Hi guys,
How much does it cost to have a Linux host who is constantly taking care of all the security issues and custom upgrades on your server?
I have a VPS, and since I suck at being a good admin .... well, you get the picture
Thanks for helping me to sleep well again
May want to have this moved to VPS section of WHT. However, the good ole saying goes, you get what you pay for. If you are paying low prices I would in normal cases expect low service and support. Are you in complete need of a VPS? Can you go with a reseller solution which server management would be performed by the host?Do you want to switch to a shared server? do you want a managed VPS? hire to somebody to take care of your VPS admin? 
Sorry, I'm lostYou could hire a server manager, there is a promotion in the offers section foe one for $20/Mo.As the OP states, he wants it for his server. You could also look for a managed VPS company though you'll only seldom find one which is proactive (normally you need to send a ticket in every time you want something done, then wait for a reply, then wait for confirmation of completion).If you have a lot of content and don't want to move I would recommend the $20 mserver management option.Do you want to switch to a shared server? do you want a managed VPS? hire to somebody to take care of your VPS admin?
Sorry, I'm lost
Well, I need to know what is the best option in terms of security,flexibility,price.
I don't care if it is shared or VPS as long as anything can be installed on the server and as long as someone keeps the hackers at bay.Well if indeed you are not well at management, then a fully managed VPS would be good. However I honestly think that a shared environment would suit you just fine.i would kill for a "quick-serve", dedicated server at pair.just as managed as their shared hosting accounts, but a server for your site only. some restrictions though, compared to others. but if its as stable as their shared hosting it cant be wrong
I honestly think that a shared environment would suit you just fine.
I don't think so, since he stated
long as anything can be installed on the server
And that can't be done on a shared environment.You could hire a server manager, there is a promotion in the offers section foe one for $20/Mo.
As the OP states, he wants it for his server. You could also look for a managed VPS company though you'll only seldom find one which is proactive (normally you need to send a ticket in every time you want something done, then wait for a reply, then wait for confirmation of completion).
If you have a lot of content and don't want to move I would recommend the $20 mserver management option.
That's it, I need a proactive administrator.
Moving the content isn't an issue.
As for the server manager option, I admit that I would prefer to have someone who works for the hosting company so that I have only one service provider to deal with.
So, how much for a good proactive managed server?Depending of your needs, but take a look to liquidweb.com, they do offer managed VPSI don't think so, since he stated
And that can't be done on a shared environment.
Yeah,
There are shared servers who don't even provide cron!
And I want to have someone else recompile PHP, add new modules/functions, etc.
I hate that stuff really.
Makes my brain become rotten cheerios.Some shared hosts have no problem installing certain PHP modules, etc. as per a client's requirement. Is that the extent of 'changes' that you will need made to the server, or is there more? If that's really all you need, then I'd say you don't really need a VPS.Some shared hosts have no problem installing certain PHP modules, etc. as per a client's requirement. Is that the extent of 'changes' that you will need made to the server, or is there more? If that's really all you need, then I'd say you don't really need a VPS.
Yes, I totally agree with layer0, if that and cron jobs are the only reasons of why you're using a VPS, then a shared host could do the the work and cost you less.For a proactively managed VPS I would give LiquidWeb.com a try though they are priced a little more than other hosts who offer similar services (note that 256mb RAM isn't enough to properly run cPanel and you may want to go for their 512mb RAM option which is $100/Mo).If $100/Mo is more than you want to pay I would give the $20 management company a try.If you need the management but not the resources and cron jobs are indeed the only reason you have your own server then shared hosting would be a better option. Check the offers section, find some you like and PM them asking if they offer this level of management with their services. The better ones willIf you want full control get a dedicated from Rackspace or something like that..Some shared hosts have no problem installing certain PHP modules, etc. as per a client's requirement. Is that the extent of 'changes' that you will need made to the server, or is there more? If that's really all you need, then I'd say you don't really need a VPS.Hmmm ok ... here is the sort of management I need :- proactive protection against hackers ( IP ban, ports deactivation, patches, updates, etc. )- availability/installation/re-installation/configuration of :ApachecronSSLSSHPHP ( + recompilations [IMAP/MB/GD/etc.] )mySQL serverftp serverSPF / DomainKeysThat's all I think.Any managed provider should be able to do that for you. A couple of good VPS hosts:
clustered.net
futurehosting.biz
Almost forgot... If you're only hosting your own websites and not providing hosting to others you should really give eApps.com a try, I think that's the kind of provider you needI have the feeling that all those hosts will react very promptly only upon request/trouble. For a constant and proactive philosophy, I don't think they are reliable.Well, that's the impression given by the content of their sites.And yeah, I manage only my own websites.BTW, many thanks to you all for the great feedback More info are welcome Everything you listed above is entirely possible for a shared server. I would skip the idea of a VPS and save some money.I would agree with Layer0, that would be your best bet.Ok for the shared servers but why don't they state on their sites that they do all the things I've mentioned? All the sites I've seen so far are very vague on that matter.I don't feel like going through trials and errors with multiple hosts.Maybe I should choose a nice and cheap shared host with lots of features and pay a server manager at the same time. I didn't do the maths yet but maybe the total price would equal the one of a VPS.You may be on to something there Everything you listed above is entirely possible for a shared server. I would skip the idea of a VPS and save some money.Sorry for the silly question but, on a shared server, aren't the applications (Apache/PHP/mySQL/etc.) supposed to be shared ??Then, how could you configure/recompile them for your own need?Now you see how bad I am as an admin Do you have special requeriments on Mysql, Apache, php? I mean, if is a module to be installed, that shouldn't be a problem, however, I'm not sure what exactly would you need to be done by your host.Ok for the shared servers but why don't they state on their sites that they do all the things I've mentioned? All the sites I've seen so far are very vague on that matter.Send them a sales e-mail and ask :agree:Sorry for the silly question but, on a shared server, aren't the applications (Apache/PHP/mySQL/etc.) supposed to be shared ??Then, how could you configure/recompile them for your own need?Now you see how bad I am as an admin They are shared, yes. However, adding an extension or module to PHP won't effect other customers. And I've never seen an application that required us to add a module to Apache...most common things should already be on a shared server, e.g. mod_rewrite.MySQL - really never seen much custom ever needed here, other than a specific version...just a select a host that offers the version you want Also, if you need a specific PHP configuration change (e.g. enable register_globals), you can do this via .htaccess or by having your own php.ini file in your root directory with almost any host out there . . .Thread moved to Managed Hosting.Please guys ... post urls of hosts that are proactive FOR REAL.Thanks I've seen Lunarpages selling full managed services for $10 extra a month, either for VPS or dedicated boxes.When I had to manage my old VPS, sometimes I didn't even remember to update my cpanel installation. Ah... I just want to host my sites. I don't have time to be a sys admin...And more proactive that LunarPages is difficult. Good team there.Well, judging from the result of my recent searches, fully managed VPSs don't really exist. It seems that you're the only one responsible of the security on your server as long as you have root access.However a shared environment can be fully managed. But it lacks flexibility (ie: #databases limitation) despite the fact that some here are saying otherwise.So, if you're rich, you can order a managed dedicated server.If you're not, then, you can order a VPS and, at the same time, for $20/month, ask a server management company to administrate your VPS.I'm open to better ideas Sleidia - There are several providers out there that will handle a VPS much like a reseller account you would have with them. They offer full support and management - though you have to understand that the level of support provided for a VPS is a bit more complicated so response times might differ depending on the provider.Before you make your mind up - I would suggest looking into companies that offer services reflective to HostNine.com. I will vouch that their support is amazing.That's my two turn tables - spin'em if you like.I've seen Lunarpages selling full managed services for $10 extra a month, either for VPS or dedicated boxes.When I had to manage my old VPS, sometimes I didn't even remember to update my cpanel installation. Ah... I just want to host my sites. I don't have time to be a sys admin...And more proactive that LunarPages is difficult. Good team there.I had a look here : <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.lunarpages.com/virtual-private-server/I">http://www.lunarpages.com/virtual-private-server/I</a><!-- m --> was curious at their so called "Managed Sevices" ( "sevice" means "torture" in French )Well, for $10, they are quite vague concerning what you're supposed to get.What do they mean by "monitoring" ?On the other side, I note that it's rare to gain such a high traffic quota on a VPS plan.Interesting.Sleidia -
There are several providers out there that will handle a VPS much like a reseller account you would have with them. They offer full support and management - though you have to understand that the level of support provided for a VPS is a bit more complicated so response times might differ depending on the provider.
Ok, support is one thing (most of the VPS plans provide extensive support).
But, regularily checking/tightening the security on a VPS is a very different thing.
To me, paying someone who's dedicated to doing this is the best solution so far.Before paying - check with their sales department to find out exactly what they offer. HostNine is proactive so they might be ontop of all that already. Another is WireTree - they are very proactive on their security as well.I recommend a server management company such as platinumservermanagement.com, they seem to be very highly praised at the moment.That "sevice" catch was funny If you have any specific doubt about them, PM me and I'll ask a manager.As for the traffic, yes, it really depends on the kind of site. I've seen small websites with less than 1 Gb of traffic, getting apache down. And I've seen others (video hosters) getting above 1000 Gb's with no problem.I recommend a server management company such as platinumservermanagement.com, they seem to be very highly praised at the moment.They look perfect, the exception being the fact that they only manage servers that have CPANEL ( I have HSPC ).if you have any specific doubt about them, PM me and I'll ask a manager.
Two things I dislike about them :
1) their plans descriptions are not detailed enough ( ie: CPU?, RAM? )
2) the setup fee for contracts shorter than 12 months.
My current host ( FluidHosting ) :
1) they have their plans described in detail
2) no setup fee
3) no spelling mistake on their site so far
4) great support
5) Internap
Their only drawback is their comparatively small trafic quota and that they offer only semi-managed plans ...
... which is why a server management company could become handy.As for CPU and RAM what I've seen lately is that if you reach the maximum usage, the problem will be dealt case by case. Some webhosters move those accounts to other servers, where they can stay at no extra cost, because they give a good name to the company, even if they are loosing money with that customer.I've seen lots of stories like: "I'm using more than xxxx Gb's a month, and it's running well in x company".That's free advertising that these companies love, and make people trust them.For ex. Dreamhost removed the known CPU limits because it was affecting their image.
How much does it cost to have a Linux host who is constantly taking care of all the security issues and custom upgrades on your server?
I have a VPS, and since I suck at being a good admin .... well, you get the picture
Thanks for helping me to sleep well again
May want to have this moved to VPS section of WHT. However, the good ole saying goes, you get what you pay for. If you are paying low prices I would in normal cases expect low service and support. Are you in complete need of a VPS? Can you go with a reseller solution which server management would be performed by the host?Do you want to switch to a shared server? do you want a managed VPS? hire to somebody to take care of your VPS admin? Sorry, I'm lostYou could hire a server manager, there is a promotion in the offers section foe one for $20/Mo.As the OP states, he wants it for his server. You could also look for a managed VPS company though you'll only seldom find one which is proactive (normally you need to send a ticket in every time you want something done, then wait for a reply, then wait for confirmation of completion).If you have a lot of content and don't want to move I would recommend the $20 mserver management option.Do you want to switch to a shared server? do you want a managed VPS? hire to somebody to take care of your VPS admin? Sorry, I'm lost
Well, I need to know what is the best option in terms of security,flexibility,price.
I don't care if it is shared or VPS as long as anything can be installed on the server and as long as someone keeps the hackers at bay.Well if indeed you are not well at management, then a fully managed VPS would be good. However I honestly think that a shared environment would suit you just fine.i would kill for a "quick-serve", dedicated server at pair.just as managed as their shared hosting accounts, but a server for your site only. some restrictions though, compared to others. but if its as stable as their shared hosting it cant be wrong
I honestly think that a shared environment would suit you just fine.I don't think so, since he stated
long as anything can be installed on the server
And that can't be done on a shared environment.You could hire a server manager, there is a promotion in the offers section foe one for $20/Mo.
As the OP states, he wants it for his server. You could also look for a managed VPS company though you'll only seldom find one which is proactive (normally you need to send a ticket in every time you want something done, then wait for a reply, then wait for confirmation of completion).
If you have a lot of content and don't want to move I would recommend the $20 mserver management option.
That's it, I need a proactive administrator.
Moving the content isn't an issue.
As for the server manager option, I admit that I would prefer to have someone who works for the hosting company so that I have only one service provider to deal with.
So, how much for a good proactive managed server?Depending of your needs, but take a look to liquidweb.com, they do offer managed VPSI don't think so, since he stated
And that can't be done on a shared environment.
Yeah,
There are shared servers who don't even provide cron!
And I want to have someone else recompile PHP, add new modules/functions, etc.
I hate that stuff really.
Makes my brain become rotten cheerios.Some shared hosts have no problem installing certain PHP modules, etc. as per a client's requirement. Is that the extent of 'changes' that you will need made to the server, or is there more? If that's really all you need, then I'd say you don't really need a VPS.Some shared hosts have no problem installing certain PHP modules, etc. as per a client's requirement. Is that the extent of 'changes' that you will need made to the server, or is there more? If that's really all you need, then I'd say you don't really need a VPS.
Yes, I totally agree with layer0, if that and cron jobs are the only reasons of why you're using a VPS, then a shared host could do the the work and cost you less.For a proactively managed VPS I would give LiquidWeb.com a try though they are priced a little more than other hosts who offer similar services (note that 256mb RAM isn't enough to properly run cPanel and you may want to go for their 512mb RAM option which is $100/Mo).If $100/Mo is more than you want to pay I would give the $20 management company a try.If you need the management but not the resources and cron jobs are indeed the only reason you have your own server then shared hosting would be a better option. Check the offers section, find some you like and PM them asking if they offer this level of management with their services. The better ones will
If you want full control get a dedicated from Rackspace or something like that..Some shared hosts have no problem installing certain PHP modules, etc. as per a client's requirement. Is that the extent of 'changes' that you will need made to the server, or is there more? If that's really all you need, then I'd say you don't really need a VPS.Hmmm ok ... here is the sort of management I need :- proactive protection against hackers ( IP ban, ports deactivation, patches, updates, etc. )- availability/installation/re-installation/configuration of :ApachecronSSLSSHPHP ( + recompilations [IMAP/MB/GD/etc.] )mySQL serverftp serverSPF / DomainKeysThat's all I think.Any managed provider should be able to do that for you. A couple of good VPS hosts:clustered.net
futurehosting.biz
Almost forgot... If you're only hosting your own websites and not providing hosting to others you should really give eApps.com a try, I think that's the kind of provider you need
I have the feeling that all those hosts will react very promptly only upon request/trouble. For a constant and proactive philosophy, I don't think they are reliable.Well, that's the impression given by the content of their sites.And yeah, I manage only my own websites.BTW, many thanks to you all for the great feedback More info are welcome Everything you listed above is entirely possible for a shared server. I would skip the idea of a VPS and save some money.I would agree with Layer0, that would be your best bet.Ok for the shared servers but why don't they state on their sites that they do all the things I've mentioned? All the sites I've seen so far are very vague on that matter.I don't feel like going through trials and errors with multiple hosts.Maybe I should choose a nice and cheap shared host with lots of features and pay a server manager at the same time. I didn't do the maths yet but maybe the total price would equal the one of a VPS.You may be on to something there Everything you listed above is entirely possible for a shared server. I would skip the idea of a VPS and save some money.Sorry for the silly question but, on a shared server, aren't the applications (Apache/PHP/mySQL/etc.) supposed to be shared ??Then, how could you configure/recompile them for your own need?Now you see how bad I am as an admin Do you have special requeriments on Mysql, Apache, php? I mean, if is a module to be installed, that shouldn't be a problem, however, I'm not sure what exactly would you need to be done by your host.Ok for the shared servers but why don't they state on their sites that they do all the things I've mentioned? All the sites I've seen so far are very vague on that matter.Send them a sales e-mail and ask :agree:Sorry for the silly question but, on a shared server, aren't the applications (Apache/PHP/mySQL/etc.) supposed to be shared ??Then, how could you configure/recompile them for your own need?Now you see how bad I am as an admin They are shared, yes. However, adding an extension or module to PHP won't effect other customers. And I've never seen an application that required us to add a module to Apache...most common things should already be on a shared server, e.g. mod_rewrite.MySQL - really never seen much custom ever needed here, other than a specific version...just a select a host that offers the version you want Also, if you need a specific PHP configuration change (e.g. enable register_globals), you can do this via .htaccess or by having your own php.ini file in your root directory with almost any host out there . . .Thread moved to Managed Hosting.Please guys ... post urls of hosts that are proactive FOR REAL.Thanks I've seen Lunarpages selling full managed services for $10 extra a month, either for VPS or dedicated boxes.When I had to manage my old VPS, sometimes I didn't even remember to update my cpanel installation. Ah... I just want to host my sites. I don't have time to be a sys admin...And more proactive that LunarPages is difficult. Good team there.Well, judging from the result of my recent searches, fully managed VPSs don't really exist. It seems that you're the only one responsible of the security on your server as long as you have root access.However a shared environment can be fully managed. But it lacks flexibility (ie: #databases limitation) despite the fact that some here are saying otherwise.So, if you're rich, you can order a managed dedicated server.If you're not, then, you can order a VPS and, at the same time, for $20/month, ask a server management company to administrate your VPS.I'm open to better ideas Sleidia - There are several providers out there that will handle a VPS much like a reseller account you would have with them. They offer full support and management - though you have to understand that the level of support provided for a VPS is a bit more complicated so response times might differ depending on the provider.Before you make your mind up - I would suggest looking into companies that offer services reflective to HostNine.com. I will vouch that their support is amazing.That's my two turn tables - spin'em if you like.I've seen Lunarpages selling full managed services for $10 extra a month, either for VPS or dedicated boxes.When I had to manage my old VPS, sometimes I didn't even remember to update my cpanel installation. Ah... I just want to host my sites. I don't have time to be a sys admin...And more proactive that LunarPages is difficult. Good team there.I had a look here : <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.lunarpages.com/virtual-private-server/I">http://www.lunarpages.com/virtual-private-server/I</a><!-- m --> was curious at their so called "Managed Sevices" ( "sevice" means "torture" in French )Well, for $10, they are quite vague concerning what you're supposed to get.What do they mean by "monitoring" ?On the other side, I note that it's rare to gain such a high traffic quota on a VPS plan.Interesting.Sleidia - There are several providers out there that will handle a VPS much like a reseller account you would have with them. They offer full support and management - though you have to understand that the level of support provided for a VPS is a bit more complicated so response times might differ depending on the provider.
Ok, support is one thing (most of the VPS plans provide extensive support).
But, regularily checking/tightening the security on a VPS is a very different thing.
To me, paying someone who's dedicated to doing this is the best solution so far.Before paying - check with their sales department to find out exactly what they offer. HostNine is proactive so they might be ontop of all that already. Another is WireTree - they are very proactive on their security as well.I recommend a server management company such as platinumservermanagement.com, they seem to be very highly praised at the moment.That "sevice" catch was funny
If you have any specific doubt about them, PM me and I'll ask a manager.As for the traffic, yes, it really depends on the kind of site. I've seen small websites with less than 1 Gb of traffic, getting apache down. And I've seen others (video hosters) getting above 1000 Gb's with no problem.I recommend a server management company such as platinumservermanagement.com, they seem to be very highly praised at the moment.They look perfect, the exception being the fact that they only manage servers that have CPANEL ( I have HSPC ).if you have any specific doubt about them, PM me and I'll ask a manager.Two things I dislike about them :
1) their plans descriptions are not detailed enough ( ie: CPU?, RAM? )
2) the setup fee for contracts shorter than 12 months.
My current host ( FluidHosting ) :
1) they have their plans described in detail
2) no setup fee
3) no spelling mistake on their site so far
4) great support
5) Internap
Their only drawback is their comparatively small trafic quota and that they offer only semi-managed plans ...
... which is why a server management company could become handy.As for CPU and RAM what I've seen lately is that if you reach the maximum usage, the problem will be dealt case by case. Some webhosters move those accounts to other servers, where they can stay at no extra cost, because they give a good name to the company, even if they are loosing money with that customer.I've seen lots of stories like: "I'm using more than xxxx Gb's a month, and it's running well in x company".That's free advertising that these companies love, and make people trust them.For ex. Dreamhost removed the known CPU limits because it was affecting their image.