Hello,

I'm strongly thinking about getting a Linode. I was wondering if they came with a default version of sendmail (or exim/postfix/whatever) and apache? Or do I have to install and configure those myself? If so are there any GUIs available to assist with this process or do I have to SSH in an tweek various .conf files?

It looks like you're worried about jumping in at the deep end - don't be

I think all the available distros (apart from small Debian) come with Apache pre-installed. In the case of Fedora and RedHat, starting Apache was a case of typing service httpd start. I made a post on setting up an Invision board forum which was also very simple at http://www.linode.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=510

As for sendmail, I'm not too sure as I've never needed to use it on my Linode. However, I do know that most of the distro's initially boot up with the process running, so I doubt it's difficult at all to get it working to your specification.

You might like to check out www.webmin.com which is a free GUI (albeit a little plain) that should help you manage almost every aspect of your server, including apache and sendmail.

Failing all that, folks around here are happy to help

It really depends on which distribution you choose. But, even if it is "pre-installed", it's just the standard package installation with the default configurations.

As far as a guide, search on the forums -- people have provided links to sites with detailed tutorials.

-Chris

Beaten again!

apache and sendmail come installed by default.
Kinda like god and the devil, they come as a pair
(sendmail is enough of a demon I've lost all faith in the existance of higher powers)

webmin is nice, but it can't handle things like mysql (it's commands don't work)
I do everything via ssh now.