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

[Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Kiley Bruce wrote:

> On this topic, Would it be benefical to install the Plesk interface on a RAQ
> or would it be best to utilize a pure Linux 'flavor' (Redhat, Madrake, etc.)
> and then add on Plesk or an Ensim type product?

Your RaQ is a nice little appliance, and these days on eBay, RaQ4s are
even well priced <smile>.

You can get Plesk PSA 2.0 installed on a RaQ3 or a RaQ4.  You can't do
it yourself <frown> (it's not my decision; it's Plesk's; you're welcome
to discuss it with them), and there is an installation charge.  And
there's no upgrade path.

You can buy a used 2U rack-mountable generic Linux server with the same
specs as the RaQ, or better, used, for about the same price as the RaQ
goes for on eBay, or even a new one (we buy new 1U servers circa us$1k)
and get the latest Plesk 2.5, and soon the latest Plesk 5.0.

So which would I do <smile>?  I'd go the latter.  Plesk is rather
specific as to what it works with; right now several flavors of freeBSD,
and RHL 7.1 and 7.2, if memory serves.

> Is there a way to automate the account creation and management without these
> such "applications"?

Yes; my adduser is a good start; you can create a web-page or two around
it.  Many billing programs for ISPs also offer setup programs.  None are
cheap.

There may very well be a good solution in open source; I haven't been
keeping track.

I now unofficially declare this thread Off-Topic and will no longer
reply here.  Please consider joining ISP-Linux at
http://www.isp-lists.com.

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