How Much Should I Pay For Server Setup / Management
Feb 15, 2007
One of my sites has outgrown its current cheap hosting so I'm looking to upgrade. I'll probably just snag a low end, leased server from EV1 unless someone has any better ideas.
I've attempted to use a unmanaged EV1 server in the past without any setup and it was a disaster. So this time I want to pay a guy/girl to set it up properly.
My needs are not that great. I just need a server that can handle a vBulletin forum, and your typical database driven article site. At the moment, I'm only getting about 2,000 uniques per day, but the site has been growing at a constant rate.
I'm writing a new script that I think will double the sites bandwidth usage by early summer so I think I may be able to justify the expense of going from a $60 per year server to $100 per month server.
i have few dedi servers from one Us company, i am currently using their DNS service, we are into small level hosting, i want to run my own DNS, is it necessary to run a separate server for DNS?
Actually how the hosting companies do the name server pointing, for an example if i am buying a server and want to host a few domains in that server, what normally we do is we will change the name server to that companies name server ns1.domain.com ns2.domain.com
my question is if i am pointing my domains name server to the name server ns1.companydomain.com ns2.companydomain.com
how that company points the domain to my server for an example its ip is 72.xx.52.xx i am bit confused in this.
Also i have a doubt how they are creating this for n number of domains?
We are working on our pci certification ( fun times right? ) and i was wondering what other people do for server management in the dmz. Few things we are looking at listed below. We will be doing cisco zbfw for firewalling and using NAT.
#1 Servers have 2 nics, 2 ips, gateway ect. One of the networks would be considered a "management vlan/network". Other network would be for all other traffic, including natting to the internet, and traffic to the "internal" zone but locking down traffic to source,destination, and protocol level. On windows you really on have 1 true default gateway, and because windows doesnt just send traffic out the interface it came in, but looks at the routing table, some network routing issues popped up.
#2 Use only 1 nic/vlan/ip/gateway. Lock down traffic to source,destination, and protocol level for dmz to "internal" traffic and do an "inspect" statement to allow all necessary traffic back in and drop everything else. "Internal" to dmz would just be an inspect all because this traffic wouldnt need to be firewalled so management traffic would work just fine.
If you are deploying PHP and MySQL along with a site/application, how do you do it? Do you work with the individual components, or do you lean towards ready-made packages?
I use WAMP to develop my applications, and I find it a very simple yet powerful tool for deploying Apache, MySQL and PHP to Windows platforms. I've been looking at the Zend Server today too, which strikes me as very interesting, especially the full version.
I'm not talking about weak sauce companies that treat your server like any other server and apply settings base a file they got saved on their desktop.
platinum server management- been there done that total server solutions - been there done that people who send me PM's - been there done that
Maybe I'm underestimating the importance of server management, but I can't see how it is worth it to pay $300 per month for a server that can be built for $700 with the co-location costing about $100 per month.
So, I'm thinking that I can build a server or just buy a server that was considered excellent 2 years ago off of Ebay for about $700 or maybe less. From there, I simply need to find a $100 per month co-location hosting place and a freelance server dude to keep the thing updated for me and work out problems if they actually come up.
So with that said, where is a good place to find a freelance server manager?
Does anyone know of any good reliable companies that can manage our servers remotely? It could even just be 1 server admin, however looking for a company with a good rep.
Searched on Google but wasn't able to find what I was looking for. Maybe searching the wrong keywords.
I am planning to implement a chat software for our team.
We are currently using AIM. But, we have planned to install any software which works like AIM but it should be controlled by us.
Only, we can add or remove users. Only, we can see the chats done. To be frank, I need a software like AIM installed on a server which should be controlled by me.
I initially posted a topic to get help with a problem because I want to fix it myself without wasting the time of the server management company. They however picked up the post and said I should opened a ticket with them.
The problem is however still not resolved to my satifaction after a few days because we differ on some points so can you please air your view on this matter?
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[url]or [url]
Problem 1) Certificate error that hostname and certificate name don't match.
Problem 2) At some places in WHM or cPanel there is a secure and non secure warning items.
The problem 2 is perhaps to bug in WHM V11 so it is not so important.
However, the server mangement staff insist that problem 1 is because the login is via IP (or other domain name) and not via hostname but I don't agree with them because.
a) During the years I always logged into whm or cpanel via ip or domain names and never got such error.
b) cPanel redirect any whm or cpanel access to the ssl ports under HOSTNAME so it MUST match the certificate even if you use 75.127.69.82:2087
I don't get any error if log in with [url]so it is clear that the redirection to ssl ports under HOSTNAME like above don't work correctly.
That the redirection works can be seen by using [url]because the same error comes up (for mercury.domain.com) despite the site have his own certificate.
What we have here is.
Hostname = mercury.domain.com Certificate Name = mercury.domain.com
[url] (Works Fine because certificate name is mercury.domain.com)
[url] (Name of site don't match mercury.domain.com despite redirection to hostname IN WHM)
[url](Works fine, Host name = othersite.com and match certificate name)
[url](Name of site don't match mercury.domain.com despite redirection to hostname IN WHM)
What I suspect is that cpanel redirect but NOT to the actual hostname (mercury.domain.com) or otherwise present/display the hostname incorrectly so that it don't match the certificate.
WHM 11 setting: Redirect to ssl ports = enabled Two further settings, redirect to hostname = enabled
(None of the settings have any effect anyway and I tested hostname, certificate name and origin domain name redirect with the same results)
Does anyone here have any experience outsourcing server management? I've setup and run my own Linux server and configured my own database and PHP and Apache but I just don't have the time to keep everything running, backed-up and updated.
I'd love to have someone who I could just send jobs to, such as upgrading to PHP 5.2.2 or figuring out why Postgres doesn't start up correctly or why the logs aren't getting rotated automatically anymore or making sure the backups are happening or recovering from a hard disk failure, etc. I'm sure I could figure all this out (maybe on the second or third tries too), but I just don't have the time or the expertise these days.
any software, I do not care if it is free or paid, that will allow me to track and list all servers, what kernel versions are on them and track all changes made to each server.
I just need some sort of software that will allow me to better manage all our servers.
After doing the proper research, I decided to lease a dedicated server from WiredTree. Let me start by saying that in the short time that I've been a customer of WiredTree.. I have absolutely loved their service! After one month, I will do a full review of their service.. because they have been absolutely amazing!
The only issue that I've had up until now is not their fault at all. When we first signed up to their service, they were aware that we were getting a dedicated server with them because of their proactive support with DDOS attacks. Sure enough.. first day up.. we were getting DDOSed.
WiredTree responded very quickly, and worked for endless hours to help us out. The issue was resolved, and the site ran great for about another week..
Then, DDOS attacks started up again and the site became very slow. Not only was Apache running slowly, but FTP/Shell would load very slowly. I asked them to assist me with the DDOS, and they did.
Now I'm just not sure of what the issue may be, because the site still loads slowly or times out for many of my members. The site loads fine for me (now), but was lagging/timing out up to this morning. - Once again, I'll note that up to now, WiredTree have been as helpful as they can possibly can.. though for them, the site has loaded in under 3 seconds the entire time. They've asked me to submit affected IPs.. and I've submitted one that I know is affected. I'm waiting to see if the IP was blocked.. though its only loading slow for them. It is not blocking them, so I'm pretty sure that they weren't hit by the firewall.
My question is.. does anyone think that PlatinumServerManagement could more for us as far as finding/resolving an issue here? Perhaps a fresh pair of eyes could help considerably..
My concern would be having two people managing the server. Obviously PSM won't do anything unless I create a ticket, requesting their help.. but would having PSM work alongside them possibly become intrusive for WiredTree?
I'm just looking for some advice on the next step. If it'd help at all.. I could post the URL so I could see if other people experience the issue.
I'm thinking about using 'Platinum Server Management' to set up and later monitor a server I'm getting from FoftLayer. Anyone has any history with them?
I got around 5 servers running and added one more last week. Its becoming a pain managing them all. Updating, setting up new policies and restrictions, securing or whatever other tasks that are needs to be executed on ALL these servers.
Wanted to know how you guys are doing it. I know that some hosts use HSPc, HSphere, Helm, etc to manage the entire cluster. But what about the lot who use cPanel?
if there were any free resources out there that anyone know's of that could teach someone how to manage an unmanaged dedicated server? General guides will do but the more specific the better although I really cannot imagine a guide specific to my requirements but anyway
Quote:
Fedora core 6 with WHM and Cpanel
Where do people learn this stuff without having to take a course in it?
OK so I am running one powerful server. And have PlatinumServerManagement Manage it.
But Ever since I got this server The server never went down or anything like that due to high CPU usage or to many visitors.
But for some reason I am still getting emails from my members that once in a while they cant access the site because they get a "server not found error" I checked the server uptime and it never went down. The server has been up all the time. So I have no idea why these people can't access the website.
My first guess is that they are getting blocked by some security software on my server. But I talked with PlatinumServerManagement and it can't be that.
So does anyone know why they might not be able to see the websites all the times? but only some random times.
Lots of things have improved in the last 5 or so years with regards to hosting.. faster hardware, improved control panels, cheaper bandwidth.. but the ability to keep your eye on your box whilst out and about is definitely amongst them I'd say.
So share your tech tips for when you're not at your desktop for monitoring your sites.
Key hardware: My iPhone. 3G is prevalent in my locality, but the deal on o2 means I also get free access to the two largest UK public wifi hotspots - TheCloud and BT OpenZone. Whilst some of these are free anyway (such as ones in pubs) being able to walk through town whilst on a wifi connection can be really useful if the 3G is lagging or just not there.
Software:
Pingdom - It's not the flashiest of all apps, but it tells you what you need to know - is the server up?! It'll echo all your reports for all servers into one quick and easy screen. I really hope Pingdom puts even more time and effort into this, it could make the service unbeatable with a few more features. The app is free too, which is a bonus.
TouchTerm - there's a bunch of SSH clients for the iPhone out there, I've not had chance to try any of the others but will do at some point. All my accounts are bookmarked in and I can replicate whatever I need to with ease. I've installed software and configured it with relative ease just using the touch keypad. It was either free or at most a dollar or two.
iStat - The software/server combination used to be Mac only but someone has ported the server side over to *nix now and it runs pretty well. I'm having issues with one of my boxes showing it's bandwidth usage but I'll look more into that. Live CPU/Memory figures AND graphing?! Very impressive, and if you're doing face to face with your client it's bound to be a good thing to show off (make sure it's working first tho!!). It was £1.19/$1.99 on promotion when I bought it, should still be for a little more.
Critical email accounts IMAP'd - all my key accounts are on 15minute checks, and I'll be making an emergency PUSH account for when time is very much of the essence. Having instant access to email is absolutely essential on a handheld device these days, and the iPhone does a pretty neat job of it.
EverNote - great note syncing between various boxes. No more having to ring people to jump on my laptop to read me out an IP address or similar ever again.
I am trying to get a feel out there if cPanel users would pay for a service say $5.00 - $10.00 a month where they can call in to a number and have access to their system. They would be able to reboot the server, restart services, stop and start services, get server statistics etc.
Seeking to colocate several servers along with an FC based SAN with virtualized software, elsewhere Mysql clustering & combo master/slave setups and require a company you maybe able to suggest that could possibly be our SysAdmins, support & maintain the setup.
Additionally they will need to config sw load balancers & firewalls e.g ipcop
Wanted to let you all know that I am very pleased with service I am receiving from Byethost! Many people think of Byet as just a free hosting and paid shared hosting company, but for awhile now I've been leasing a server and management service from them for io3.us and io4.us. I must say I have been very impressed!
I've received lots of personal attention and consulting to help me determine my needs, and also to make sure I end up with the best solution. Byethost has been very flexible in their solutions for me, and I have really appreciated all they've done!
I recently had to upgrade from a VPS to a full dedicated server, and once again Byethost was there to help every step of the way. The upgrade was literally totally seamless.
They ordered the server, configured it, moved everything over, verified everything with me. Nothing was down, not even for a few seconds. Byethost handled it all, and I didn't have to do a thing! That's what I call service. (Plus, from the time I ordered until the time everything was moved from the VPS to the dedicated server and running fine was less than 2 days!)
Previously, I've said HostGator was my number 1 pick for dedicated servers, but I have to change that now. If you're looking for a dedicated server (with or without management servers), I strongly recommend Byethost.com. You will be doing yourself a huge favor, saving a tremendous amount of hassle by choosing Byethost.
I now have a dedicated server and 10 Mbps dedicated line from them, and I couldn't be happier!
I am hosting about 12 TYPO3 websites in a shared hosting environment, but I need to think about upgrading to a faster (dedicated) server as some of the sites have a higher traffic volume.
I am not a pro and use Linux only as a user. How dificult is it to manage a root server? Is all done via an easy Control Panel or do I need expert knowledge to install software etc?
Or shoud I look for a managed server where all is done for me?
As a longtime member around these parts, I've had the opportunity to use the services of a lot of different companies. Whether it be dedicated providers, software developers and in this specific case -- server administration / management. I have had the opportunity to work with Scott of Admingeekz over the course of the past few months. He's provided me with server optimization, security and most importantly prompt, effective communication.
Link to Admingeekz: Admingeekz
I'll detail the pros, cons & downsides below.
Pre: I started working with Scott for system administrative needs a few months back for a few one-off jobs, sorting issues that I simply either didn't have time to manage or couldn't handle by my lonesome. The first few times I've used Admingeekz went off without a hitch and so I began delving deeper into their services & recently had an emergency that I had Scott deal with..
Admingeekz Pros: The pros of admingeekz are instantly obvious the moment you start using them. The team there is attentive, thorough and most of all they're not just robots. Not only will they handle the job but in almost every case they'll make recommendations, outpour some criticism and overall ensure that they're not just taking care of the issue at hand but rather going out of their way for all of your needs.
Pricingwise, I expected to be paying a lot more for the service that Scott & co. are offering. Not only are they inexpensive but they offer a 10% discount for return clients -- something that has continued to bring me back, not only because of the service but because I'm a cheapskate.
Communication, Scott is really on top of things. Frequent updates during the job being performed, effective communication and most of all friendly to work with.
Thoroughness: Admingeekz gets the job done and goes well beyond what's necessary in a lot of cases. Scott handled an emergency for me just yesterday and with most companies you just expect an 'okay, complete'. Scott went above and beyond and sent me a thorough detailed list of issues that he noted on the system, along with an exceptionally precise list of things he had done. Gorgeous, what we need as company owners.
Admingeekz downsides: Now the downside... and admittedly, they're nasty. The only downside to admingeekz is that you won't be satisfied anywhere else after you've worked with Scott & co. Not only are they attentive, thorough and fast -- but they know their security, administration and optimization. It will be nearly impossible for me to be satisfied by another security company at this point.
Keep up the great work Scott & thanks for spending hours working with me!
I just want to use a server for file sharing, it will have nginx and that's it. I'm looking at centos, or freebsd, but I been using centos forever now and I'm not sure how to use freebsd, should I just stay with centos?
Do I tell my hosting provider to just install the OS and give me ssh action and that's it? Don't install any control panels or any other stuff? I want one domain and one subdomain on it though and ftp action.
for setup and configuration instructions for setting up mail server on a Fedora Core 6 server. I googled it and most of the links are described with steps while installing OS, but i need to configure a mail server on a server where my site is already running.
As my clients' needs expand, they're asking for chroot ssh/sftp setup. I'm currently on a dedicated Linux setup but don't really have the time to set up a whole new box with full virtualization or investigate a full chroot solution (baby on the way), and to be honest it would be less hassle to move to a new provider than worry about down time with sites.
What I'm looking for:
- linux hosting - hosting for 30+ accounts, some with several domains - at least 6 IP addresses for SSL certs - each account in a full chroot environment (ssh/sftp/ftp) so they can't poke around each others' files, or each account set up in a virtual machine setup (ie: openvz) - maildir - spamassassin - php 5, mysql, perl 5.8.8 - suexec apache would be nice
I have 1 server so I setup dns as ns1.mydomain.com, ns2.mydomain.com ip address pointed to server1. So, now I just bought another server. Can I setup ns2.mydomain.com pointed to 2nd server. Also how to setup more servers ie. 10, 20 server because I can only set up to 6 dns in one domain name.
