I'm looking on getting a dedicated server for a site I'm putting up, but I was wondering how exactly they work.

I run slackware on my computers at home, and would host myself if I could afford the bandwidth... Am I going to get nearly the same functionality by remote administration of a machine as I am when I'm sitting in front of the thing? How does the machine reboot? I've ssh'd and done reboots, but the ssh server restarts and I have to log back in to get my connection back (checking the logs for startup errors). Will I be doing the same here? Will I be able to install all the software I want and compile/configure it the way I want, or will I be forced to use some sort of packaging system?

Basically, what's different between the dedicated server hosting and direct access to the terminal?

What tips can you give me when I'm looking for a good dedicated server provider? What are the important questions I should be asking?

Thank you,
James

I think you have answered most of your own questions or you seem to know the answer anyway!

Remote hosting has the benefit that everything is managed by someone else. They are the ones who deal with the backup, the power problems, the hardware problems and security and the cost of bandwidth. That is in essance what you are paying for.

If you are planning a heavy load on your server - ecommerce, 1000 hits an hour etc, seriously consider the hosting. If its a local thing where you will be getting 15 people a week, do it yourself.

The admin right you get on a hosted server are not great - you are limited by their security considerations to their other customers. The best bet is to do some research into available options and see what you think. Its cost verses adaptability.

THere are some datacentres which allow you to install your server into their racks - It does cost a fair bit, but it might be the option you're looking for.

Hope this helps

F0ul Oli