So I am starting up a new website and I was wondering how to set up 5 servers to host the site. I have already purchased 5 Apple XServes, one will be used as a test server and the other 4 will be for the live site. So I have read some website on the internet and they all reference using one server and installing software onto it and have that server do the load balancing. I have also read that you could use a hardware, rack-mounted system and plug the servers into that. The load balancer would then distribute the load.

So I have a few questions about each:

1) How do you set up the software version and have the other servers as "slaves" and have one "master" to direct traffic?

2) Which of the two options above are more reliable, and better suited for a startup that doesn't have many users per month, yet(hopefully)?

3) Is there a theoretical max limit of servers that can be connected to a software load balancing system? Note: Obviously this will change from software to software, but in terms of the server being able to handle it?

4) In your own opinion, what are you using for your sites? Have you had any problems setting up that system or operating it once its running? Are there any things you would stay away from if you had to start over?

5) I also purchased a Apple RAID system, so if you are familiar with it, is there any way to connect it to multiple Xserves so they all serve the same data?

I'm a little confused on this, so thanks for all your help and being patient with me.

Note: Take it easy on me, I am learning this as I go along, so I may have used terms incorrectly or explained things that don't really make sense. Sorry.

P.S. If you need me to supply the specs on the servers to determine which system makes the most sense, I can post them for you.