[SOLVED] Need a server!

How do.
I need help with selecting a server.

Ive got 12 clients of my own and the company I work for has over 20.
Each of these clients sites are hosted on separate hosting packages.

I'm getting to a point where maintaining the sites is becoming a serious pain so I want to get my own server for hosting any future clients.

The director of the company I work for is happy to invest in me getting my own server. I've been offered up-to £2500.

So two questions really -

1. Any suggestions on what to get?
2. How much of a learning curve am I facing to administer the darn thing?

I think both of these can only be answered once we know if it's a linux, or windows server you are going for.

__________________
Rob - SEO Specialist
Owner & Founder of Webforumz.com

I am currently unavailable for private work

Definitely linux

2. Linux installation can be pretty difficult, pretty high learning curve I must admit.

If you can afford, it's better to hire a professional to administer a server.

Installation? Gulp.

I think I've just realised this isn't what I thought it was going to be.I assumed I just choose the best server (for the money) with linux already installed then learn to configure it.

I suppose time isn't really an issue so I am happy with the learning curve. I asked about that cos I'm excited and pretty much want to build rome in a day.

Are there any good online resources for learning about this? I'm googling as we speak but not finding much.

Sorry I should of clarified;
The actual installation of the OS is pretty easy (if you have the right hardware), but installing programs can be very confusing. A lot of command line action, it's something like:

Code: Select all

run program --with-option -on --settings
$make

I made that up, but it looks similar to that.

Unfortunately this isn't an option as the server will be at home for my personal business.
The deal is I pay my MD (in my employed position) back over a year with a bit extra on top.

I can carry on as I am while I am learning though - even if it takes a year or whatever.
Its just a step a feel I could benefit from taking especially now the opportunity has presented itself without any initial cost to myself.

Ahh.
So you don't get an easy graphical UI then. Thats gives me a bit more perspective.

Thanks Alex

As this is going to be at home, I would hope you have a very very fast internet conection with a high UPLOAD speed. Download speed is not very important as you will be mostly uploading.

I would hope you have at a very minimum 8MB SDSL. ADSL is nowhere near good enough.

If you dont have SDSL then I would look into co-locating the server somewhere with an ISP at a proper datacenter.

I think you should consider centOS as the linux operating system. It's very slim and perfect for hosting.

__________________
Rob - SEO Specialist
Owner & Founder of Webforumz.com

I am currently unavailable for private work

You do get GUI, but installing GUI programs usually has to be done in terminal.

Thanks very much guys.

I think I am getting a full perspective on what this all involves.
Not what I was expecting at all.

Rob, that what you mentioned about upload speeds is something I foolishly didn't even think about.
Its not feasible to do this from home with the connection I have or can afford.

Oh well. Something for the future.

I'll mark this thread as solved.

Keep us updated.