How do I enable Query Caching? I thought that it would be enabled by default?

By default its turned off, add something like:

In /etc/my.cnf

That's normal for Linux which uses up all free RAM with the OS. So even if you have 10 Gb RAM it will look like it's all full. :)

What's more important is swap.

Also, you need to optimize your server for vB - go to vB.com and look up threads in the Server forum.

And read my How-To on installing Turck MMCache, at vB.com or RS forums. :)

how good is rackshack? Im thinking of going to them when I switch over to dedicated just want to make sure its the right choice.

They are actually much better than before. I had few servers with them around a year ago. God worst service every, had the most down time ever. Crudiest support. Though their support is still about same, service is about better. and if you know how to take care of yourself your settled. Look at Erwin runs a very busy forum, on a very super-powered server, seems he has it the way he wants it, and is running amazingly.

I found Rackshack to be excelent. I had my doubts about going with them after some of the stuff I'd read, but there pre and post sales service has been top notch. All our questions before purchasing were answered withing a few mins and all our trouble tickets have been answered very promptly. We've had no downtime other than when I rebooted or took the server offline myself.

I only had downtime when I made a typo in a .htaccess file I uploaded, or at the above times;)

Satan

Put it this way, Rackshack, as an unmanaged host, is better than my previous managed host - so even though they are meant to be unmanaged, their support is excellent. Mind you, they ARE unmanaged, so you need to learn Linux, and firewalls, and server security/ management quickly. :) But it's heaps of fun to do.

I'm letting NTLDR do all the serious stuff, while I try and learn so I can help out or take over if he is busy;):)

Satan

What have you learnt so far other then how to bug me to do things? ;)

I said try and learn, not have learnt;):p

Satan

I was having this debate with my current host. They're moving me to a new machine that'll be setup as a VPS with 30gb of space, 384mb of ram (???grr!) w/ Ensim, 85gb of transfer for $140 a month! That blows IMO.

Comparing to rackshack I could have a dedicated p4 with 80gb space, 512 of ram, 700gb transfer, w/ ensim for $150 a month.

Obviously my current host's argument was that rackshack bases their business on numbers. their servers are unmanaged, and their solution to everything is 'format and reload'.

The problem is I don't know linux well enough to get something from rackshack and know how to setup and run everything.. :( So I'm stuck paying the high prices.

RackShack Forums are a great help, and everyone there helps people in need...

I am sure you could find help, or someone who would set it up for a low cost:)

Satan

hmm well ive been with rs for a while now, weve had 2 attempts at hacking, one changed our ssh access pwords and rs didnt just format and re-install they went hunting thru the server and fixed the prob.

Ive got nothing but good things to say about them, and asde from a few teething probs at the start ive had nothing but uptime and great support from them :D

Although RS is unmanaged, their service is better than some managed hosts out there. Bear that in mind.

Absolutely;)

RS is the best out there;)

Satan

Add me to the list of dedicated P4 rackshack vB users :) I love it! Haven't had a problem since I got it!

Make sure you secure it properly. :)

Do the following:

1. Install a firewall - apf with dshield and antidos is best
2. Disable telnet
3. Use only ssh2
4. Use on sftp (not ftp)
5. Disable direct root login
6. Use a separate IP and port for ssh
7. Install and run chkrootkit daily
8. Update and run the latest kernel and patches

Do the above and you should have a safe box. :)