Starting a file hosting site

[handeyman]

Well iv worked with a reseller account, but that’s about as far as iv gone

I want to start a file hosting site similar to rapidshare or megaupload.

So I think I need to get a dedicated server, I know I need a lot of storage, but do I need lots of ram, do I need a good cpu...?
Also there are tons of different Control Panel, the script I am using for this site is very simple, could I get away with using the cheapest one?

Iv heard that layered tech have the best servers, I also saw godaddies servers which seemed much cheaper, are they any good? Also I was thinking I need a managed server, is a self managed server way harder if I don’t no what Im doing?
If godaddies servers are good, are they managed or self manages?


Id like to hear your advice thanks.

 

[my-e-space]

1. Yes, you will need a dedicated server, not just because of the resource requirments, but also because any shared hosting package you buy will most likely shut you down when people start to upload illegal files (Which they WILL). I suggest you look for a server in Asia some where, that has little to no copyright laws.

2. Yes, if you are not going to be offering actual web hosting packages, then you can get away with any control panel you want to use. But, cPanel is your best bet due to its ease of use.

3. I am not sure if Godaddies servers are managed or not. And, if they say they are managed, you should check into what exactly the call "Managed". Some dedi hosts call just turning the machine on and installing a firewall, "Managed".
If you do not know how to run a server, you will FOR SURE need to get a managed server, as you can really rip the server up if you dont know what you are doing.


My opinion is that, starting a file sharing host is more trouble then it's worth. You can face serious legal actions if some bone head uploads the wrong things!

 

[handeyman]

thanks for the advice, but I talked to someone who also has a hosting site about the legal part and he says that he gets emails from the riaa or whatever to remove sertain files, and he removes them, he hasnt gotten in any trouble and he is hosted in the US also in the terms I state that I am not responsible for what is uploaded and I will delete any file if. So I will need a managed server,

how about the ram and CPU...? Also you mensioned firewall, will I need that, if it is not included?