Getting Started With Servers

zombiewithlasers · 04-21-2012, 09:14 PM

I've been using Linux for several years now, but I've never really had a need to run a server, until now. I'm a total noob with servers. I understand the basic ideas, but I've never really had to set up or run them. Where is a good place to start? I have a basic home server set up running Debian. It has apache, samba, and proftp installed, and I got samba running for a simple file share using the tutorials on aboutdebian.com. Where do I go from there? I'm pretty lost. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

salasi · 04-22-2012, 02:46 AM

Some points:

What do you want to achieve? You'll always have more motivation to do something that is an advantage, rather than something in which you only have a theoretical interest.
http://www.linuxhomenetworking.com/
...and always have a think about what you are trying to do and security

zombiewithlasers · 04-22-2012, 09:02 AM

Ideally, I'd like to cover all of the basics on a small scale. I've been stumbling through setting up a home server running samba fro file sharing, proftp for FTP services, and Apache for a graphical web interface for the server. I admit I'm a bit overwhelmed and am simply following directions. I'm trying to educate myself on Linux system administration through the process with the hopes of eventually getting certified. I'm just kind of lost on where to really begin, or is this by nature a trial by fire process?

salasi · 04-22-2012, 12:58 PM

Over simple, but

Set yourself tasks
Do them

You'll get much more out of deciding on what you want to do, solving the problems, and getting it done than just following a tut because it is there.

If you are trying to get a cert, compile a list of the requirements (...I'm going to have to know X, Y Z...) and make sure that you do everything on the list. Really, you ought to be also be making some observations on some of the scenery on the way (...It is bad to use FTP because...) or things that you have to be careful of are...

zombiewithlasers · 04-22-2012, 04:41 PM

Ok. So the best thing is to just do what I need like I have been and learn as I go. I will definitely look up what networking topics are on the Linux+ and later(probably much later) the Red Hat and make up a list to practice that. I have to say, the transition from hobbyist to professional is a lot more daunting than I previously thought.

frankbell · 04-22-2012, 09:51 PM

The one piece of advice I would offer is not to make "server" into some dark mysterious thing. A server is simply a computer that makes services available to other computers.

Focus on the services you want to make available, then research them.

If you run into problems, we'll be happy to help. The more specific information you provide, the better we can help.