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CentOS needed to install on Redhat certified hardwares/server (except you knows how to customize kernel.) to ensure the compatibility and server realibility.  To avoid any trouble in the future for software and driver upgrade, I highly recommend you to check on Redhat website to see  latest server compatiblity chart and buy server from either Dell, HP, or IBM.  Dell, they have very clear instruction manual on installating Redhat Enterprise on their server.  Also nice quality server case (SSI EEB) are hard to find, the original Intel server cases are very expensive, end-up DIY server hardware maybe more expensive than you buy branded server.  So don't waste your time spending on testing compatibility on hardwares.

This is a basic installation and security hardening guide to giving idea to whom willing to build their own SOHO/small office Linux Web, Email or Database server.  I hope you can find this guide useful.

In this part, I will start talking about the Planning and Preparation, helping you decide what operating system and hardware to use, which is very important part from this guide.  If you made wrong planning, you probably need start everythings from beginning again, and it’s really wasting your money and time!

Finally the Dell Poweredge T410 server delivered after the short delay caused by Typhoon in Mainland China.  It takes 6 working days from I ordered the server from Dell until delivered to my home.