{"id":60239,"date":"2020-12-09T06:12:35","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T12:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scalahosting.com\/blog\/?p=60239"},"modified":"2025-12-09T03:19:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T09:19:55","slug":"learning-to-manage-a-dedicated-server","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scalahosting.com\/blog\/learning-to-manage-a-dedicated-server\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning to Manage a Dedicated Server"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dedicated servers are powerful and flexible<\/strong>. They allow you to meet the demands of almost any workload, often without breaking a sweat. At the same time, there is the potential for best-in-class security<\/strong>, albeit at a seemingly high cost…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A challenge bigger than cost,<\/strong> however, might be the fact that dedicated servers are simply more complex to manage<\/strong> than most other types of web hosting. Learning to operate a dedicated machine and achieve maximum performance might require a bit of learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Dedicated Server Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Managing a dedicated server is in some ways the same as maintaining and running your personal computer. There are many similarities when it comes to operating systems<\/strong>, applications<\/strong>, and even network management<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are differences though, since those same elements behave a little differently when we talk about dedicated servers<\/strong>. Where personal computers are mostly managed from a standalone point of view<\/strong>, everything about dedicated servers is configured for constant interaction with multiple other devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This change requires more familiarity with advanced networking concepts<\/strong> and, more importantly – keen knowledge of network security<\/strong>. Because of this, managing a dedicated server takes quite a bit of knowledge and experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Avoid the Headaches of Managing a Dedicated Server<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If managing your own dedicated server sounds like too much of a challenge to you, there are other options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, you can hire an in-house IT team<\/strong> that handles the server tasks on your behalf. This is a popular choice for businesses<\/strong> that can afford to keep dedicated professionals on a payroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another choice would be to outsource the server management<\/strong>. This possibility exists thanks to web hosting providers offering managed dedicated server plans<\/strong>. The host will take charge of maintaining the server on your behalf, performing tasks such as deployment, configuration, <\/strong>and core elements update. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both these choices may result in overhead in cost<\/strong>, something added to the already pricy dedicated hosting service. If this sounds like too bitter a pill to swallow, you may have to resort to managing your own server<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Courses You Can Take Online<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you decide to avoid the route of direct server management and go with either of the options mentioned above, it would be a good idea to get some background knowledge<\/strong>. Depending on how deep are you willing to go, there are many sources to go around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital learning<\/strong> is extremely popular today and, thanks to technology, available in so many formats. You can choose to learn through basic instructional videos<\/strong> or even take complete (in some cases even certified<\/em>) courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good sources include Udemy <\/strong>and Khan Academy<\/strong>. The former has a plethora of courses to choose from, some of which are very purpose-specific. Khan Academy also has a good mix of broad and specific topics available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for something less formal and easier to consume, many users on Youtube <\/strong>have created content related to server management. Be aware, though – user generated content such as this may not always be the best place to learn proper techniques and best practices.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need something more formal or certified, you can search directly for platform-specific resources<\/strong> such as Microsoft, Oracle, <\/strong>or Red Hat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Books You Can Buy and Read<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While books may be a little out of date in today\u2019s context, there is extensive literature online in digital format<\/strong>. You can find the one you like, download it, and learn more about server management directly on your eReader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some great and useful titles include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n