[chewie1012]

I am thinking of using linux on a server I am building. I have never used it before. Do you need to know programing to use it? Is it compatible with most hardware? I would like to eventually get into web hosting. Is this the best Os for that? Thanks
JERRY

[codejockey]

You do not need to know how to program in order to use Linux (although there are plenty of features that become more useful if you do understand programming). In general, Linux runs on virtually all mainstream hardware, as well as some really unusual stuff -- and far more efficiently than Windoze. IMHO, Linux is a superior choice for web hosting because of its reliability and the wealth of standard features.

You should recognize, however, that you are considering learning a new operating system, and one that is far more extensive than anything even dreamed of in Redmond. My standard $0.02 can be found here:

http://forums.techguy.org/showthread.php?threadid=72508

Hope this helps.

[chewie1012]

Thanks Code Jockey,

I am still not sure what I am going to do. I first want to build my server. Parts arrive this week. Then I would like to figure out how to use it. These are the things I hope to do with it.
1. Install programs on my home computers so that the data goes to the server.
2. Build and set up a web page that resides there
3. Learn Microsoft small business server and win2k server
4. Then maybe turn it into a web hosting server??? Maybe I am in over my head. I still have a lot to learn about windows or windoze as you say. I guess my next question would be.....

Can the average guy learn how to use Linux proficient enough to become a web hoster?

[codejockey]

From your description, it sounds like you may want a dual-boot server (Linux and Windoze) so you can experiment and learn in both environments. Setting up a dual-boot machine is not difficult, but there a few things to watch out for and prior planning definitely pays off! I recommend you install Windoze first after building your server, and leave some space unused for Linux (or figure on buying another disk later).

The average guy can definitely learn Linux well enough to do web hosting. There's certainly a learning curve for Linux/Unix and because Unix/Linux is very different from Windoze, it can seem illogical and confusing at first. After a while, though, you start to see the method in the madness ...

Hope this helps.

[lynch]

Be sure to check with the distro you plan to use.Some Linux server installations will wipe out any other OS you have on the same hard drive.Not all do this.I just thought it worth mentioning.
lynch

[Squashman]

I always like to recommend taking a class if there is one being offered in your area. My local Technical College offers Two classes on Linux.

[chewie1012]

Thanks guys. I may just take a class. I am going to build my server this week. I am looking forward to it. Does anyone know if you can host web sites with just 1.5 mb internet service? Is that too little bandwidth?

[codejockey]

Of course you can do it -- but the problem is that you have no way of knowing ahead of time how much traffic a site will generate. You can host 1,000,006 sites (approx. ) with no traffic, but a few active sites can rapidly swamp a connection (not to mention the CPU cycles involved in things like forums, .htaccess, etc.). Nothing wrong with experimenting, though -- and by the time you're ready to go commercial, you'll know whether your 1.5 connection will serve your needs (although if you're really successful, you'll likely outgrow a 1.5 Mbit connection pretty quickly). Another point to consider: if you host, you will need to be especially knowledgeable about security and especially diligent about backups. An alternative is to re-sell hosting with an established provider who handles all of the day-to-day chores.

Hope this helps.

[chewie1012]

If your not hosting a site that sells anything do you still have to worry about security as much? Do you have a server?

[deuce868]

Does anyone know if you can host web sites with just 1.5 mb internet service?

The first consideration is does your ISP allow the servers to be there? This could get you booted if you are doing this over a Cable or DSL service. The second thing is that while you have 1.5bm, that is probably only down. I know my service is 128kb up. A lot less than 1.5MB. If this is only for testing and playing with it should be fine. If you intent to host out several sites though, you might find the bandwidth limiting. Especially when trying to serve any large files as downloads. You end up with around 33kb/s or so. So you are only looking at 6 or 7 dial up users. (and if someone with cable gets on...there goes all 33.

If your not hosting a site that sells anything do you still have to worry about security as much?

Any time you have things open to the outside world you need to worry about security. If you are setting this up for hosting you will have email services running (which can be abused by others for spam) and even web hosting without selling anything can get your files hijacked so that your site is now a tribute to the barbie doll. Security is always important.

Do you have a server?

Yep, a couple of them actually.

Can the average guy learn how to use Linux proficient enough to become a web hoster?

Time and reading....lots of time and reading. (oh...and getting it wrong and fixing it too)

[chewie1012]

Thanks Deuce!