how do I set up a server?

[leliphent]

I am a webmaster, and my boss wants to start uo a server in house, we have a machine, but I dont know the first thing when it comes to setting up a server. Any help out there?

[SEOMike]

Welcome to webmasterworld leliphent!

This is not an easy question. There are so many different possibilities for services, server software, etc that it's not easy to give an answer without more info.

Maybe you can help narrow the question and thus the answer... What are you going to do with this server? Email? SQL? Webserver? Etc... Are you looking to deploy a microsoft server OS? Which one? Will it allow FTP or dialup access? What about Unix?

If you can narrow the question a little, I'm sure you will get a more pointed answer.

[isitreal]

If you 'dont know the first thing when it comes to setting up a server' then the very best thing you can do is to not set up a server. Unless you like hackers taking over your system etc. Read up on the subject, consider taking some classes in it, set up a test installation for yourself, read up a lot on security. Setting up a server with no knowledge is roughly equivalent to representing yourself in a legal proceeding with no legal training.

If it's just a webserver, pay a webhoster, it's much easier, more secure, and just all around better that way.

I know how to set up servers sort of and I'd never set one up that had actual connection to the web. Unless, of course, I wanted to create a new zombie pc for the world's spammers.

[ergophobe]

Do colocation with a good company and you will still get basically total control over your server. In addition, you will get

1. 24-hour professional backup/support for when you screw up
2. diesel powered generators for power outages
3. locked down facility with 24-hour security guards, surveillance cameras, etc..
4. dedicated server racks in climate controlled center.
5. 24-hour sys admin support in event of server failure

I get 1-5 with my relatively cheapo host and much more (they'll install all kinds of things on their time, no charge to me, no hassle to me) from my host and I certainly would not be able to provide that on my own.