Re: [cobalt-users] Off topic - looking for a general Linux list

[Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

First Hosting Sales wrote:

> Thanks Jeff - it looks like I will be leaving Cobalts behind soon - and
> moving over to a plain linux box - just wanted to find a decent list
> like this.

You're welcome, Ian.  If I may make a suggestion to both you and others
who are contemplating making the change...

Though you may want to consider other server administration tools
designed for hosting providers, you shouldn't make a decision to abandon
such tools lightly.  They take a lot of the pain and gruntwork out of
delivering web-services.

We use generic Linux servers, RaQs, and the Plesk Server Administrator
(which allows you to easily set up reseller accounts, so your wholesale
customers can set up their own customers without impacting your
technical staff).

As a good example of the time-saving involved; I've got a friend (he and
I used to be business partners) who hosts 8,000 domains spread out over
a few Linux boxes using Plesk PSA.  He has a total technical staff of
three, including one administrator and two customer-support people.  How
big a staff would it take with a generic linux box?

I considered his business experience carefully before I decided to sell
and support the Plesk Server Administrator, but in the long run, I'm
glad I did.  Server administration tools such as the Cobalt interface,
the Plesk Server Administrator, and others, all have their place.

Should you decide to host with "straight" linux, you might want to
download and look at a copy of "adduser" which I wrote; you can get it
via anonymous ftp at ftp.nobaloney.net.  It makes setting up users and
sites a bit easier than via using the simple command line.

Jeff
-- 
Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Linux and Cobalt/Sun/RaQ Consulting
nobaloney.net, P. O. Box 52672, Riverside, CA  92517
voice: +1 909 778-9980  *  fax: +1 909 548-9484