Mgmt. Application Software(s) request for comments

[silent0rigin]

Hello all,

I have been an fdc client for about a month now and I'm trying to install a myriad of software. After installing a few wares, new patches were already out, and patching sources I removed for space saving reasons becomes a little annoying. (Especially when you forget previous build options)

After so arrogantly declining any web based server management applications, I find myself looking back at such alternatives.

Obviously (this being the Linux/Unix discussion forum) I am running a linux system (Fedora Core 2).

The Management Application options I see for the $149/mo dedicated server are:

- PLESK
- Cpanel / WHM
- Fantastico
- Direct Admin
- HELM
- Webmin

Asuming all of these wares work on linux I offer the following questions for comment.

1. Which do you find reliable and/or prefer, and why?
2. Which allows for end-customer controlled mail/web?
3. Which allows for reseller/admin controlled mail/web?
4. Does fdcservers.net provide a place to download free upgrades as they become available?
5. Are there any additional hidden costs when running such wares?
6. If a machine is littered with (non-rpm/built from source) apps, does it create a installation problem?

I'd like to take an approach to managing this server without constantly having to keep up with my sh/man/install/patch skills so I can focus more on my end-customers. None of my customers are given shell accounts so sandboxing and security measures of the like are not needed, however I would still like to make available tcp/udp/communications wrapping.

Thank you in advance and I look forward to all of your comments/suggestions/anwsers.

Thomas

[Manansala]

1. Which do you find reliable and/or prefer, and why?
All are reliable. It's just a matter oh who's using it.

2. Which allows for end-customer controlled mail/web?
ALL of the above.

3. Which allows for reseller/admin controlled mail/web?
ALL of the above. Please be advised that you can always google developers' website for detailed information regarding the CPs.

4. Does fdcservers.net provide a place to download free upgrades as they become available?
The CP provides upgrades for you. If you couldn't do upgrades, FDC will provide it for you if it won't scratch anything. Normally they give all out support to whatever their customer needs.

5. Are there any additional hidden costs when running such wares?
NO. As FDC plans states, no HIDDEN Costs of anything.

6. If a machine is littered with (non-rpm/built from source) apps, does it create a installation problem?
You have sh/man/install/patch skills. We already know you know the answer.

[allanite]

Hello all,
I'd like to take an approach to managing this server without constantly having to keep up with my sh/man/install/patch skills so I can focus more on my end-customers.
Thomas
Unfortunately none of the control panels will manage the server for you.
In fact, sometimes it gets more complicated if there is a control panel.

My personal preference:
- if server for my own sites only...no cp
- if server for my managed clients' sites only....directadmin
- if linux server for web-hosting.....cPanel
- if win server for web-hosting.....plesk