Tag Archive 'ftp'

Essential Steps For Changing Web Hosts

On the outside looking in, moving your website to a new server probably seems like no big deal. All you have to do is make backups of your content and transfer it to a new host, right?

Unfortunately, moving your website requires much more than that and can be rather frustrating if things are not carefully planned. In this article we will go over a few steps that need to be taken in order to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Step 1 - Copy your Files

This is actually the easiest step of moving to a new web host. Although your content is securely stored on a web server, it also critical that you backup this content in other locations as well. This could be your hard drive or an optical storage medium. One technology that makes this process much easier is FTP which allows you to download files to your hard drive and make copies as well. This can also be done with the File Manger feature that is offered by many web hosting companies. Backing up your website is something that should be done whether you plan to move your website or not. Although many hosts perform routine backups on their server, it is always best to plan for the worst to assure that your content can be quickly restored.

Step 2 - Check your Internal Links

Checking your internal links is important as you want to assure that they are not still programmed to the old URL. This is made easier by formulating links in manner that simplifies the relocation process. Your links can always be hard-coded later after getting things set up on the new server. If you choose to keep the same domain name, internal links should not be a problem as the URL will not change.

Step 3 - Update Your DNS Records

If you own a domain name and are moving it with your website to a new server, be sure to update the DNS records within the company you registered with. This should be done only when you are completely satisfied with the service of your new provider. If you purchased a new domain, be sure to point the name to the new web host. Pointing the domain to your old one will cause problems and slow done the propagation process.

Step 4 - To Redirect or Not To Redirect

After settling in with your new host, it may be a good idea to keep your old site active for a few days. Some suggest canceling the old account after becoming comfortable with the new service while others are against it. Although some visitors may be able to follow the redirection link to your new provider, others may not. Some people have ISPs who are much slower at updating their name servers. This may result in visitors clicking on the redirection link to your new page, only to be redirected back to the old one, all because the domain is still pointed there according to their ISP. To avoid the loss of potential clients, it is a good idea to deal with inconvenience of maintaining two websites for a a minimum of three days.

Conclusion

Changing web host can be a challenge, but following these tips will help to simplify things for you. While adapting to change always takes a bit of time, you can at least avoid some of the common problems faced by so many people who rush into moving their websites.

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Jul 11, 2008 : General No responses yet

Finding Affordable Web Hosting

Whether you are looking to create a personal website to outline your family tree or one to power your business, there are many web hosting companies that will help accomplish both tasks all the same. A web hosting provider is an internet-based service that offers you a leased space to store data, share content with others and sell your products online. During your search you are sure to come across many different web hosts, some of which provide a free hosting service while others charge a fee. Although a few of them are costly because of the great number features, several are very affordable and just as good.

What to Consider when Selecting a Web Host Provider

Even though you want to save a few dollars, a web hosting service must provide several important features in order to be considered reliable. Before choosing a host, it is essential to learn how much bandwidth they offer. The amount of required bandwidth can be estimated by measuring the number of visitors you anticipate each month times the actual size of your website. Of course it is quite difficult to determine how much bandwidth is needed before even creating the site. You will find several web hosting companies offering a robust 100 to 500 GB of bandwidth. It is very difficult to ever use this much bandwidth; an exception would be a site that holds numerous high resolution images or streams audio and video files. In truth, the typical online business website only uses an estimated 1 to 2 GB of bandwidth. To be on the safe side, we recommended selecting a web host that offers at least 5 to 10 GB. This will give you extra room to build and function while limiting downtime that could lead to loss of sales. It is best to build your pages small in the beginning to grade the site’s performance. This will give you an idea on how to proceed.

If you are new to web hosting, technical support is perhaps the most critical feature of all. Free web hosts generally offer less than favorable support while some offer none at all. A more advanced yet affordable service may provide online tutorials, community forums, live chats and 24-hour phone support if you’re lucky. If you intend to run an online business, having immediate support at your fingertips is crucial - this is certainly one feature than make or break your business.

Extras Make The Difference

Additionally, you should keep an eye out for other key features such as the number of email accounts, FTP clients and the amount of storage space being offered. The best advice we can give is to do your own research. By doing this you will become more familiar with the service and be able to determine if it fits the needs of your website. Don’t hesitate to contact the web hosting provider regarding the details of their service. This is a great way to test the company as it may indicate how responsive they are when it comes to providing technical support.

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Jul 07, 2008 : Cheap Web Hosting No responses yet

Linux vs. Windows Hosting - What to consider

Contrary to popular belief, it does not matter what operating system you have on your computer when choosing where to host your site. If your computer runs Linux, you can choose a Windows hosting platform and vice versa. Of course, it would be ideal to have matching operating systems, but you can still enjoy many of the same benefits. Both servers support FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and other technologies which allow you to publish content from your hard drive to the web. Both offer encryption features such as SSL to encrypt your online communications along with compatible email accounts, databases and more.

Knowing the similarities, it is also important to make yourself familiar with the vast differences as well. For instance, if you intend to use Microsoft branded technologies such as ASP, FrontPage, MSSQL or Windows Streaming Media, your website would be much better suited for Windows-based hosting. Trying to operate server-specific scripts and programs on a different platform is often difficult and costly, though it can be done. Fortunately, the most prevalent web technologies such as PHP, POP3 and MySQL are supported by both systems.

In the way of stability, Linux is regarded as being more stable than Windows. This dates back to prior Windows systems such as 95 and 98 that were infamous for the “blue screen” of death. Though annoying, the most severe impact of this common error called for users to restart their machines. Later editions such as 2000 and XP were designed more with servers in mind, adding stability to the Windows brand.

You may enjoy better performance with Linux hosting as well as their servers are rather efficient. There is not a huge difference, but the application processes of Windows have been known to run somewhat slower. Experts believe this is because Windows loads a variety of features into single packages while the implementation of Linux is more simple yet flexible.

Another major benefit of Linux is its open source nature. This allows vendors to use several Linux components for no cost and offers a cheaper web hosting service. Both platforms have had their share of bugs, yet Linux tends to receive fixes quicker because of its large community of designers and users. Windows has to analyze these issues through the entire Microsoft bureaucracy which tends to take longer.

Regardless of what platform you choose, security is always a major concern. Many times this involves the security implemented by a host as well as the website administrator. While Windows has made notable strides with their security, Linux is better known for it’s security-first approach to development.

The Winner Is …

When money becomes an issue, most people tend go with Linux hosting as their first option. The system has established a solid reputation for its reliability and security. The choice of which platform is the best all depends on the needs of your site. In the end, you want a web host that is best suited for the goals you plan to achieve. With that said, the operating system being used should be one of the last things you consider for web hosting - Linux and Windows both provide exceptional service.

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Jul 02, 2008 : Linux Web Hosting No responses yet

What is FrontPage Hosting?

There are several aspects that make up a quality web hosting provider. Bandwidth and storage space are essential, along with up time and customer support. Aside from the basics, enhanced features are perhaps the most attractive benefits of web hosting. These are the tools that will help to build your site with eye-popping designs, generate traffic and potentially revenue.

When searching for a web host with just the right features, you will find that many of them offer FrontPage. FrontPage is a technology designed by Microsoft. It includes various components that allow you to quickly publish web pages and build your site with ease. While FrontPage is a great feature in its own right, it also works well with other components that increase functionality. To ensure that you get the most out of this web building technology, it is important to learn if your website will be equipped with other features as well.

Control Panel Demos

Web hosting packages are filled with numerous features. One of the most important features is the control panel. This software is typically integrated into the server of a web hosting company. While the functions may vary from host to host, the primary goal of all control panels is to grant the end-user with more authority over their site. If your looking to host with FrontPage, it’s a good idea to test out the control panel before deciding on a particular company. By doing this, you can play with the controls and learn just how easy it is to publish with FrontPage extensions. Many companies who use the popular cPanel control panel often provide potential clients with demo versions to prove the quality of their service.

Web Publishing and More

FrontPage web hosting has become popular because it allows you to build a site with ease and bypass third-party FTP web publishers. This program is so easy to use that novice builders can become webmasters with a bit of training. FrontPage allows you to work with many different pre-designed templates that can be applied to your website with a simple click of the mouse. You can also create custom designed templates with your own text and graphics. This is a great way to make sure your website coordinates with the company theme. FrontPage is well known for designing capability but also gives you the benefit of multi-user and remote authoring, along with the creation of website counters, web forms and discussion boards. FrontPage aids in the security your website by handling MIME types, redirecting URLs and protecting directories. It essentially gives you all the tools required to a dynamic website.

Web hosting with FrontPage has offered a great solution for medium sized companies who cannot afford to pay expensive designers to create and maintain a web presence. It is also ideal for small companies and individuals just starting who are looking to create a web presence while saving a few bucks. Depending on the cost of the package, FrontPage is a solid option for many of your web hosting needs. This technology will give you the power to quickly build a high-quality site even if you lack technical skills.

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Jun 27, 2008 : FrontPage Hosting No responses yet

FTP Basics - cPanel Tutorials Ch.2

FTP is an abbreviation frequently used on the net, one you would like to become familiar with.  This is the manner in which files are transmitted to the web hosting server.  Web hosts allow you to upload your photos and documents on a 24 hour basis, giving you the freedom to maintain the site on your time.

After choosing a FTP client users should familiarize themselves the system by performing both uploads and downloads of several files.  Cuteftp is a very reliable program that can be integrated into your cPanel, though most web servers come equipped with at least one FTP.  

Some cPanel hosting accounts permit users to bring in other FTP clients.  This can be done by clicking the file transfer manager (ft) of the control panel.  After that, click on your ftp account button then you should see an option to “add ftp account”.  >From there you will be prompted for login details pertaining to the new account and suggested to follow a few instructions. 

When this has been setup, files can be successfully transferred.  Regardless of the FTP client you choose to implement keep in mind that they will require the following.

Hosting Address - this is typically a domain with ftp. proceeding the name.  (ftp.joe.com)

Username - Most of the time this will be identical to your cPanel account.

Password - This will also be the same as your main account. 

Remember that the system is liable to be case sensitive when it comes to entering your information.  

The majority of web hosting servers who support cPanel allow 2500 files to be stored into a single directory with the first 2000 available for immediate display.  I strongly suggest that users stay away from storing more than 2000 files.  This could slow down the transfer rate and limit the effectiveness of FTP.

WS FTP

WS FTP is a popular transfer client commonly integrated into cPanel by PC users.  This program is now available at www.download.com

When using WS FTP the user name and passwords are typically the same as your primary account and your FTP hosting address will usually be your actual domain.       

When running your WS FTP a “session profile” window will display.  By creating a profile there it will not be a need to manually configure the client every time you use FTP to transfer to the server.  Start to create your profile by clicking “New” then create a name for it.  You will then enter the host address, user name and password for the main account.
By clicking OK you will be redirected to the home page of your web hosting account.  A split screen will be displayed on cPanel with files to the left of your computer.  To the right you will notice links that hint to a successful transfer from your computer to the web server.

Files are stored into a web directory and subdirectories can be created.  In many instances you may only be required to use the cgi.bin, a directory made for custom scripts.  You may then upload files by highlighting it and clicking the right arrow button.  HTML scripts should be uploaded in ASCII mode while images should be uploaded in Binary mode.  

When a file is successfully transferred to the server it can be viewed by all visitors.  If the file displays and “X” or isn’t visible there may be a problem.  Try clicking refresh or the back button of your browser and upload again.  If problems still occur you may need to clear the browser’s cache. 

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Apr 10, 2008 : cPanel Tutorials No responses yet