need your recomendation, I need to buy a server

itaym02

Greetings,

I have to buy a dedicated server for my site (and very big aplication behind it).
Which unix/linux is preffered for that matter? We are currently low on mony...

will it have apache,php,mysql bundled in the package as well?
What other softwere do I need to make it a secure webserver?
I will also need to sand emails, do I need to install mail server on it?

Thanks

thorpe

Im sorry, but if you really need to ask these questions, you aren't really in the position of being able to setup and maintain a secure / reliable server. You would probably be better off looking at a managed dedicated server. This way, you worry about your application, and let a professional worry about the server.

itaym02

and yet,
to become a pro, I have to begin doing it myself.

Any good suggestions?

thorpe

and yet,
to become a pro, I have to begin doing it myself

Yeah... I know what you meen. I have 3 Linux box's at home and I do actually have one of them available to the wider world, its just, well, I wouldn't host an important application on it.

I use Gentoo Linux on all my machines. Very customizable and keeps you in control.

will it have apache,php,mysql bundled in the package as well?

Not Gentoo, but allot of more user freindly Linux's do. With Gentoo you build the system from the ground up.

Anyway... not to get too far off subject. If it really is server administration you want to learn first you need an OS. Alot of servers run freeBSD, not Linux, though there are allot of Linux servers around aswell.

You'll need to learn that system well. Keeping on top of system updates is the best way to ensure security. You'll need to learn how to use iptables (firewalling) to protect your server and any network you may have.

You'll need to learn how to configure Apache, Postfix, PHP, MySql, Postgres and a whole array of other applications that you may need.

As you can see, its no small subject. The best place to start is probably just downloading a good Linux distro or freeBSD, explore, install and play with software, I dont know.... things just kinda come to ya.

But yeah... like i said, without the right skills, your kinda asking for trouble trying run your own server.

itaym02

Thanks,

I am well aware of the risks, and will take the proper steps (like paying a pro to help me).
But as system admin/ Technical manager of the entire enterprise, I must know somthing about everything.
Atleast, I have to know if the pro I am hiring is realy a pro.
Besides, it is time I know more about web servers.

hagen00

IMHO

I think if you are going to use linux then use Debian! Getting the webserver, PHP and the rest up and running is unbelievably simple. And Debian is known to be a rock solid choice for a Linux server Distro!

PS My opinion is that you're not really asking for trouble. Maintaining a web server is not rocket science. You might make mistakes, but you'll learn. Just stay far away from something horrible such as Red Hat...or anything that doesn't use apt-get...Ubuntu is another good choice, although it's more of a desktop distro.

msound

CentOS: www.centos.org
Debian might be a little difficult for someone who's never used Linux before. Ubuntu might be a good alternative as well seeing as how it's based on Debian.