starting your own server for newbies

[ninikins]

Would it be possible to explain how to start your own server in layman's terms? I'm sure that many people, me included would find that helpful.

[monaghan]

Choose your datacenter
Choose which OS / control panel
Order server
secure the OS
configure control panel
create customer accounts

Easy if you're a system admin, if not then seek some help as an insecure server will soon become a target for script kiddies to either deface or to use as a spam router.

Once the server is on place, then it's at least daily checks to make sure all's well, regular hard work to keep the box sweet. You can lighten this workload by selling higher quality non-oversold accounts, however if you want the high profits most people seem to think are just laying about ready to get rich on, then you need to work hard

[TWD_Tony]

Originally Posted by ninikins

Would it be possible to explain how to start your own server in layman's terms? I'm sure that many people, me included would find that helpful.

It depends on what you want to know? Monaghan has given you the consumer details, or do you want the technical details? (how to config the server, OS, what security software to add and how to configure it... etc etc etc)
Bare in mind - If you want the techy details then the answer will be a long post!

[monaghan]

If he needs the technical details from a public forum, then I'd perhaps suggest that he's not ready to be let loose on an Internet connected server just yet

Best bet is to build a server on a test PC and hook this up to your home broadband outside your firewall and see how long you can keep the box up for without getting hacked.

[triumph]

I have to agree with Monaghan. If you need to ask on a public forum like this, you are not ready for the technical aspects of assembling and maintaining a server.

You would be better off going the re-seller route and let someone else do the technical work.

[brian]

IF you need help with running a server from the command line, then it may be worth investing in one of the Dummies books. I got one of those for Red Hat.