I've always wanted my own dedicated box to use as a web and mail server, but can't host one from home because of several reason.

I found this dedicated server for only $30 a month. It has the following specs:
AMD Athlon 2000+ CPU
256 GB RAM
200GB Bandwith
40 GB HD
1 IP Address
Many free Linux distros to choose from as well as BSD.

I've been looking for a way to learn web hosting with Linux and this looks like a good opportunity to do so.
I've been thinking about running a web proxy with Adsense to generate some money to cover the cost.

The cons of my plan are:
I know very little about Linux (I am thinking of learning as I go)
Setup is $69
Only 2 support tickets/month. Additional support tickets cost $15 each.
Only 1 manual reboot a month, extras are $29 each. However, you can reboot the server all you want from a web control panel.

What do you think of my idea? Also, should I go with Linux or FreeBSD?

My question is... why go dedicated? Do you need a dedicated box?..... The hosting service DragonModz uses has stellar performance and we have never been dissappointed in them.. You can get their service for $7.95/month ($6.95 if you sign up for 2yr plan) and you can't beat the stats...

Basic Hosting Plan
Host 10 Sites on 1 Account!!
--> FREE Domain Name For Life
UNLIMITED MySQL Databases
--> Up To 5000 Megabytes Storage
--> 400 Gigabytes Data Transfer
E-Commerce
Blog, Forum & Photo Gallery
Microsoft® Frontpage® Compatible
--> Spam Protection
Includes 1 Addon Domain

And a list of other options I dont need to get into...
Very controllable through the cPanel software and well.. not much more I can say but they rock!!

You can check them out by clicking the bottom banner on http://www.dragonmodz.net
We have been with them for going on 3 years now and never had 1... One... ONE.... not One problem....

I want the thrill and experience of running my own server without limitations. I also want experience running a server. Buying shared web hosting doesn't cut it for that. Besides, I already have 20 GB of space and 1 TB of bandwith at my Dreamhost shared web hosting.

Quote: Originally Posted by Sleepy_Sentry I want the thrill and experience of running my own server without limitations. I also want experience running a server. Buying shared web hosting doesn't cut it for that. Besides, I already have 20 GB of space and 1 TB of bandwith at my Dreamhost shared web hosting.

OK since you put it that way.. nevermind... lol... I just was not sure why you wanted dedicated for sure... I guess now that I re-read it... It makes sence.... good luck

check out cari.net for linux hosting. They are very higly recommended by linux journal.

I checked out Cari.net, but their prices are too high for my small budget.

I'm thinking about going with this:
http://www.vpslink.com/vps-hosting/

A virtual private server isn't 100% dedicated, but it's enough to teach me how to run a real server without having to pay for one.

For $20/month and no setup fee, I can get these specs:
20 GB space (the bad part)
500 GB bandwith
3 IPs (for what I'm paying this is very good)
512 MB RAM
1-click Linux distro installs via control panel
If it runs on Linux, I can install it on my server

be happy sleepy, i say go for it, 20a month why not try it out, how longs the contract may i ask, could be getting yourself stuck in something if youget tired of dealing with it, otherwise it could be quite nice

Well, that's the thing I'm concerned about. I have to pay 6 months up front to get the VPS for $20/month. Otherwise it will be $40/month. However, there is no setup fee so that's a big saver. Unfortunately, they don't except returns so if I don't like it, I just lost $120.

Well... I guess you could go that route....on the other hand, I had a LOT of fun "experimenting" with my old Gateway (which was a gift, for services rendered... Celeron400A, 512MB of ram, "stripped down" Windows XP & a copy of Serv-U).... Of course, only friends got to log on to it... but... nonetheless it was fun!

TDR

Id say go for it, just for the expirience I have no server expirience, and im lookin around to get some. (im thinkin workin with the IT guys where my mom works, no $$ required )