[axxs-sysadmin] a new server for axxs.org

[aketus]

Hi,

I'm behind this all the way. Like Cameron, I think I will be of more  
benefit as a sysadmin if I'm managing a Debian system. From memory  
Etch is made stable in December right? Currently it's in testing iirc

I'll certainly talk to some of the others involved in the Anarchobase  
community and see if we can put some money together. As well as this,  
I'll be making a personal contribution, in a week or so when I get  
paid, coz I'd like to see this happen sooner rather than later! :)

I don't know much about Plesk except that I find it frustrating on  
occasion, although I haven't had a good look at the admin side of it.  
But if there is a quality open source alternative, then definitely. I  
might test some of these on my own server in anticipation, or perhaps  
someone else with more Plesk exposure might do this and weigh up the  
pros and cons better than I could

Cool.

aketus




Quoting Cameron Gregg <cam at earthanarchy.org>:

>
> Hi All,
>
> there has been talk among some of us of getting a new server for
> axxs.org. I'll try describe the rationale and action plan for this. All
> your feedback is welcome.
>
>
> Currently we have a good system. It has 1GB of RAM, enough hard disk
> space, 10Mb network connection and CPU seems to do ok. It runs a redhat
> distrobution of linux.
>
> The plan is to get a new box, with slightly more grunty hardware, and
> alternative/upgraded software.
>
> Looking at the RAM stats currently its nearly always nearly full. I
> suggest 2 or 3 GB (or 4, if its within financial reach) RAM for the new box.
>
> A 100Mb network connection so it's a lot harder to slow connection
> speeds (spam/DOS attacks).
>
> Everyone I talk to agrees we should move off redhat and use debian. The
> new version of debian (etch) is nearly due for release, so even if we
> get a box before it is, i suggest we go with it.
> Reasons for debian? most of us are more familiar with it, and its less
> corporate. I will certainly be more effective as sysadmin using debian.
>
> Our current versions of things like mysql are very, veeery, old, and it
> seems it isn't straight forward to upgrade. A new box will allow us to
> move to the latest stable release of things. I imagine mysql5 /  php5 /
> apache 2, for a start.
>
> Currently we use Plesk as a control panel for easy configuration. This
> isn't ideal as its a closed source solution. Moving to an open source
> one is preferable. I have already sent a list of some I found:
> http://lists.indymedia.org/pipermail/axxs-sysadmin/2006-September/0917-oy.html
>
>
> A new server will give us a new option of being able to view BIOS
> remotely, which means no panicing if a kernel upgrade stuffs up.
>
> There is also the idea of running xen, which would allow us to run our
> own virtual servers within the physical one. Not sure if this is
> feasible as none of have much knowledge of it.
> http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/research/srg/netos/xen/index.html
>
>
> The current box is paid for about another 10 months. If we can get this
> box up in the next month or so, that gives us plenty of time to migrate
> stuff.
>
>
> Finally, fundraising.  It's going to cost about $2500 AUD per 12 months.
> Axxs.org needs to become self sustainable and not rely on Dave's
> cashbook. I think each group should contribute what they are able. At
> this stage can everyone ask their groups how much they can pledge to
> this project, then we can tally it up and see if its doable. I should be
> able to get some from the groups I have on the box.
>
> I will kick things off with a personal contribution of $50.
>
>
> Cam
>
>
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>



-- 
aketus