I started to shop around to supplement my existing reseller hosting account with something more flexible. Problem is, I need a spec that my current shared server plan cannot meet. As a minimum I need:

IonCube run time loader
Smarty (for Xoops)
PHP GetText support
MySQL InnoDB support
Safe mode OFF
Cron
SSH
GD2
ImageMagik (not essential)
PHPMyAdmin

I've given up with the idea that a shared hosting plan can provide this, so I'm looking at VPS. Up to now, none of the Plesk controlled VPS solutions I've enquired about can meet the above spec, however, I have found a host that offers something called 'root' control. This appears to offer more freedom over the server spec, but there are some restrictions:

Quote:

Unfortunately the host won't get involved in configuring the VPS so I wondered, can anyone tell me if I could achieve the above spec within their restrictions?. For example, I believe I can install Smarty, the IonCube loader file and ImageMagik, but would they work?

Also, will I need a degree in SSH to even use this? Once configured I need to set up sites, email accounts etc. and I believe that with the root option you don't get a control panel.

Peekay, on a VPS you have to remember that even though it is virtual, it is still your server. You add the programs and make the configs yourself not the host. All that you listed can be installed or configured yourself.

On VPS the host supplies the os and maybe the control panel, you install and configure as you need. The only restriction my and most VPS hosts have is no irc programs.

HTH.

I also have a mailing list I am trying to form for mutual help in this area. The link is:
Virtual Private Server Users Group

Thx jdseymour.

I understand that with a shared hosting plan you have to shop around and get the best features you can. I just expected that if I was buying a VPS service, I would be able to provide a 'spec' and the host would configure the server for me (for a fee).

I have sent a few more emails asking specifically for that service. Failing a response, I guess I need to get up to speed on Linux server admin!

I joined your Yahoo group.

Do you know if I would be able to set up everything on my wish-list myself and keep within the restrictions imposed by that particular host?

The only thing on your list I am not familiar with is Ion Cube.

Other than that all should be configurable.