The dedicated server build process

When your order a dedicated server from Anchor we do more than just provide you with a server, all dedicated servers undergo the Anchor build process which has been refined over many years to get you started on the right foot.

We first ensure the stability of the hardware, then install and tweak the operating system. This is followed by a lock down to secure the server and configuration of your first site to get you online.

All new servers undergo our 5 day server burn-in process to ensure that the machine is rock solid prior to deployment. The burn-in process is aptly named because it was rumored to make machines work soo hard they caught fire. This process is run prior to the installation of the operating system and run remotely to allow every component of the server to be pushed to its absolute limits, continously for 5 days. If the server survives the process you know it won't let you down under normal operating conditions. Servers which don't pass the burn-in are sent back to our suppliers for replacement (it does happen).

The standard Linux distributions are great for doing just about everything. They're not tweaked for web, mail or file server operations though. This is where Kickstart comes in. Kickstart is our automated build process, we've boot strapped this cfengine to applies all those tweaks and tricks we've learnt over the years to improve the performance of your server. We continually work improve and update our automated build process for your benefit. To do what Kickstart does in 5 minutes would normally take a computer engineer more than 10 hours to do manually!

Kickstart includes:

• SPAM proofing your server
• Appropriate partion sizing
• Firewalling
• Log rotation
• Web based server management interface installation
• And much more...

The Kickstart process includes application of all the latest patches and bugfixes combined with application lockdowns (eg turning off mail relays) to prevent your server getting hacked.

The build process includes installation of the operating system and many of the most commonly used applications, including:

Included in the build process for the server is the configuration of one virtual host, this includes:

• User account setup
• Web server configuration
• Mail server configuration
• Database setup

The initial configuration of your dedicated hosting server is completed based on the information supplied at the time of order, or within the first week of server deployment. Any subsequent requests must be made under the chosen support pack or remote hands service.