Custom skinning

[Seth]

Okay,

So I'm no stranger to Plesk but I have a pretty ancient version. 6.0 to be exact. What can I say? I like it, my customers finally use it well, and I have it looking really nice and custom compared to my main site. I believe I'm using a classic skin which is probably even older considering I'm using 6.0. Actually let me correct that. It's Dark Grey with 6.0.

It's a shame because I'm really happy but obviously I'm going to have to update at some point.

1. My php (4.2.2) and mysql (3.23) versions are fast becomeing out dated. My question is can I update these without upsetting my Plesk 6.0 version? I have a couple hundred customers on this box and I'm scared to death to update.

2. If I get 8.0 can I easily update from 6.0 or is that to much of a gap?

3. Is there a directory or index of skins I can download and use on either Plesk version? Can I create my own? I haven't seen anything through Google.

4. Modern Bill? Is it easy to integrate? Is it a good product?

I know that's a lot of questions. Thanks for your time. My company needs to take it up a knotch. Or two or three.

I love Plesk. Thanks!

 

[Seth]

Anyone?

What does this mean exactly in the demo?

Default interface customization template...

Seth

 

[lpittman]

Hi Seth,

I don't know the answer to all your questions, but I'll share my experiences with you.

I was running Plesk 7.5.4/RedHat 7.3 and also needed to upgrade (because of outdated PHP and MySQL versions). So I ordered a brand new box with Plesk 8.0.1/CentOS 4.2 and successfully performed a migration of roughly 140 domains to the new server. I had to do a couple trial runs with single domains to iron out any kinks, but after doing that the migration ran smooth. I would expect you'd have the same result. Two things that I think are important for a first-timer to know during a migration are these:

1. Ask your ISP to increase the bandwidth on both servers to 100Mbps if they aren't already. Anything less and a migration over 50MB will take waaay too long.

2. Do a trial run for 3 or 4 domains and possibly a whole client account. During the trial run no-doubt you'll run into errors. Diagnose 1 error, then try migrating the same domain again. Diagnose the 2nd error and so on. Examples include not installed modules (Apache ASP, Dr. Web, etc) and a default .skel that was making my file directories look ugly (so I removed the .skel)

I have had a ton of experience with ModernBill and love it. It integrates seamlessly with Plesk.

Hope this helps

Luke Pittman
Catch 22 Media

 

[Seth]

Hey there,

Thanks for your words. I need to get a feel for the direction I'm going. Nice to hear other opinions. I may just take this up a few knotches. Buy my own box and software and see what's up. I have five servers that I lease. Time to try co-location. Any thoughts on that? Where's the data center? Best banwidth deal?

If anyone else wants to know about skinning with your own custom design I have found some documents and attached them to this post. The are for Plesk 7.5 and not 8.0 but I assume it's pretty much the same thing.

The trick for me will be moving that left nav around. I hate the sideways scrolling Plesk presents. Other than that it's sweet.

Thanks!