I am pretty new to the Linux environment, and although I have been using Ubuntu Karmic desktop for development work, I have always prefered the GUI tools and very rarely use the terminal.

I am about to launch a site (a VPS) which will be running Ubuntu server 8.04 LTS and Plesk.

I want to install both the server (8.04 LTS) and Plesk in a 'chroot' on my Karmic desktop. I also want to test install some packages I have written for the server, and generally familiarize myself with the environment before I signup to the hosting service.

I will be running a streamline server (no GUI), with only the following software:

PHP Python mySQL PostgreSQL Apache Plesk Third party packages I developed

In terms of mail, I think the hosting provider provides a mail service, so I dont know if I will need to run my own mail server.

I will like some advice on the following:

1. How can I install Ubuntu 8.0.4 server LTS in a chroot?
2. How can I install Plesk in Ubuntu 8.0.4 server LTS (from the command line)
3. Can anyone recommend how I back up the remote server when I go live (i.e. what tools to use)?. I will need to back up both databases, as well as some config data and installation packages