Running My Own Server

[KingofPimps]

I noticed over at ServerPronto you can get a fairly basic dedicated server for only $30 a month.
http://serverpronto.com/detail-starter.php

I've always wanted to learn how to run a good server but have never had the chance to. I would run a server in my house, but my ISP blocks the ports servers run on and could make me upgrade my Internet if they caught me.

What would be some good resources for learning how to use servers? I plan on running Linux on the server and using it to host PHP websites.

 

[Brazen]

Personally, I would set up a server at home for learning on. Use the free VMWare Server if you don't have a separate box. If you are wanting to host a website, you don't need to pay 30/month, just get a 5/month web hosting plan, and play around with servers at home.

Otherwise, I suggest starting out with Debian (or possibly Ubuntu Server) I believe if you go to wiki.ubuntu.com there is a "server" section that is pretty easy reading for newbies.

BTW, you might have better luck with a more specific question like, how would I set up zPanel or VHCS, or an FTP server, or SMB server, or whatever you want to do. Just take it one thing at a time.

 

[DaiShan]

Agreed, start at home on the basics, Ubuntu is EXTREMELY easy to get set up, and is Debian based (APT ) Ubuntu also has a pretty strong community, so support will be easier to find than some other distros. As for blocking ports, you can use ssh port tunneling to gain access to port 80, or you can just run your servers on another port (8080 for example)

/edit, if you've never worked with Linux before, you might consider installing Ubuntu with Gnome, that way you can learn the basics in a GUI environment, while still having access to the CLI.

 

[spikespiegal]

What's with this 'ISP's blocking ports'.

Never found one that does that. Comcast sure doesn't.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: spikespiegal
What's with this 'ISP's blocking ports'.

Never found one that does that. Comcast sure doesn't.

Comcast is one major ISP that doesn't block common inbound, and sometimes outbound, service ports. Many (probably "most") do. Cox and Qwest DO block, for sure.

 

[russoxley187]

I have Time warner, and they dont block anything..
I run a Mail/Web/FTP/Cisco Airo net server from my house...
All self taught

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: spikespiegal
What's with this 'ISP's blocking ports'.

Never found one that does that. Comcast sure doesn't.

Comcast is one major ISP that doesn't block common inbound, and sometimes outbound, service ports. Many (probably "most") do. Cox and Qwest DO block, for sure.

Yeah, I have Cox, and they definately bl0xx@r my p0rxx@r.

 

[Payton]

They kill you on the addons and I find it strange that you can't addon more RAM... 256 ill barely be enough especially if you want to run a control panel

 

[RebateMonger]

As mentioned above, the CHEAPEST way to start would be to use virutal servers to set up an in-home system. Play with it, learn how it works, and develop a business plan.

THEN consider some hosted servers for your new business.