Managed or Unmanaged Dedicated Server (cpanel)

I am good with cpanel basic tasks, but if I took a unmanaged dedi server what tasks would I need to do regularly?

gangsta1 said:

I am good with cpanel basic tasks, but if I took a unmanaged dedi server what tasks would I need to do regularly?

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Regularly: None, assuming you dont need to use cpanel to change things alot
Non-regular: Install programs, modify firewall, add email, do mysql work (backup, add/remove account/database), ftp work (add/remove account/group), setup and create SSL certs/keys etc.

There's no such difference in terms of Cpanel related things. If it's unmanaged the main thing you'd need is to take care of the security updates.

And if you're going for unmanaged VPS, it's better you try free control panels like kloxo, that would reduce the cost.

After leasing dedis for 8 years I found most managed servers just a joke on the buyer. I had one with LiquidWeb one of the most reputable hosts for 4 years and it suffered a kernel hack that allowed complete hijack of the dedicated server. 5 days offline before they restored the data and then it was headache after headache because they loaded an image for a dual quad core and I was running a dual core at the time. The reason for the hack? The kernel hadn't been updated the whole time I leased the server. So much for managed support I thought.

I've been buying co-locating and leasing unmanaged dedis ever since that nightmare. Here is what I recommend if you run Cpanel. Go to ConfigServer and purchase their cPanel Service Package. It will cost you $125 but trust me it will be the best $125 you ever spent. These guys know their shit when it comes to securing a cPanel dedi and although you will have to tweak a few things as time goes along you will be secure. Your server will update all the time. 99% of Hack attempts will be foiled. An active virus scanner will alert you to any suspect files the second they're uploaded to your box. You can set your flood settings to stop most weak ddos attacks. Your box will run rootkit checks, virus checks, block port scans, block SSH brute force attacks and about 1000 other features I can't remember.

Here is the link:

http://www.configserver.com/cp/cpanel.html

No affiliate and I don't get paid a dime to recommend them. I just hire them every time I get get a new cPanel dedi allocated and love their service. I've never had a managed server offer anything near the security these guys install. I get emails all day long of FTP, Mail server and SSH hack attempts and see those IPs blocked in minutes without any intervention from me. I've only once had a WP site hacked on any of my dedis and it's because it was WP 2.4 that wasn't updated. I host more than 900 WP sites and get Mod Security alerts all day long showing script kiddies were blocked and banned immediately for trying to hack a WP site.

I could go on all day but seriously if you're going to go unmanaged which I recommend then spend a bit up front and let these guys harden your server and you'll be well on your way.

Thanks! Doesnt cpanel have its own built in security?
I want unmanaged but dont want to be another security package on top of cpanel which already has security.
But, at the same time I dont want some asshole hacking my website because I did not do a certain security task.
I can do updates of course but dont want to be doing anything more complex than that tbh.

gangsta1 said:

Thanks! Doesnt cpanel have its own built in security?
I want unmanaged but dont want to be another security package on top of cpanel which already has security.
But, at the same time I dont want some asshole hacking my website because I did not do a certain security task.
I can do updates of course but dont want to be doing anything more complex than that tbh.

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Sort of like asking why to use an antivirus if Windows already has security built in. A program should focus on doing one task and doing it the best it can. Cpanel is secure on its own right, mostly. You still need security to prevent problems caused by other programs (ftp, smtp, ssh, rpc, sql, scanning etc). Cpanel only covers itself. Having a 10ft thick iron door won't do anything if you leave the windows open or the wall is made of plastic. A server is only as secure as its weakest link.

Most managed services like kvm mentioned are a joke. However, I've had very good experience with handsonwebhosting. You'll pay quite a bit on a dedicated for proactive management, but if you don't know anything about what needs to be done then you'll probably create more problems than solve. Doing testing like that on a live site can be devastating.