Hosting a webserver

[Wizaerd]

I've been subscribed to this list for some time now, but I've rarely asked
any questions, learning all sorts of good stuff by reading the emails as
they come in.  But now it's time to step out of the shadows and pursue
something I'm greatly interested in.

I use Mandrake Linux version 7.0, and have had a great time setting it up,
configuring it, learning as I go.  I've successfully set up Apache 1.3.12,
MySQL, and PHP4.  Currently I'm connected to the net by USWEST DSL which
accesses a dynamic IP from DHCP.  USWEST isn't very forthcoming about giving
me (leasing me) a static IP so all I can do with this server is dork around
on it for my own usage.  I'm unsure if USWEST measures bandwidth so if I
start using this server for real, there could be repurcussions.

I have some friends who are looking to start a website, and have contacted
me in regards of where to host it.  What I'd like to do is take my
experience in setting up this home server and apply it to a real server.

SO my questions are:

Is there any affordable co-location areas here locally where I could put a
linux based webserver?
What hardware requirements would you reccommend for a real production
webserver?
While I've had basic experience in sendmail, what would be the reccommended
approach for providing POP3 as well as SMTP services?

Is there a better approach than co-lo?

thanx, I really appreciate any feedback and responses I get!

Joseph E. Sheble
a.k.a. Wizaerd
Wizaerd's Realm
Canvas, 3D, Graphics, ColdFusion
http://www.wizaerd.com
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Zanova, Inc.
http://www.zanova.com
Moving Business Forward.....
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