fun. Yes, fun. Anyway, here's what happened. I connected an old PC to my main work PC, which is connected to a gateway or router. I then proceeded to install Linux and then configure it to work online. That never worked.

After about two weeks of work, I gave up turning the Linux box into a hosting server. Then time went by...

I got a copy of Windows Server 2003 and installed that without much of a problem. Then I installed PLESK server management software. That too worked nicely. Then I created a hosting account and played around with it. However, I then found out that many of the PHP/MySQL type of programs do not work on Windows server. Then the setup just sat around gathering dust.

Just like that six months went by and I got the idea while driving to vacation two weeks ago that I could try it again and then running an applications that would just "clog" our servers online. Basically, the application that I plan to run on the NEW Linux box is a setup that can manage our information --press release and articles --dissemination system that I plan to launch in a week or two.

LINUX, ATTEMPT TWO: WHAT I DID to SUCCEED:

RESOURCE ONE:
LEARNING about LINUX
First of all there is a great site with all the information that you need to setup and get your feet wet working with Linux. I'll just point you there and you can learn all about the wonderful world of Linux! Here it is on a new page... >>

RESOURCE TWO:
GOOD LINUX DISTRIBUTION with GREAT SUPPORT
Once you learn about what you need and what to do, then you'll need to find the best Linux setup. I like to go with leaders. There is something that makes a product very successful, and that is that it is accepted by many --that says something. Anyway, the Linux flavor that I settled on was RED HAT Linux for two reasons. First of all it is a steady linux distribution that has been improved by a large company that is going to be around for a while. Secondly, they have a great system that updates the files in the distribution.

VERY NICE LINUX DISTRIBUTION with an EQUALY WONDERFUL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM:
You can learn all about RED HAT Linux here. >>

All this does not come that cheap. I think I'll have the company pay around $400 dollars for the Enterprise version some time soon. Anyway, they have a 30-day trial package. So, I got that installed and configured.

Now, I don't plan to become a "die-hard" linux guru. That is not my job. My job is to experiment. My job is to test. My job is to see what works. So, to save time, I took this step next...

USING a SERVER HOSTING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

RESOURCE THREE: PLESK SERVER MANAGEMENT

Instead of running the hosting system on the server, I installed PLESK, which is a server management system. I have worked with Plesk for about 6 years or so, and it works nicely "for the little guy" to get the work done online. I have installed their latest version, which is FREE for a one user, one domain and e-mail version.

I have no idea what a regular license cost, but if you are going to start a hosting business, this is the best of the hosting applications that I have seen. Anyway, like an operating system, it is now what I am comfortable working with.

YOU CAN GET to know PLESK via this URL... >>

Now the PLESK 8.0.0 product is running on top of Linux. I can connect from my workstation, via the router to the server. I can also connect to the domain that I have setup. Then to test the entire system I uploaded a PHP/MySQL script and WORD PRESS to it. They all work fine.

So, the reasons why I went to all this trouble:

1> I want my own work area to make a mess. I don't want to work on my stuff where the corporate pro's "do their stuff". I mess up, and I'll be locked out for a long time. With my own work area I can take my time and do things the way I want.

2> It was a challenge. Still there is a lot to learn about security and finishing server setup and maintenance.

3> Working on a workstation that connected to the server on a gigabyte LAN connection is lightning fast! It screams. Otherwise, I'd have to upload the files via FTP, and then test it using the regular office bandwidth. Now I don't. I can test it live in my Local Area Network (LAN).

4> Did I mention it was FAST! {B>) Yes, I think I did.

5> My ultimate goal is to fun the application and I think at the end of the day I can press a few buttons and put the setup to work running the product I have in mind. Then the next day things are done, and I don't even have to worry that it "hogs" the online servers.

I could keep listing reasons, but time does not permit it. I'll just get to my work and that will tell the rest.

Sam's got to get a holiday weekend started. I'll still get some work done, but I'll need to rest and have a bit of fun too! Well, carpe diem. OUT!

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