Linux Web Server

Recently I was given a couple Dell towers and was told that I could do whatever I wanted with them. I haven't taken the time just yet to open them up and see what components I might find and I will probably just take out the hard drives and connect them to my current computer to analyze them.

My question for all you Linux folks is about setting up a Linux Web Server by using these Dell towers. I know Linux is a "learning curve" but I have had some "experience" with Linux as I had Mandrake installed (dual boot) some time ago. I've played around on the user end of setting up websites (html, CMS) on a Linux server and got somewhat familiar with MySQL, cPanel and some of the issues with using Apache. So what do you all think...do I have a prayer?

 

What do you expect to place on the servers, and how to use them?
LAN storage, or webpages?
There are some RedHat users, and some Debian users here.
I ran Dell hardware for many years. Dell is fairly Linux friendly depending on what specs you have.

 

Well, the thing is, I am getting a few years away from retiring and I was thinking of starting an e-store so, I will be dedicating a Dell for that purpose only.

Also, in reference to the Dells, one is an Optiplex 740, AMD Athlon with no hard drive installed, the other is a Optiplex GX520, Intel Pentium D with an 80gb hard drive installed and 2-512mb memory sticks. Both have a DVD player installed in them but it looks like the GX520 will be my only choice at the moment.

 

The Optiplex 740 has capacity for up to 2 GB as Tiger still sells them.

HD is easy with many sources for about $50-$75, or check out Craigslist for used drives.

Dells were noted for being fussy about memory and if you replace- replace them all and verify at a site like crucial to find the details on what you need.

GX520 memory

http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/Dell...Series+(Desktop+and+Mini-Tower)-upgrades.html

Once you have a drive set with Linux, you can hot swap it to the other box and see then which works best. I have an ancient 12GB drive here I have not booted for about a year that was my test unit for the latest and greatest Ubuntu upgrades. When they did not work, power down/disconnect and reboot and then format the drive over at the next install. Fedora distros should be as friendly also.

e-store? you can get cheap online server space for about $5 a month to start.... Good luck

 

Well, the thing is, I have been working "lately" on some HD's here at home. I was given several that were in a house fire and was asked to see if I could retrieve any data out of them. They all fired up and gave up their data...so now I have extra HD's setting on the shelf just waiting for something to do!

Actually, I've been looking at several distros online, mostly those that are of a "server" purpose. There are several out there available, some at a cost, some partially free and others totally free. I narrowed them down to one in particular and was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on it..."CentOS".

Well, I couldn't agree with you more on that statement, and all that it represents! I once built a website using "Drupal" and had it integrated with a MySQL database. I spent hours working out that site and even more keeping it all together. But, maybe I'm just bored and looking for something to rack my brain on, I just thought I would give it a try on my own! If I get in too deep of water and start to drown, I guess I could always fall back on hosting sites with template pages.

BoredOutOfMyMind, don't take this question the wrong way, I'm just interested in your thoughts about all this but, are you trying to talk me out of "rolling my own" because you already know the problems I'll be dealing with and know it's not worth my time and efforts or is it maybe because the hosting services out there available are already set up and I might be better served going that way?

Thanks for your input, it is valuable too me and I do appreciate it...much!

 

I have "tough skin" and appreciate your kind way to ask! You are attempting to re-use hardware, and my person experience has been borderline on that attempt. Your use for a webserver/estore requires more stability than the hardware can toss your way. I would opt for the online servers from a host that has good reviews (I say nyet to GoDaddy). OTOH, you have used drives and could play for the short term, have a great LAN media center, and have a way to configure changes offline before uploading to the webserver.

Happy Hacking!:major

 

Alright BoredOutOfMyMInd, I think you've hit on something. I think I'll look into an online hosting service to start out on and at the same time build up a server on one of the Dells here at home. These Dells are in pretty good shape and like I said, one of them already has a hard drive in it. I'm pretty sure their not that old or used just by looking inside of them! If things work out, I'll just switch everything over and run it out of my house!

BTW, thanks for taking your time and answering my questions. I appreciate your input very much!

 

Its all about downtime, if your starting a business you probably wont none of that, and more time spent selling/advertising/making money, then fiddling with your server. Im not suggesting you dont tinket, just that you dont tinker with something thats gonna end up making or loosing you money.

 

Your both absolutely right! I've been looking at the hosting services and I believe I can start out with those for now. Since I'll be starting out small and slow, these sites are pretty affordable and have what I need for start up!

In the meanwhile, I'll upgrade the Dell and get it ready for the growth period. I ran across a bundle called Zen Cart for Linux that sounds like a good option for when that happens. Have any of you heard of that?