Advice On Multiple Linodes

How many Linodes are suggested in a multi-setup configuration?

I currently own a Linode360, and use it to serv up multiple things.

A few months ago, Iu used it to serv up a website.

I was considering running Nginx, PHP, MySql, IRC server/IRC services, Radio broadcasting server, FTP (for those users of mine who can't live without it) securely of course, etc.

Well, my question is this.

I've read the entire Linode FAQ, and know how Linode works, or at least how it's supposed to work.

While I currently have one Linode running Gentoo Linux (because I know how to use it) could anyone advise me on what to do with multi-Linodes, as far as how many, if each should be on a monthly account yearly, etc?

I'm trying to decide if paying for multiple Linodes is worth it or not. I can't decide if multiple Linoes is going to help, or cause problems.

I bairly have enough time in my day to administer a single Linode, unless cloning would be good? But then, I'd be duplicating my entire configuration over to another Linode, installed services, etc.

Is cloning the best to do in multiple Linode configurations?

I'm not sure what the best thing is to do in this case. Cloning has one large disadvantage. You get all the software/services you've been running. Then you might have to go pulling services out of the chane of installed services.

I know that much on cloning.

Would someone be able to advise me on this? My main purpose in purchasing a Linode in the first place was to run a server for myself to move my network and users over to another set of servers etc. I was also thinking of setting up a cluster of Gentoo-configured Linodes that would run multiple linked IRC servers for the IRC network in general. But if that suggestion is not recommended, let me know.

Currently managing one Linode is wonderful. But the katch of this is that I have to have the time to do so.

Sometimes I go for weeks not to mention days without being able to log into the Linode because of my busy schedule.

I know–that's not a good idea. But I go to classes most of the day, and rairly find time to log into a Linode box.

Is paying for a Linode in this case even worth it? Especially because of my time-constraints?

I've had enough of a problem trying to maintain a local Linux box, not to mention remote computers.

I got Linode because I couldn't aford the resources from a local home ISP to run an Internet connection that ran all these services. While I find Linode to be wonderful from a blind users perspective, nicely labled control pannel options, etc, I question and now wonder if signing up with creating a Linode was worth it.

Thanks for advising me!

Got to run, I'll probably check this post after classes.

Regards, --Keith