OK, It's time for me to solicit some advise from the seasoned hosting pros.

I'm currently using a Reseller account to host a couple of my own websites and a couple of websites for my web design clients. I have plans to build a few more websites in the coming months. I noticed on WHT that ServerMatrix is offering 1.7 Ghz Celeron server's for $59/month (plus $20/month for Cpanel) and am seriously considering this. I don't know much Linux and I see that these servers come with their Silver Management plan. My question is, is that enough management for the server for a newbie? Or is it a bad idea to rely simply on that?

I only have a couple of clients for hosting right now and will add one more soon and I'll be making about $40/month from them. So I'm halfway to breaking even on my monthly hosting bills if I go with the server. I was thinking of selling just a couple of reseller plans to experienced resellers to cover the rest of the cost.

I'd like to hear thoughts on this , especially from those that have used ServerMatrix before (and still use it). I'll probably pick you brain a bit after that too ... thanks!

EH, I would say to stick with the reseller plan for now. Any managed dedicated solution, especially something under $200 would not be fully managed and unless you are very familiar, not only with linux, but any other related software, you could really harm your business.
You may consider finding someone you could partner with who is proficient in the technical aspects of running the server and learn as you go.

Someone suggested I checkout managed VPS solutions. Any advice on that?

I have looked at them in the past but the prices seemed out of line.
I have seen a lot of recommendations for ServInt but I have no personal experience.

I checked them out...doesn't seem like its worth it...just a little more space for a lot more money (compared to reseller account)...the upside would be that I have root access to learn how to do certain server management tasks and its completely managed so if i mess something up...there's someone to help me

Regardless of who one gets a Dedicated Server from and whether it is Managed or not, there is the fact that running a Server requires certain basic knowledge, by the person who responsible for it. Knowing how do things yourself is always to your benefit -- faster too.

The basics would include things like; familiarity with working in Shell, restarting or stopping Services, making changes to the httpd.conf file, minor troubleshooting, etc. It goes without saying that the time required for operating & maintaining a Server will increase whatever workload one currently has. There is also the time required for learning -- there are always new things to learn and understand.

Responsibility is the big thing. A good ServerAdmin will always keep this thought in the back of their mind:

If I make a change and it screws up the Server, how long will take to fix it?

If the ServerAdmin cannot fix it, they go to their DC for help. That alone means it's going to take longer and there may be an additional cost involved. Money will not be an option either, because a Server that is down needs to be brought back up ASAP. If one is responsible about operating their own Server, they make sure they either have the time & knowledge to do it themselves, the money to pay someone else for it, or both.

I'm not trying to scare anyone away from running their own Server, just pointing out a few basics that need to be considered beforehand.

Right on Rob!

Thanks

Learning SSH will be a good start

I've used SSH several times. Many of the programs I submit for my coursework have to be done on the University's unix server, so I have to do my programming on there.

i thought a fully managed server meaning they managed everything from A-Z. All you have to do is to set up/delete accounts, etc. Please enlighten me on this managed server subject.

do you know a good place to learn a few basic commands online ? such as backup databases, transfer files, etc.

SM is a great company however I would call them semi-managed. You will still need to secure your server and know what to monitor and how often. Now with cheap server you can pick you up a server admin and still be set at a good price. If your worried about SM itself great company and people working there. 2 ring NOC is awesome ticket is a tad slow sometimes.

And for AsianChic just do a simple websearch for linux commands you will get allot of info.

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If anyone is interested. There is a Server Matrix review on our new forums.

http://www.********.com/showthread.php?threadid=4

ServerMatrix is a good start if you want to try learning dedicated servers, but make sure you read up on articles from other peoples