I am thinking to get a dedicated/virtual server, but have some questions before I take the plunge (bit mixed up with which bits to do myself or which bits to hire).
I am running, centos, php, mysql, postgresql, tomcat, (mail server - dont really undestand how to test this locally)
I would ideally like a server with a Centos OS that I can log into and do pretty much what I like, install new software, use the desktop, login remotely etc.
Here are my questions:
OS Image - should I use my own Centos (get it right locally) and upload it to the host?
DDOS attacks - do most hosts prevent this? any suggestions?
DNS set up - should I do myself or rely on the host to set it up for me? - easy in linux?
Hosts - any thoughts on good ones, im in uk, in that case should i go for uk?
As you can see Im a bit confused. I would like to do most of this myself and just let the host provide the hardware. Im not a newb, but also not an expert and will have a lot of work on my hands if I have to do this all myself.
Appreciation will be shown for any answers :)
Cheers