Hi

Apologies if this is answered elsewhere, if so, kindly just post the link here.
I need to get a dedicated server. I'm on a low budget, so serverpronto's $30 AMD2000 server is very good for me. The problem is that I'll be on my own there, with little or no support. So, its for those who know how to do things, not for newbies.
Thats why I need to learn first before I get my first dedicated server.

Is there any tutorials available for newbies, on how to setup and maintain your first dedicated server?
I even dont know what does the server comes pre-installed with and whats not. They say they install Linux and webmin for free, but what about: apache server? php, mysql server, dns server, ftp server? mail server? do I setup those on my own? or are these included in webmin?
and what about 'optimization' I hear a server runs much faster when its 'optimized' but dont know how to do that? or whether the host optimized it for me, or do I have to do it myself...

And how can I setup a testbed server in my computer to use for learning? what software do I need for such setup?

Any hints or advices are much appreciated, and also any links to simple newbie tutorials or reads are much appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.

I do not suggest you get a serverpronto server to learn as the only lesson you will learn is you get what you pay for. A VPS would be a middle step before choosing a dedicated server. Also note that serverpronto charges $15 after 3 tickets per month that can add up fast.

Thanks cougarhosting.
The reason I want a serverpronto server is not to use it to learn, I want it because thats as much as I can offord to pay.
I want to learn BEFORE I get one from them.
My question is: how can I learn offline. Someone told me I can setup a testbed server (on my computer?) and learn from there. But I dont know what software to use to build such testbed environment in my windows xp computer.
If thats not possible, then: how can I learn how to use webmin? is there a way to lset it up in my computer? I do have 'easyphp'.
Any hints, links or suggestions please?

Take a look at vmware you can have multiple Os's running on your windows XP. If you pay the $30 and have no idea about how to run a server your tickets alone will bring the price up. Not to mention your paying a $150 setup fee.

VPS first time

It seems that I didnt put my question properly.
Ok, please forget about me getting a server anywhere.
Here is my question: how can I learn to run a dedicated server. Is there a way to learn offline, without having to get a real server?

any software names, links or tutorials is much appreciated.
many thanks in advance.

Again look at VMware if you want to play with different Os.

If you can, I'd setup a seconed PC and turn that into a server. Doesn't have to be anything special as long as it runs.

How long have you got?

Try looking at installing Apache in Windows and take it from there. If you can understand how to do and run this then have a go at at Apache on a LINUX box. I think you'll need a good 12 months experience to run one properly and securely.

http://httpd.apache.org/docs/windows.html

Good luck

Andrew
www.hostyorkshire.com