I need programs for a new dedicated server.
 

Well things didn't work out as expected and now DelanyDecolleur.com is going to be going with MAS. This also means that we have to have a dedicated server.

I'm not a web guy; I support Windows networks for my corporate clients, so I'm not familiar with a lot of nice/cool web applications.

So now I'm asking what do you have, why, what do you recommend, and what do you recommend staying away from? As I said, Delany will be on MAS and she will probably set up a diary on Wordpress, and a store on OScommerce or eBanned.

I would really appreciate your comments/recommendations.

Thankx, David.

windowz is fun huh?
 

WINDOWS

I would recommend a Unix based operating system, 2 beers and a fat joint.

:rasta

How can one recommend something if you don't even appear to know what kind of software you need?

But indeed, get off windows first.

Yes, I guess first it would help if you tell us what you are looking to do.

Depending on traffic, MAS and Wordpress can eat up some resources, so go with a decently powered server. It sounds like you should consider a managed one as well.

OS: FreeBSD, Control Panel (if you require one) Direct Admin. With php and mysql you'll pretty much be ready for the most common scripts / applications out there - but like has been said, without knowing what you want to do it is a little difficult to answer.

Feel free to contact me to discuss things further.

I guess I didn't make myself clear. Delany will be run on a dedicated unix based OS supplied and managed by Webair. I have 20 years of experience on computers, enough to understand how to figure out what I can do with f-ing up the server and enough to realize when I need to get unix qualified help.

I support Windows for my corporate clients. Unix people can't wait to bash Windows systems and maybe for good reason if your unix knowledgeable or trained. But my clients get freaked out about concepts such as passwords, remote access, domains, and basic security concepts. They recognize a windows server which helps to asuage their fears, a unix based OS is hard to even sell to a SMALL company. In a SMALL company your dealing with egos of people that aren't much more than your average home user that can surf the internet, right a letter in works/word, and check their email. Try putting someone like that on unix.

I beat out other company's all the time that are trying to sell unix servers because they scare the clients.

What I'm looking for is advice on the Webair system. It is a P4 3.0 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 10 mbps, 2x 160 GB SATA Storage, 11 IPs, and Unlimited Domains.
* Something better than Wordpress (capabilities, secure, cheap, etc)
* Something better than osCommerce (I built a fully customized store with this for another client already so I'm familiar with it. Customization was fantastic, coding was a pain-in-the-ASS. Is there something easier?)

DelanyDecolleur.com is not going to have an affiliate system (yet) and is a solo-girl site that will be managed by Webair, with MAS (meaning PHP, mySQL, etc), and secured by Stongbox.

So again, I'm not a web guy, I would really appreciate comments about other programs and what you use them for.

Lycanthrope, thanks for the offer, I will contact you later. I can't say what else I need because I'm not a web guy, I don't know what is possible. I wouldn't be doing this at all except that Delany asked me to be her tech guy. She is a close personal friend and she knew she would get a good deal and not get taken advantage of especially since I'm only going to take care of the technical aspects, it's her site and her business.

Thanx, David.

Better than Wordpress? That is pretty subjective as many will tell you it is the best. What don't you like about it?

Our experience has been that CentOS plays best with Direct Admin. :2 cents:

I would get Linux with a control panel that you are comfortable with.

More sites are hosted on Linux then any OS for a reason.