webserver

[Murugs]

Hello

I am given a fun project. I am used to windows environments but not linux based. I need some help. Please guide me.

I have to setup a webserver (redhat) and install LAMP. This should be external to our network and will have a static ip. It is basically a extranet. I have a domain name and network configuration is all set.

I need to do everthing..right from ordering the hardware to configuring the box. I am looking at the HP rack server with Redhat Enterprise. Also I need RAID. How do I setup raid in linux. I need to give FTP and SSH access to a outside vendor on this box. Since I am going to put this server on the internet what other considerations should I look at. Please provide me some tutorials and pointers.

Murugs

 

[kjv1611]

This site was recommended to me before, and they have TONS of fairly detailed tutorials/walk throughs:

http://www.howtoforge.com/

I believe patience is the biggest thing you'll need. Mine finally ran out on my attempts.

I'd suggest finding hardware that works easily with the particular distro you're using. For RAID, hardware RAID is best if you can afford it - I'd go with a big name brand. You should be able to find some info online for what brand(s) work best with Linux for RAID. I think the good cards are usually at least $300, and range upwards of $1,000.

You can do software RAID in Linux, and it's supposed to be pretty good. But then the RAID work is on your CPU, which can degrade performance, particularly if there is a lot of operations hitting the server at the same time.

Of course, I'm not a Linux expert by far - I've just tinkered some. I'm planning on doing more tinkering, but I gave up on my Linux box for now - sad, I know. But after 6 or 8 months of one thing after another, I decided I'd just let that one rest for now.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[itsp1965]

That's a pretty loaded question Murugs. As a Windows sysadmin myself managing Linux boxes, you will have a fairly steep learning curve ahead of you. With that said;

1. It's easy to install a LAMP environment during the GUI installation of RHEL (as with other distros). Properly maintaining and securing are another
2. If you are installing on an HP Proliant server you can use hardware RAID that comes with it and for added protection use LVM partitioning (the partitions can be setup automatically for you during install but it's a default)
3. If this server is going to be internet facing I would strongly look into getting some help initially in securing it
4. I strongly recommend you get some actual training on maintaining a Linux environment since I have indicated although not difficult, requires a lot of study and practice to become good at
I would also recommend you build a lab environment (VMWare based or physical) where you can test setting this all up
There are plenty of resources available only a simple Google search away.

Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps

 

[kjv1611]

Here are a couple other links I came accross:

http://lamphowto.com/

I'd also suggest getting comfortable with shell commands and shell text editors. I know I had many questions there.

This one might also lead to some useful info:

http://www.linux4you.be/index.php?showtopic=22

This one might not be "right on" exactly for Red Hat, but I would imagine it'd be really close, and possibly enough for what you need:

http://www.howtoforge.com/fedora-8-server-lamp-email-dns-ftp-ispconfig-p6

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[Murugs]

Thanks kjv1611 & itsp1965 for the tips, links and suggestions.

I am planning a hardware raid..LAMP installation looks simple..i think the biggest part will be in securing the box from intruders..any thoughts on that.

Murugs