[NMLUG] Slackware as a server || hosting/bandwidth services Albuquerque

[jkassemi at gmail.com (imessak)]

Hello everyone,

I've been working with slackware for over a year now, and have gotten
very familiar with the way things work with this distribution. I've
set up a local LAMP configuration, and have been doing all of my
development on what seems to me a very stable and simple distro. I
have no experience with any of the other linux distros.

Currently I've got a project that is still in development, but should
be launched soon. It's got a very hefty (for a start-up small
business) database (mysql > 100MB skeleton... includes large amount of
geographical information, etc), a substantial code base ( > 50 MB )
and runs on some of the latest software (PHP5, mysql 4.x, Apache 2)...

I've been working on finding a hosting service that could provide me
with a VPS or something along those lines, but have yet to be
successful..

My questions:
1) What local hosting companies would be able to provide hosting for a
project this big without leaving me bankrupt && how much should I
expect to pay? I really want to stick with somebody in the area so I
can sit down and talk with an employee in person, if necessary.
2) Would it be better for me to get a T3 line and host it myself? (I
can put the software I need on the machine)
3) Why have I not seen more slackware servers out there? Is there
something I'm missing? Should I start working with another distro like
Debian, which I see used in production environments more frequently?
4) How do VPS's work? Will I get root access through SSH on a server
with the distro of my choice? Can I install software on the server?
5) If I plan to get a T3, what kind of set up will be required? What
additional software will I need to run, what kind of changes will need
to be made to my hardware (I'm using Qwest's supplied Actiontec modem
with 1.5 Megabit DSL with a 768 Kilobit up speed)? Am I going to have
to buy something other than a simple ethernet card?

Basically, I know everything I need to know about setting up a local
server, but nothing about what I need to do to set this up for a
stable internet presence.

I really appreciate your help,
James Kassemi