Round Tale

SMB Dedicated Servers Content Provided by VersawebDedicated Servers

Congratulations on your first dedicated server. Once you receive the information for you server, you will probably want to start migrating or creating your website immediately. However, if you have little to no experience with systems administration you should first thoroughly understand the tools you have at your disposal before you get started.

Often overlooked, the journey toward dedicated server enlightenment begins with your webhost. Though the reading may be a bit dry, you would do well to understand specifically what you bought, what you are responsible for, and what things your webhost will take care. Here is a general list of what you will want to do:

• Read Over and Understand your TOS: Your Terms of Service specify the legalities of your server. In it you will find those things your service provider is responsible for and those things you are responsible for. Pay close attention to uptime guarantees, any information on scheduled downtime, and the steps needed to cancel your service. Keep a copy of the TOS handy.
• Read Over and Understand your Support Package: Even with unmanaged dedicated servers, the webhost is still responsible for some support. Understand what things are covered with your monthly fee and what things cost extra. Also keep a copy of this, if available, handy.
• Check the Licensing Contracts: This especially holds true for software on Windows dedicated server boxes. Ensure that the licensing is up-to-date and any base licensed software is authentic. The last thing you want is to be audited by a company such as Microsoft or RedHat and found to be using an illegal copy.
• Have Your Hosts Contact Info Readily Available: You should have your server’s information readily available such as on an encrypted file on your desktop. Your webhost’s contact information should also be programmed into your cell phone. Emergencies rarely happen at convenient times and having this available so you can quickly resolve problems is a must.

At its most basic your dedicated server box should come with an operating system, a web server, and a database server.  On top of this, you may have programming language support, a control panel, security software, and backup software.  Even if you have managed support there are a few things you should know:

• Operating System: When it comes to the OS, you should know how to update it, configure it, perform security checks, check logs and audits, and lastly you need to understand how to do basic maintenance. One reason why managed or using third party administration is key for your first dedicated solution is, it gives you the opportunity to learn and to ask questions.
• Web Server: Although chances are high that you will use a control panel to handle most of the web server functions, it never hurts to understand how to perform security checks and how to add websites to the web server.
• Database Server: Like your web server, a great deal of what you will do with your database server will go through a control panel of some sort. Even if you use a control panel, you should understand simple commands such as backing up, importing, and exporting databases.
• Programming Languages: Prior to picking your dedicated server solution you probably already had a programming language or two in mind and had them installed by your webhost. If not, then take a moment to pick the programming languages you want to use and (hopefully you are using managed or third party administration) then have them professionally installed. You could install them quite easily, but for the most part there is really no need to do this yourself and if you are already paying for the service might as well have them do it.
• Control Panels: The use of control panels is a personal preference. Many who are unfamiliar with the various web servers find using control panels to be an easy alternative. Others prefer to use the web server and other server assets directly. When having managed administration, your admin (be it webhost or third party) will probably have a control panel preference and will install a control panel to make administration easier. If this is the case, then become familiar with the control panel, learn how to navigate and use the tools available.
• Security Software: At the most base of security measures, you should have an anti-virus suite and a software firewall.  When you do migrate or create your site, run a security audit. This will let you know if there are extra security suites and precautions you need to add.
• Backup Software: If your webhost has a backup solution, then you should order it. There is no reason to justify not having backups for your websites. Take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the software. When you bring your site online you should come back to your backup software and configure it in accordance to how often you update the site.

The last area to examine is the hardware. This part is fairly straightforward. Check to make sure you received the hardware you paid for. Familiarize yourself with any add-on hardware such as firewalls. If you have a hardware firewall and are unsure how to use it then have your managed solution provider walk you through the configuration process or have them perform the checks out right.

Once you have a feel for what you have and what you have gotten yourself into, you can begin to transfer or create your website(s). Your first dedicated server box is not just something to place your website on, it is a learning tool and if you take it step-by-step, you too can become a proficient at server administration.

Source: Your First Dedicated Server – What you Need to Know

SMB Dedicated Servers Content Provided by VersawebDedicated Servers

Congratulations on your first dedicated server. Once you receive the information for you server, you will probably want to start migrating or creating your website immediately. However, if you have little to no experience with systems administration you should first thoroughly understand the tools you have at your disposal before you get started.

Often overlooked, the journey toward dedicated server enlightenment begins with your webhost. Though the reading may be a bit dry, you would do well to understand specifically what you bought, what you are responsible for, and what things your webhost will take care. Here is a general list of what you will want to do:

• Read Over and Understand your TOS: Your Terms of Service specify the legalities of your server. In it you will find those things your service provider is responsible for and those things you are responsible for. Pay close attention to uptime guarantees, any information on scheduled downtime, and the steps needed to cancel your service. Keep a copy of the TOS handy.
• Read Over and Understand your Support Package: Even with unmanaged dedicated servers, the webhost is still responsible for some support. Understand what things are covered with your monthly fee and what things cost extra. Also keep a copy of this, if available, handy.
• Check the Licensing Contracts: This especially holds true for software on Windows dedicated server boxes. Ensure that the licensing is up-to-date and any base licensed software is authentic. The last thing you want is to be audited by a company such as Microsoft or RedHat and found to be using an illegal copy.
• Have Your Hosts Contact Info Readily Available: You should have your server’s information readily available such as on an encrypted file on your desktop. Your webhost’s contact information should also be programmed into your cell phone. Emergencies rarely happen at convenient times and having this available so you can quickly resolve problems is a must.

At its most basic your dedicated server box should come with an operating system, a web server, and a database server.  On top of this, you may have programming language support, a control panel, security software, and backup software.  Even if you have managed support there are a few things you should know:

• Operating System: When it comes to the OS, you should know how to update it, configure it, perform security checks, check logs and audits, and lastly you need to understand how to do basic maintenance. One reason why managed or using third party administration is key for your first dedicated solution is, it gives you the opportunity to learn and to ask questions.
• Web Server: Although chances are high that you will use a control panel to handle most of the web server functions, it never hurts to understand how to perform security checks and how to add websites to the web server.
• Database Server: Like your web server, a great deal of what you will do with your database server will go through a control panel of some sort. Even if you use a control panel, you should understand simple commands such as backing up, importing, and exporting databases.
• Programming Languages: Prior to picking your dedicated server solution you probably already had a programming language or two in mind and had them installed by your webhost. If not, then take a moment to pick the programming languages you want to use and (hopefully you are using managed or third party administration) then have them professionally installed. You could install them quite easily, but for the most part there is really no need to do this yourself and if you are already paying for the service might as well have them do it.
• Control Panels: The use of control panels is a personal preference. Many who are unfamiliar with the various web servers find using control panels to be an easy alternative. Others prefer to use the web server and other server assets directly. When having managed administration, your admin (be it webhost or third party) will probably have a control panel preference and will install a control panel to make administration easier. If this is the case, then become familiar with the control panel, learn how to navigate and use the tools available.
• Security Software: At the most base of security measures, you should have an anti-virus suite and a software firewall.  When you do migrate or create your site, run a security audit. This will let you know if there are extra security suites and precautions you need to add.
• Backup Software: If your webhost has a backup solution, then you should order it. There is no reason to justify not having backups for your websites. Take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the software. When you bring your site online you should come back to your backup software and configure it in accordance to how often you update the site.

The last area to examine is the hardware. This part is fairly straightforward. Check to make sure you received the hardware you paid for. Familiarize yourself with any add-on hardware such as firewalls. If you have a hardware firewall and are unsure how to use it then have your managed solution provider walk you through the configuration process or have them perform the checks out right.

Once you have a feel for what you have and what you have gotten yourself into, you can begin to transfer or create your website(s). Your first dedicated server box is not just something to place your website on, it is a learning tool and if you take it step-by-step, you too can become a proficient at server administration.

Your First Dedicated Server – What you Need to Know

(The Hosting News) – HostRightNow Technologies recently announced a partnership with SmarterTools Inc. to provide its clients with easy to use and effective solutions from SmarterTools that include a Windows email server, a customer support and chat system, and a Web log analytics and SEO tool.

“We are always looking for a cost-effective yet best solutions for our customers to grow their businesses and enhance their web services,” stated Naveen Sharma, CEO of HostRightNow Technologies. “SmarterTools Inc’s solution will help us provide our clients with best possible ways to communicate and collaborate with their customers and employees.”

Under the terms of the partnership, HostRightNow Technologies will provide a bundle of SmarterTools software to customers that purchase a new Windows dedicated server or new Windows VPS (virtual private server) at no additional cost. Dubbed the SmarterBundle, the software suite includes professional editions of the SmarterMail mail server, SmarterTrack customer service software, and SmarterStats Web log analytics and SEO software. It is valued at $800 (U.S. dollars).

For more information, visit http://hostrightnow.com/smarter_tools/

HostRightNow Technologies Partners with SmarterTools

(The Hosting News) – HostRightNow Technologies recently announced a partnership with SmarterTools Inc. to provide its clients with easy to use and effective solutions from SmarterTools that include a Windows email server, a customer support and chat system, and a Web log analytics and SEO tool.

“We are always looking for a cost-effective yet best solutions for our customers to grow their businesses and enhance their web services,” stated Naveen Sharma, CEO of HostRightNow Technologies. “SmarterTools Inc’s solution will help us provide our clients with best possible ways to communicate and collaborate with their customers and employees.”

Under the terms of the partnership, HostRightNow Technologies will provide a bundle of SmarterTools software to customers that purchase a new Windows dedicated server or new Windows VPS (virtual private server) at no additional cost. Dubbed the SmarterBundle, the software suite includes professional editions of the SmarterMail mail server, SmarterTrack customer service software, and SmarterStats Web log analytics and SEO software. It is valued at $800 (U.S. dollars).

For more information, visit http://hostrightnow.com/smarter_tools/

HostRightNow Technologies Partners with SmarterTools

(The Hosting News) – HostRightNow Technologies recently announced a partnership with SmarterTools Inc. to provide its clients with easy to use and effective solutions from SmarterTools that include a Windows email server, a customer support and chat system, and a Web log analytics and SEO tool.

“We are always looking for a cost-effective yet best solutions for our customers to grow their businesses and enhance their web services,” stated Naveen Sharma, CEO of HostRightNow Technologies. “SmarterTools Inc’s solution will help us provide our clients with best possible ways to communicate and collaborate with their customers and employees.”

Under the terms of the partnership, HostRightNow Technologies will provide a bundle of SmarterTools software to customers that purchase a new Windows dedicated server or new Windows VPS (virtual private server) at no additional cost. Dubbed the SmarterBundle, the software suite includes professional editions of the SmarterMail mail server, SmarterTrack customer service software, and SmarterStats Web log analytics and SEO software. It is valued at $800 (U.S. dollars).

For more information, visit http://hostrightnow.com/smarter_tools/

HostRightNow Technologies Partners with SmarterTools

Houston, Texas – (The Hosting News) – May 21, 2009 – Provider of shared, reseller, and dedicated web hosting, HostGator.com LLC, has entered into a partnership with SmarterTools Inc., to provide a new line of web hosting software for its Windows dedicated server portfolio.

The software includes SmarterMail 5.x, a cost-effective Windows mail server; SmarterStats 4.x, a robust and comprehensive Web log analytics tool; and SmarterTrack 4.x, a complete customer service software solution. This bundle of three applications is valued at approximately $750 and will be included with every Windows dedicated server at no extra cost.

Jeff Hardy, vice president of business operations for SmarterTools noted, ”SmarterTools is excited by our partnership with HostGator. HostGator has a reputation for providing reliable Web hosting and quality service, and we are proud that they trust our products to continue to deliver value to their Windows hosting customers.”

SmarerMail is the cost-effective Microsoft Exchange alternative, bringing enterprise-level functionality to businesses, ISPs, and Web hosting environments. With features like detailed reporting, events/notifications, throttling, email archiving, intrusion detection/prevention, advanced synchronization, and out-of-the-box antispam and antivirus, HostGator customers will be able to enjoy an effective and user-friendly mail server application.

SmarterStats is a complete Web log analytics solution that supports various log file types, including Internet Information Server (IIS) and Apache, on Windows and Linux operating systems. In addition, SmarterStats provides detailed Web site statistics for both small and enterprise-level businesses while reducing disk space utilization by 85%.

Brent Oxley, CEO and founder of HostGator added, ”At HostGator, we’ve always prided ourselves on giving our customers additional value for their money. Our partnership with SmarterTools is going to give our Windows hosting customers just that – a wide variety of high quality features and services that they would have a much more difficult time getting elsewhere.”

SmarterTrack is a powerful help desk application built for tracking, managing, and reporting on customer service and communications, including sales and support issues. Features include a Ticket system, Live Chat, WhosOn, branding and language support, cost analysis, data mining, reporting, surveys, and a Knowledge Base.

Founded in 2003, SmarterTools Inc. is an information technology-management software company based in Phoenix, Arizona.  SmarterTools builds a Windows mail server, customer service software, and a web log analytics reporting tool that simplify and automate the day-to-day IT operations of businesses and hosting environments in over 100 countries.

HostGator.com, LLC is a world leading provider of shared, reseller, and dedicated Web hosting. Privately held and based in Houston, Texas, the company was founded in 2002 by current President and CEO Brent Oxley, who started the company from his dorm room at Florida Atlantic University. Since then, HostGator has grown from a small hosting company with just three servers into a world leading and industry recognized hosting provider with more than 5,000 servers under management. The over one million domains hosted by HostGator make up approximately 1% of the world’s Internet traffic.

For additional information about SmarterTools Inc. and the SmarterTools product line, please visit: www.smartertools.com.

To learn more about HostGator, please visit: www.hostgator.com.

Houston, Texas – (The Hosting News) – May 21, 2009 – Provider of shared, reseller, and dedicated web hosting, HostGator.com LLC, has entered into a partnership with SmarterTools Inc., to provide a new line of web hosting software for its Windows dedicated server portfolio.

The software includes SmarterMail 5.x, a cost-effective Windows mail server; SmarterStats 4.x, a robust and comprehensive Web log analytics tool; and SmarterTrack 4.x, a complete customer service software solution. This bundle of three applications is valued at approximately $750 and will be included with every Windows dedicated server at no extra cost.

Jeff Hardy, vice president of business operations for SmarterTools noted, ”SmarterTools is excited by our partnership with HostGator. HostGator has a reputation for providing reliable Web hosting and quality service, and we are proud that they trust our products to continue to deliver value to their Windows hosting customers.”

SmarerMail is the cost-effective Microsoft Exchange alternative, bringing enterprise-level functionality to businesses, ISPs, and Web hosting environments. With features like detailed reporting, events/notifications, throttling, email archiving, intrusion detection/prevention, advanced synchronization, and out-of-the-box antispam and antivirus, HostGator customers will be able to enjoy an effective and user-friendly mail server application.

SmarterStats is a complete Web log analytics solution that supports various log file types, including Internet Information Server (IIS) and Apache, on Windows and Linux operating systems. In addition, SmarterStats provides detailed Web site statistics for both small and enterprise-level businesses while reducing disk space utilization by 85%.

Brent Oxley, CEO and founder of HostGator added, ”At HostGator, we’ve always prided ourselves on giving our customers additional value for their money. Our partnership with SmarterTools is going to give our Windows hosting customers just that – a wide variety of high quality features and services that they would have a much more difficult time getting elsewhere.”

SmarterTrack is a powerful help desk application built for tracking, managing, and reporting on customer service and communications, including sales and support issues. Features include a Ticket system, Live Chat, WhosOn, branding and language support, cost analysis, data mining, reporting, surveys, and a Knowledge Base.

Founded in 2003, SmarterTools Inc. is an information technology-management software company based in Phoenix, Arizona.  SmarterTools builds a Windows mail server, customer service software, and a web log analytics reporting tool that simplify and automate the day-to-day IT operations of businesses and hosting environments in over 100 countries.

HostGator.com, LLC is a world leading provider of shared, reseller, and dedicated Web hosting. Privately held and based in Houston, Texas, the company was founded in 2002 by current President and CEO Brent Oxley, who started the company from his dorm room at Florida Atlantic University. Since then, HostGator has grown from a small hosting company with just three servers into a world leading and industry recognized hosting provider with more than 5,000 servers under management. The over one million domains hosted by HostGator make up approximately 1% of the world’s Internet traffic.

For additional information about SmarterTools Inc. and the SmarterTools product line, please visit: www.smartertools.com.

To learn more about HostGator, please visit: www.hostgator.com.