Setting up a Server

Corey Bryant · 02-03-2004, 10:32 PM

I am setting up a server for hosting multiple clients. Right now, I know I need:

Control Panel
WebMail / Email System
Stats Program

Anything else that I have left out. It is a Windows 2003 server. I will probably have MSSQL on it. I just need to activate PHP & I would assume install something for MySQL as well & no charge for this, right?

Yeah pretty new to this part. I have helped others set the server up but that was as far as it went.

Thanks!

**John Scott** · 02-03-2004, 11:28 PM

If you install WebHost Manager I think that would pretty much cover everything.

monster · 02-04-2004, 01:40 AM

I don't think WHM works on windows yet

You may want to look at Ensim or HSphere.

Corey Bryant · 02-04-2004, 08:16 AM

Yeah - if it is http://www.cpanel.net/ - that says it is 84% complete. I have been looking at http://webhostautomation.com/ and http://www.psoft.net/ for the control panels.

For the mail - I am thinking of http://www.mailenable.com - especially if they can get their enterprise edition out.

And then for the stats, probably AWStats.

Outland · 02-07-2004, 05:34 AM

Think about a Unix solution! It has a lot of control panels offer and much more secure than MS server.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outland
eSitesBuilder.com

Corey Bryant · 02-07-2004, 05:52 AM

Well since I am just getting into this - I know absolutely nothing about UNIX & not many of my friends know anything about them as well. I would prefer to stay with Windows.

dave conz · 02-07-2004, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey Bryant

I am setting up a server for hosting multiple clients.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey Bryant

Well since I am just getting into this

What's wrong with this picture?

I will be brutally blunt. This is why the internet is a shambles. Setting up a server is a huge job and carries a huge responsibility. Not just to your clients, but to the entire internet. I won't list all the potential problems you're going to face (and cause other people) because if you are even considering this course of action you should already know them.

You want to stay with Windows because you don't know much about *nix? Not acceptable. You need to thoroughly understand all the options and make a decision because it is the best choice, not because it's the only one you understand.

When we decided to run our own server, we spent the first 6 months investigating all the options. We spent the next 6 months running two servers (Windows & Linux) on a private network. Then another 12 months connected to the internet, but with no clients or critical applications.

It took us two years to put our first client on a public server. It's fair to say it was another two years after that before we really had the experience to be confident.

And BTW, use a unix-based server. Windows is just no good. The only reason it's so popular is that people with limited experience and patience take the lazy route and use a system they already know.

Corey Bryant · 02-07-2004, 02:54 PM

Dave, I am trying to do that. That is why I am here - to learn & to ask questions. But I do not want to get into a debate over Unix / Windows. That is not what I am here for. I wanted to get some people's opinions on the different software & to see if I had missed anything.

I have set up servers in the past for another company but they handled the control panel etc.

I do not want to learn Unix. Much like some people detest Windows - I detest Unix. To each his own on that subject. Everything that we develop is on Windows. What do you have to say to the hosting companies that only offer Unix? Everyone has an opinion on that & frankly I could care less about that.

dave conz · 02-08-2004, 04:26 AM

Yeah fair enough. After I posted that I knew I shouldn't have gone down the "My OS is better than your OS path". Sorry, got a bit carried away.

I don't really have a problem with hosting companies offering only Unix, or Windows for that matter.

I think the point is more about being well prepared before unleashing your server on the internet, especially if you're hosting clients. Too many people think that because they can run a server on their LAN they are automatically ready to open it up to the big bad world. I'm not saying this is you but it does apply to a lot of people doing what you're doing. Anyway, take it slowly, have patience, test and triple-test before taking responsibility for client sites. Then enjoy.

Corey Bryant · 02-08-2004, 05:37 AM

I agree. I have been needing to do this for some time now. I have a few personal sites that are high traffic & I want to get them on there & do those as my beta even before considering moving my clients over. Some just need a few extra things & I would like to offer that to them without nickeling & diming them to death