So, I've finally decided to take the plunge, get my first dedicated server and count just how many minutes it takes for me to completely mess up.

I've decided on CPanel and love the look of fantastico and RVskin.

Can anyone advise on:

How well do these things work together?

Is there a particular order in which I need to have these installed?

Would I be storing up problems for the future with the possibility of updates for each item causing problems for the others?

Anyone with this particular combination have any particular issues or problems that it would help if I were aware of before buying?

I undertsand that there are problems getting IP addresses but will obviously need several to get started with, for SSL, FTP, DNS and so on. Whats the best point at which to order these and is there a limit to the number I can order at one time?

Thanks for any advice

Naw, the IP issue is really blown out of proportion.

You receive the first 7 or 8 free (I don't remember), just provide a good reason why you need them through the Trouble Ticket system, and they will be granted.

I will give you this piece of advise, Do your best to lock down your box before you put it into production. I have to spend the whole weekend trying to kick off a spammer who has gained access to a server. The IP is now listed in serveral black holes as the server is spewing thousands of messages a day.

Please be proactive about security.

I'm a recent plunger as well.... actually that didn't come out the way I meant.

With regard to locking down early. I've installed APF firewall and used the instructions from a thread that was in here on what ports to open. My server has tripwire on it, but I have been unable to get that to work so far. What other things have you done to lock down? Is APF enough for now.

This is a particular concern to me, not only because of the problems it can cause me but I would hate for my own lack of experience to cause problems to others on the network and am likely to get professional help on the security side of things.

However, I have read a couple of Linux Admin books, run web sites for some years on virtual servers and have read an awful lot on these forums. Unfortunately, every time I read a new thread it opens up new issues that I realise I hadn't considered (and sometimes don't even understand) and that really bothers me. I intend security to be a top priority.

I'd still welcome any and all comments regarding the CPanel/fantastico/RVSkin configuration I'm considering though, whether security related or otherwise.