Free hosting on a dedicated server

[DaDevil]

What would have to be the minimal specs for the dedicated server if it was going to be solely used for free hosting accounts without being overly slow or crashing?

 

[T^2]

All depends on how many websites you plan to host and what type of websites you plan to host.

 

[DaDevil]

Well just normal websites, running cpanel, server scripts and stuff that taxes the server too much wont be allowed. What amount would you reccomend for one box?

 

[brutetal]

Well, depends on cpu, ram,and bandwidth and storage for each account.

 

[DaDevil]

lol, fine, okay say each account is 100mg space 1000mg bw on a low range server.

 

[TaiLZ]

Still depends, they could be hosting IRC, Bots ect.

 

[DaDevil]

Well just normal websites, running cpanel, server scripts and stuff that taxes the server too much wont be allowed. What amount would you reccomend for one box?

I just need a guide on what specs can handle what really.

 

[AvailNetworks]

anything should be fine for free hosting. celeron is fine

 

[Keagle]

Even a budget server? I'm considering too... :/

 

[AvailNetworks]

budget servers are fine. Just make sure it is up to standards for what your control panel needs for it's requirements. Even a crappy server can hold quite a few accounts so long as they are basic sites. Once you start getting into forum/mysql/resource intensive apps then you will need a bit more juice.

for starting out I see no real problem with a low end server, especially for free accounts

 

[Keagle]

Okay, thanks for your help Avail, I shall look into this a bit more

 

[DaDevil]

Thanks alot Avail, exactly what i needed.

Edit: okay so if cms's, forums, blog software etc was allowed then would a mid range server be needed?

 

[AvailNetworks]

yes I would think so. MySql can be fairly faxing on a server and if it is done in small amounts it would not be too bad on a budget server but in all fairness for your company and users I would look into a small p4 machine if you plan to get into offering databases and what not.

or you could also get a midrange server and considering offering a paid upgrde for databases/sql functions to regain some of your expenses

 

[DaDevil]

Ok, thanks alot.

 

[Starcraftmazter]

cPanel alone would take a lot of resources....especially RAM.

I'd say the lowest you can do, is a Pentium 3 / celeron with 512mb of ram, and a decent uplink (10/10mb or better).

Linux without a GUI is a must.

And if course, you wouldn't be able to host many sites. Maybe a dozen or two, depending on just how much the sites are used. Obviously, if 2-3 people use them, then that it's going to put much strain on the resources.

I'd say it depends on the number of "purely active" accounts.