Using PHP to automate a web host

[Anon]

I am looking for some prewritten scripts to help me design an application I'm currently working on.

Basically, I need to be able to automate updates of DNS entries when a user signs up for hosting with my company, I need a script to automatically edit the DNS zone file to reflect the added domain. Also, I need to be able to have the user add e-mail addresses to their account via a web form. The script should also add the users "account" to my server with their chosen user name and password, assign them an ftp and www services. I would like to do all of this inside Windows 2000 running IIS 5.0, however if this is not possible or not desirable, I am willing to run a Linux system (please recommend a mail server).

You can gather that I'm essentially trying to write a PHP script that makes my web server virtually maintenance free.

[[deleted]]

Windows 2000 is never desirable :-)

Instead of re-inventing the wheel (how ever much fun that can be) try searching the web. Many people have written "control panels" for linux that allow you to do just about everything you want.
Do a search on the internet for "control panel" and you'll find lots of usefull info.

[Anon]

I've been looking, haven't been able to find one if u can belive that!

Do you know of any?>

Wael

[[deleted]]

for linux: www.webmin.com

[Anon]

Well, really what I'm looking for is something to offer my clients a control panel for easy installation of things like Frontpage extensions, easy addition of emails, etc.

Any ideas?

[cvincent]

This is going to be almost a complete custom job. Like Vincent said, I wouldnt do it under Windows2000, it can be done under *nix with a lot more ease. Just think of what you would do on a console to add this new user (ie, what files you would edit) and program the PHP script to do so, but ask for the variables along the way.

Some links:
BIND: http://www.ypass.net/php/dns/dns.inc
Apache, NcFTPd, and BIND: http://www.guanotronic.com/~serge/EDF/edf-v0.03b.tar.gz

-Chris

[Anon]

Do you think I would be better of Shell Scripting or PHP?

Wael

[cvincent]

Use shell scripting for the backend work, and use PHP to interact with the shell scripting. You could use PHP all the way, whichever you are more comfortable with.

-Chris

[Anon]

believe it or not, I'm comfortable with neither! I've never run a Linux system, I've spent about 5 hours on an Irix system. I am looking to set up a Linux server because of the generally lower costs and maintenance. Also, I am in the process of learning PHP (I know several languages and this seems similar to C++). I think this will be quite an endeavor!

Thanks again,

Wael