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

[kwilson at swcp.com (Kelly)]

Slackware rocks...  But unless you truly must have a Slackware server 
because of the way you've got yours setup, any disto should work as long 
as their versions of LAMP support your code.  If you want Slackware just 
because, there are VPS hosting companies (haven't found any locally) 
that can do what you need.  I found this one with a quick Google search 
http://etecc.net/vds.php

If you've got the revenue model to support it, you might also consider 
co-locating a server instead of going virtual.  There are several ISP's 
locally that can help with that. 

1) how big is "this big"?  How much bandwidth/memory/oomph, etc per user 
transaction do you need?  How much capital do you have to support your 
startup and how long will it have to last with your expected revenue 
model? 

2) A T3 is really expensive.  You could get several different options 
that are cheaper.  If you setup a link into your own home/biz, there are 
numerous other things you have to consider that add 
complexity/responsibility/cost to the mix.  (security, power, ups, 
cooling, monthly telco charges, dns ....)   The more time and money you 
spend on systems administration, the less time you can spend on writing 
code, making money, etc..

3) Does your current Qwest connection suffice?  You really do need to 
know your realistic bandwidth requirements.  Qwest also does reasonable 
3mb DSL service.  Several local companies can provide dedicated wireless 
as well.

There's more, but none of it is rocket science, just research. 

--
Kelly



imessak wrote:

>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
>
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