You want to be the next Facebook or MySpace, you had better have a deep pocket.  Now putting aside the fact that you would need a lot of users, social praise and traffic to make this all work - according to one web site resource these are the current stats for Facebook on the hosting side of things:

30,000 databases & 1,800 db servers

1200 dedicated servers

805 caching servers

Now with any dedicated hosting provider out there you could get a good start if nothing else.  Many of the social network clone scripts will run on a VPS or dedicated hosting plan too.  This is just to give you a little insight on what you may be getting yourself into.

Why backup?

Well you never know when the worse might happen.  After searching the Web though from coast to coast and corner to corner is seems like there are not many tools to help you back your Windows Server 2003 dedicated machines.

Backing up your Windows-based dedicated server can sometimes be a challenging task.  Here are a few tools that may make that backing up process a little easier:

tar from tar http://gnuwin32.sf.net
rsync from http://sourceforge.net/projects/rsyncwin32/

Be sure to keep checking for updates, because if we run across anymore we will be letting you know.  Now you have no excuse for not backing up your Windows dedicated hosting.

By now, you already know that Silverlight is one of the fastest growing media technologies in the world right now. So if you’re planning to get or already own a dedicated server to run as media server hosting, you’ve got to know a thing or two about deploying Microsoft Silverlight applications on your dedicated server. For example, did you know you can run and install Silverlight applications using a Linux or Windows server?

The good news is that deployment of a Silverlight app is incredibly easy, and our friends at Lunarpages Dedicated Server Hosting have provided this amazing and easy-to-follow tutorial for your convenience.

1. Upload Your Silverlight Application

First, you’ll need to upload the actual application folder under the document root of your account. If you’re on a Linux server, remember that file names, folder names, and links are case sensitive, so ensure these are all correct before proceeding.

2. Specify the MIME Mapping

Working with cPanel on a Linux server, you should first click on the MIME Types icon. It looks like this: Then, add a MIME Type application/xaml+xml with extension xaml.

Working with Plesk on a Windows server is just slightly more complicated, though not by much. First, click on the Web Directories shortcut on the Domain Management page and select the MIME Tabs tab. Add New MIME Type and put .xaml as extension, select content as Custom, and write application/xaml+xml in the next edit box, and click OK.

That’s it! In two simple steps, in Windows or Linux, you have effortlessly deployed your new Microsoft Silverlight application! And you probably didn’t even break a sweat. That’s how easy dedicated server hosting can be when you have great tutorials from great web hosting providers like Lunarpages.

Received an e-mail from a fellow the other day asking about WordPress installs on a dedicated Linux hosing account…

I want to do multiple WordPress installs on my dedicated server.  Is there an easier way than just doing each install one by one, especially if I will have multiple users?

Sure there is, give WordPress MU a shot.  WordPress MU, or multi-user, is designed to do exactly that. It is most famously used for WordPress.com where it serves tens of millions of hits on hundreds of thousands of blogs each day.  This would be the perfect tool to use to setup your own set of hosted blogs.

Some sites already using this include:

• Newspapers and magazines, like Le Monde.
• Universities, like Harvard.
• Blog networks
• Niche-specific blog hosts, like Edublogs

For more information on WordPress MU and how to grab a copy of it to install, be sure to check out the official web site.

Are you a business owner in the need of a little dedicated hosting?  Your not alone.  There are many of you out there and here are some special tutorials just for you.

• What is Necessary for an Ecommerce Website?
• What is Business Web Hosting?
• Dedicated Server Hosting
• Plesk Power Pack Web Hosting Features
• Fantastico Web Hosting
• Dedicated Hosting for Small Business Owners

Sure there will be plenty more in the future, so as always keep checking back for more help business owners out there.

What are the costs involved in setting up my Dedicated Server?

This all depends on what you’re ordering. It’s like if you go to Subway and get a sandwich – if you’re just ordering turkey on wheat, you can get it for a base price. If you want turkey on wheat with extra cheese and extra meat, plus a second sub of similar value, there’s going to be an additional cost per extra cheese, extra meat, and for the second sub. It’s the same way for dedicated servers – if you want extra RAM, extra bandwidth, or a second server, charges will vary.

Remember, your dedicated web host should work with you to provide the best server experience possible, as well as the most minimal cost. Ask about dedicated hosting coupons and get a quote on the server before you buy. If you get a better offer elsewhere but would like to use the more expensive service, be upfront and tell them you found a better deal. More than likely, they will work with you.

Okay, but really – how much should I be expected to pay per month or year?

Let’s take a real-life example. You are a web designer and you want to host all your clients on a Linux dedicated server. So far, you have 50-100 clients and don’t expect to grow more than 5 clients per month. Each client requires 1GB of storage space and 1GB bandwidth/month. Your clients prefer cPanel as a control panel, so they (and you) can manage their services for them. Here’s your dedicated server quote:

• Dedicated Hosting Charge Per Month = $99
• Dedicated Hosting Setup Fee (including setup for cPanel) = $160**
• cPanel Control Panel Charge Per Month = $35

TOTAL CHARGES***:    $294.00

** This setup fee can be removed if you choose to pay for 3, 6, 12, or even 24 months upfront.
*** This is only the first month’s charge, so don’t let it scare you! Next month, you wouldn’t have to worry about setup fees, which means your monthly charge will only be $134.

How can I get the best discounts available on purchasing my first server?

1) Call the dedicated web host – ask for the best discount for your situation
2) Go with our recommendation for LPDedicated.com and use coupon code DSHRAM for 1 Free Month + 1 Free GB RAM or use coupon code DSH for $55 off
3) Go with a longer billing cycle – if you’re not paying month-to-month or if you commit to 12 or 24 months upfront, you can save quite a bit in the long haul

When purchasing a dedicated server, you are going to ask a lot of questions to your potential dedicated web host. Sometimes, though, you can find answers to the most common pre-sales questions via the dedicated web hosting company’s website, and this can help you make your decision or at least narrow down the options. Remember that dedicated hosting is different than shared web hosting in many ways, one of which includes the fact that dedicated servers can have customized setups. So even if the answer on their website is “no”, you should still ask, as most dedicated hosts will likely work with you if you are going to purchase with them or will help you find a way around your hosting dilemma.

And now for some helpful Dedicated Server Hosting FAQs and pre-sales answers!

How many websites can I host on my Dedicated Server?

The best dedicated web hosts will say “unlimited website hosting” is okay! This is because it is YOUR server! You own and control almost all aspects of it, except maintenance and storage.

Can I resell space on my Dedicated Server?

If your web host says anything but “yes”, you’re in trouble! Qualified dedicated server hosting providers will allow you to resell your dedicated server space to clients, friends, family, and even strangers. For example, if you wanted to run a “free web hosting” site, where you give thousands of customers small websites to host for free, you can do this easily by purchasing a dedicated server.

I don’t like the control panels offered – can I install my own or just work through SSH?

Yes and yes! Some web hosting providers will install control panels for you at a nominal charge, while all of them will allow you to install yourself or just use SSH/shell commands to cut down on costs or for simplicity.

How long does it take to get my Dedicated Server setup?

No longer than 24-48 hours, unless you have asked for something that is more difficult to setup. If you want your account setup ASAP, we always recommend calling the dedicated hosting provider so they can verify your information immediately for a faster setup.

Step 6: Edit Files in SSH Shell

Login to your SSH Shell into your server as root and open the following 2 files to edit using the information below:

* file 1:
nano /etc/resolv.conf

From there, the file needs to be edited. Make sure it looks like this:

domain yourwebsite.com
search yourwebsite.com
nameserver 127.0.0.1
nameserver IP1
nameserver IP2

At this point you should save by typing ctrl+o and entering. Then, close the file by typing ctrl+x.

* file 2:
nano /etc/nameserverips

The file needs to be edited, just like File 1. Make sure it looks like this:

IP0=0
IP1=ns1.yourwebsite.com
IP2=ns2.yourwebsite.com

**Please note IP0=your server IP**

Save and close as per File 1.

Step 7: Setup Nameservers in WHM

In WHM, select Edit Server again and set your Primary Nameserver to ns1.yourwebsite.com and assign the IP Address once more – it should now be the correct IP. Then click Add an A Entry for This Nameserver and repeat the process for the Secondary Nameserver using ns2.yourwebsite.com. Make sure you save.

Then you can double check that everything is setup properly by selecting Manage Nameserver IPs in WHM. If you see the 2 IPs and nameservers, you’re all set.

Step 8: Reboot Your Dedicated Server

Get into the Shell via SSH as root and type the simple command: reboot

Step 9: Point Your Domain Nameservers

If you host with LPDedicated.com or Lunarpages, you can login via the instructions in our previous post to manage your domain nameservers. Make sure they are pointed correctly, and once they fully propagate (24 hours or so), your nameservers will be listed properly and your website will resolve on your dedicated server!

When you purchase a dedicated server hosting plan, you will need to specify which nameservers you want to use. Unlike shared web hosting where you can only use your web host’s company name servers, with dedicated web hosting you can create your own private nameservers! This means your website will point to ns1.yourwebsite.com and ns2.yourwebsite.com

Step 1: Register Your Domain Name

If you purchase dedicated web hosting with LPDedicated.com, you can get your domain name registered for free. Otherwise, you can purchase the domain from a domain registrar or if you already have it purchased, just skip this step.

Step 2: Purchase 2 Dedicated IP Addresses

LPDedicated.com provides 2 Free IP Addresses for your dedicated server, both of which can be used for this purpose. Otherwise, IPs normally cost under $5 per IP per month.

Step 3: Register Your Nameservers

If you purchased hosting with LPDedicated.com or Lunarpages, you can do this easily. Simply read through this quick tutorial on Registering Your Name Servers. If you purchased through an outside domain registrar, contact them and let them know you need to register your domain as a nameserver. Most registrars normally take about 3 days to propagate.

Step 4: Fix NDC

You’ll need to login via SSH into your server at the root and run the following command:

/scripts/updatenow
/scripts/fixndc

Then, if you’re hosting with LPDedicated.com, in WHM on the left window pane, restart DNS/Nameserver (BIND). If you’re hosting elsewhere, check with your provider for further instructions.

Step 5: Set Up Your Nameservers in WHM

Visit your WHM panel again, and select Edit Setup near the top fo the left window pane and then set the Primary Nameserver to ns1.yourwebsite.com. Then assign the IP Address and repeat the process using ns2.yourwebsite.com for the Secondary Nameserver. Make sure you save your work!

After yesterday’s article I thought I would also list an alternative way to help secure the SSH.  You can also secure your ssh changing default port (22).  Change the port that SSH listens for connections on:

      #Port 22

      Port XX    (where XX = your new portnumber)

You can choose something like 22202 or something you can remember.

You are now done editing the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file (save your changes, and quit your editor).
Another important thing dont forgot to allow the port you choose from firewall:

      /etc/apf/conf.apf

Then you add there your new ssh port.  Hope you enjoyed.  Any good dedicated hosting provider should be able to provide you with additional help if needed.