Topic: Need advice on a perfect setup

[AMailer]

Hey,
I need advice for a perfect setup of Apache + MySQL + PHP

For:
- Running a fairly large forum... 1000+ active members (Forum has an Ajax chat, that all 1000 people can view/load at the same time...)
- Large downloads (and other smaller downloads). These get used/downloaded quiet frequently by new members

With my current host, our account got suspended because the downloads section was somehow "overloading their systems". Files are from 50 MB to 1 GB (no, all legit).

Also, with my current host (its a crap host, its a given, dot5hosting) the website keeps going unresponsive or gives errors due to the fact that the "maximum number of mysql connection" gets reached every now and then.

So, I've decided to go get a dedicated box to host the website, but I need advice on the setup.

1. Any recommended cheap hosts?
2. How should I setup Apache, any additional modules, any specific configuration?
3. How do I setup MySQL?
4. I'm planning on going for Unmetered bandwidth if possible; But other than bandwidth, what type of connection should I look at? 10Mbit port? 100Mbit port? What will suffice?

Make this all on the basis that the user base will grow, a lot.

I have setup Apache servers and everything before, about like 101 times or more but I've never been able to fully optimize them. So I need all the help/advice whatever I can get.

I am fairly tech savvy so - take a shot If I don't understand I'll just ask.

Thanks,
Aaron

[EDIT] Unfortunately this needs to be done on a windows server, I'm planning on using the dedicated box for a few other apps.

[James Blond]

Hi Aaron!
Do you searching for a Hoster or do you want to setup apache yourself?

[AMailer]

Hello,
I figured setting up Apache my self is the only solution, so I'm looking for cheap dedicated hosting plans and also looking for advice on how to setup my Apache.

Of course, if there is a web hosting company out there that can meet my needs, tell me

Thanks,
Aaorn

[EDIT]
Some info in the past, when I had setup my own apache server; when there were too many people visiting or downloading something from the server, the Apache only, would hang, it would just become unresponsive. Not sure why though.

The network is perfectly capable of handling loads, at the time only 10% gets utilized, and I've seen 80% being utilized in the past. However, it seems Apache cannot handle the load or something and I need to figure out how to fix that.

[AMailer]

*bump*
I really need help on the load handling issue. Apache keeps getting clogged or something when people start downloading a lot, to the point where when a new person tries to visit the site, you get stuck at "waiting for connection"

[AMailer]

Sorry, but another *bump*