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Old 07-04-2006, 04:10 PM   #1
gloveny
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Need advise


Hi, I have put myself right in it this time and think I've bitten of more than I can chew.
Ive just started to rent a Root dedicated server.
It's unmanaged and comes with Red Hat Linux, apache and a load of other stuff. Then I remebered, "I have no idea how to use linux, or even a root server for that matter". I'm a bit stuck as to what to do.
I was going to upload all my files and try to set up the database, then make sure I can access MySQL from PHP, and generally make sure the site still works after the move, but how or what should I be doing about Managing and configuring linux.
I've heard there's a Linux firewall that I should install it. Are there any other things I need to think about regarding Linux. Sorry, noobie here.
 
Old 07-04-2006, 04:16 PM   #2
pixellany
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This is quite a mouthful--I'll bet some of the grayer beards here have never rented a server, setup one, etc.
Dumb question: The person that rented it to you--does he/she provide support, instructions, etc.?

What Linux books do you have? Where are you on the globe, so we can point you to a bookstore.
 
Old 07-04-2006, 04:36 PM   #3
gloveny
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I'm in SE London. Was thinking of books as it goes but so much stuff on the web nowadays...including this forum.

I dont think they provide support for anything that isnt related to the hardware or connections. Basically I'm on me own, which I don't mind, I just don't want to miss anything. Linux and Apache are already installed so that's not a problem. I'd like to know if there is anything obviouse I need to set/do/configure before I launch the site. I havent tried to uplaod anything yet as they are still setting it up, so most probably be back with more specific questions tommorrow
 
Old 07-04-2006, 04:51 PM   #4
Vgui
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Not sure why you switched to that type of host if you were not experienced and ready for it, but anyways...

The main thing to worry about when hosting is security. I'd try to read up on chrooting Apache, locking down unneeded services, automated updates and logging, and a firewall of some sort (just search for an rc.firewall iptables script).
 
Old 07-09-2006, 04:04 AM   #5
gloveny
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Ive looked at the homepage for rc.firewall iptables. Is it already installed in linux version 2.6.x ? And are there any guides to configure it or will it be already running and configured? I have a server running red hat linux and Appache which were both preinstalled.

I'm such a noob to linux. Vgui, to answer your query why I switched, mainly was out of desperation to get myself a dedicated server so I had no restrictions over how many emails I sent and how much power, regarding band width and disk space, I had at my finger tips. I never realised how much I would have to manage on my own and how much I'd have to learn. I've just bought by first Linux Mag, 'LINUX magazine' and been getting paranoid about weather I should be using AppArmor or SELinux. Thats for another thread but criky, how much stuff do I need to know just to run a website from a LAMP server?
 
Old 07-09-2006, 11:39 AM   #6
cs-cam
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Quote:
but criky, how much stuff do I need to know just to run a website from a LAMP server?
To run the whole server, a lot. Got any mates that know a bit more than you that might look after it for a small fee? It's a big job and wow, talk about jumping in the deep end
 
Old 07-10-2006, 05:03 AM   #7
gloveny
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cs-cam
It's a big job and wow, talk about jumping in the deep end
Please don't say that again.
========================================================
I only know one guy who knows about Linux and he is a genius, but I only know him formally through work and he is so busy all the time.

Ok, well I guess I will take it one step at a time. Install a firewall ... then .... erm .... Mummeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

SO what are the main things to do to a fresh new Linux / Apache server? Once I’ve got the IPTables thing sorted out, what else should I do? Just some suggestions or pointers like in Vgui's post above.

By the way, the IPTables thing. Is that something I need to install or just configure? I can’t work it out even by looking at their site. It says that it’s built into 2.4x and 2.6.x but do I need to add anything?
 
Old 07-10-2006, 05:18 AM   #8
Dummy-in-Linux
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IPTables is probably installed you only need to config.
 
Old 07-10-2006, 05:25 AM   #9
BobNutfield
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Try this:

Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide by Network Professionals Library, Steve Shah.

Available at Watertone's, £22.99

Great Book
Bob
 
Old 07-10-2006, 05:57 AM   #10
gloveny
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Thanks Guys. Sorry, I don't know why I thought I had Red Hat. Must have read it somewhere in the docs adn got confused.

The server comes with Fedora Core 4. Don't know if this makes a difference.
 
Old 07-10-2006, 06:19 AM   #11
ethics
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it makes a small difference, and in whole probably makes things easier.

I'm with everyone else, it's a huge undertaking, and i wish you the best of luck, this forum will probably save your arse more than once

so to begin, to check your firewall rules try

Code:
su -
eneter your password

Code:
iptables -L
If it cant find the iptables module or something then it needs installing. Also FC comes with SELinux which may or may not prove a problem.

My best advice (off the top of my head) is to find a nice big chunky LAMP guide (i dont have links, but i bet someone will), and work through it, establishing what steps are already done, and what needs doing.

As an afterthought, what support do they offer should you bugger the system? reinstall fresh? reinstall to daily/weekly backup? if not i would try and get something sorted, either your own backup solution or pay them to do it, you'll want it. I would also suggest setting up your own machien at home to learn on, save messing up your hosted machine that presumably is quite critical.

I always find that specific targetted questions here go alot further than general "how do i do everything" type questions, so for your benefit and ours i'd ask specific questions, with what you have done/can't do

Good luck
 
Old 07-10-2006, 11:51 AM   #12
gloveny
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Oh My God , it's just gone live and they've just given me an IP address (so exciting lol).

ethics, I'll do that form now on regarding questions. Just needed somthing to grab onto before I slipped into indefinite obscurity.

I'm going to get my self a book on Linux and LAMP as that is the most said sugestion on and off this forum.

Thanks guys for all your input.

I'm sure Ill be back but untill then ...

Graham.
 
  


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