I planned to do.

If VHCS is hard to install on Fedora, are there any others that do easily install?

 

CubePanel Lite is free and works in fedora http://www.cubepanel.com/download/index.htm, an install manual http://www.cubepanel.com/pdf/install_linux_en.pdf