Re: [cobalt-users] New to Internet servers

[Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

alonsog@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> I would like to know if there's an information resource available for new
> or potential users of the Raq3. So far I've only found answers to more
> specific, complex questions, but very little on the basic stuff for
> beginners like me.

Several of our listers have mentioned to me that I should write
something like "RaQs for Dummies".  I'd love to.  But no way will IDG
publish the title; just not enough RaQs sold yet.

> I'm including a few questions that I have, please answer
> them in basic terms.
> 
> I do a some web design on the side, and host about a dozen of my clients
> sites with a hosting provider. I'm thinking of getting my own Raq3 and
> co-locating it instead of leasing space.

Lots of advantages.  Some disadvantages too.  When it's your RaQ, it's
your headache when it fails at three in the morning while you're on
vacation in Costa Rica.

> Here's the questions:

> For economic reasons I'm considering a 32mb/8.4ZGb Raq3. Is this option
> very limited?

No, but I'd go for more memory, if possible.  Minimum 64mb would make me
feel a little better.

> I plan to expand my client base to about 75-100 medium sites
> with 25-50 email users each. please comment.

Not sure what you want me to comment on.  Will they fit?  Yes.  Will
they get better service with more memory on the box?  Absolutely.

> What are the advantages/disadvantages from IP based over Name based Sites?
> is there a best choice? does it make a difference?

Secure sites (using certificates from Thawte or from Verisign) require
their own IP#.

Sites using anonymous ftp require their own IP#.

Sites being visited by older browsers won't do to well viewing sites
that share IP#s.  This should not be a problem unless you get
significant visitorship from third-world countries; in most of the rest
of the world most users are using more modern browsers.

IP#s are getting to be in short supply (no discussions on this subject
please; at least not on tis list), so hosting companies are either
charging for them, or rationing them, or both.  (We do both.)  We'll
rent you all the IP#s you need ($1/each/month), but we won't give you a
lot of extras.

> Who do you recomend for co-locating?

I recommend us.  Why would I recommend one of my competitors <smile>?

> I would eventually like to set up a free web based email system for a
> medium sized city in mexico. Maybe about 1500 accounts to begin with. Would
> the Raq3 be able to handle it?

Yes.

> what do you recommend?

You mean which software?  I'm not sure yet; still investigating <frown>.

Jeff
-- 
Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
nobaloney.net
P. O. Box 52672
Riverside, CA  92517
voice: (909) 787-8589  *  fax: (909) 782-0205