Self Hosting

If you don't have any experience it will probably take you some time to get everything setup and working.

any site that can help?

Installing and managing a webserver is not as easy as following 1-2-3 steps. Each software (Apache, FTP, PHP, Perl, MySQL, BIND, etc) have their own 1000+ page manual. On top of that you need to learn how to work in Linux environment, how to secure your server, and so on. If you want to manage your own server I suggest you buy/rent a Cobalt RaQ4. It's a good place to start.

The two most important things are security and your connection. If you don't have a good connection to the Internet, forget about it. If you are on Cable/DSL, most ISP's would cut off your service if you are running a webserver.

The best advice has probably already been given and that is to take it slow. If you are going to run Linux, then download it and familarize yourself with it. Ask as many questions as you can and read as much as you can.

I assume that this means that there are no windows based?

Of course there are Windows based as well, but that doesn't make it any easier. Im my opinion it's even harder to setup a fully functional webserer on Windows than Linux (but that's probably because I have more experience with Linux).

I just finished setting up my Rented servers.

I offer hosting now, and host all my sites on it.

Let me tell you, even after doing it prior in my basement on DSL(which runs like crap) I thought this go around would be alot easier. However these server are in a large DC and have to be geared for hosting other website.

I have spent over 14 hours reading, researching, and just checking on versions and packages.

Then I have spent another 30 hours removing, installing, upgrading, testing, and contact people about the server and its settings.

I would advise anyone just looking to get into this all the sudden, go trash picking, get yourself a nice little 500 celron or K6-2 machine or even less and build a box at home. Try getting it to be a webserver using RH 7.3 or Windows 2003 and WORK on your LAN.

(you can have a LAN without a hub or router, you just need a cross over cable to connect the 2 systems).

Both the Linux route and Windows route have the same hurdles.

First off is set-up. Getting it on the network to start with. Second is getting all the packages running. Then you have to configure all your packages. Finally you need to upgrade and re-configure your packages. Then you are all done until you do port sniff and find out your system needs a firewall. Ohh now client are getting inudated with SPAM and Virus filled email. Well you need to have a spam and virus protection.

Now your customers or you want support for a database, lets say MySQL. Now you have to install that and integrate it into apache or IIS.

Lots of thing pop-up. Everyone tries to plan for them but really after just doing it myself. I would NOT recommend anyone go that route. Pay the little bit extra and have someone like myself or anyone else with the experience and know how do it for you. If I had the choice to make again (less the knowledge I gain from doing it on 5 systems) I would pick to stay hosted on someone elses systems.