Web Hosting Information

10 Helpful Tips To Follow When Switching Web Hosts August 25, 2008

You’ve made your decision to move from your website from your current web host to a new web host. The following tips will help you make the transition easier and make you aware of some potential pitfalls to avoid.

1) Make sure the new web hosting plan you’ve chosen offers you the storage capabilities to handle all of your current website storage requirements. If your website is 50MB, you need to make sure your new hosting plan offers that much space, or more. If you’re not sure how much space your website is using, ask your current host. You can also usually find this information on your web hosting control panel.

2) How does your current web host determine what your storage amount is used for? Find out what your current and new host includes in your plan’s storage amount. Are your emails and log files counted towards your total storage, or just your web files?

3) What operating system does your current hosting plan use? Windows or Unix? Sometimes this can make no difference, in other cases it can make the difference between a working website and a broken website. If your site is currently on a Windows server and your website uses ASP scripting, you’ll find it difficult to make things work well on a Unix server, as ASP is a Windows based programming language. Find out ahead of time whether your current hosting plan is on a Unix or Windows server.

4) Does your site currently use FrontPage? Find out if your new host supports FrontPage. And make sure your new host supports the same version of FrontPage you currently use.

5) Find out if your new hosting plan offers you the same amount of bandwidth that your current host offers. You don’t want to be surprised by unexpected overage charges at the end of the month.

6) Does your new web hosting plan give you the same amount of email accounts, autoresponders and mail forwards that you currently use?

7) Does your site use a shopping cart that your current hosting plan provides? Can you move the cart to your new host? If not, does your new host have a suitable shopping cart replacement?

If you are using any scripts on your website, make sure that your new hosting plan supports all of your scripts. Find out in advance if you’ll need to make any modifications to your scripts to get them working on the new server.

9) Make sure to set up your existing email accounts on your new server before transferring your domain name to the new server. At MateMedia (www.matemediainc.com) we see this overlooked quite often.

10) Do you know how to upload your website files to the new server? If you don’t, you’ll need to find out if your new web host will upload your files for you. Some hosts will do this at no charge, some will do it for a fee, yet other hosts won’t do it all because of liability issues.

Once all your files are uploaded to the new server, you’ll want to double check that the site looks and functions properly on the new server. Most hosts can provide a preview link for you to see how your site looks before the domain name is transferred over. If your host does not provide a method for you to preview your site, you can modify your hosts file to preview your site. The host file tells your computer where to go to look for sites that are listed in that file. This works with any version of Windows. The file name is the same, the location can change. Here’s how to modify your hosts file:

The file HOSTS should be in the c:windowssystem32driversetc You might only find a file named HOSTS.SAM (as in SAMPLE). That is OK; we can modify the HOSTS.SAM file as well and do a SAVE AS HOSTS.

In either case, double click on the HOSTS file to open it. You will be prompted by Windows to select an Application (Program) to use to VIEW the file.

Scroll the list and select Notepad. Click the OK button. The NOTEPAD program will now open, displaying the file HOSTS. You will see examples listed (The # symbol is used to comment out line or remarks.), the format is this. IP address (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx SPACE name)

So, to tell your computer that www.yourwebsite.com is at the address (replace with your real IP) 12.345.678.90 add the following entry to the bottom of the hosts file:

12.345.678.90 www.yourdomain.com (As in the example).

Click on FILE, slide down and click on SAVE AS.

In the Save As Type field, select ALL FILES. (Ensure that no .SAM is shown after the filename HOSTS. Click SAVE. You may be warned that the file already exists; this is fine, click YES.

Close Notepad, by clicking on FILE, slide down to EXIT, and click.

Now when you open your web browser, or try to ping the site, your system will go to the IP address you typed in the HOSTS file.

Remember to undo this when finished testing or your machine will always want to go to that IP address whenever you want to go to that site.

After you’re satisfied that your site looks ok and functions ok, you can go to your registrar (the company where your domain name is registered) and modify the nameservers associated with your domain name to your new web host’s nameservers. If you don’t know your new host’s nameservers, ask them. Most hosts have that information listed somewhere on their website or in the email you first get after signing up for an account.

Once the dns modification is completed it’ll be 24-48 hours before you’ll see your site on the new server.

Most whois utilities will display the nameservers of the current host. A good one is at http://whois.sc. Check your domain name and see if the nameservers you added are listed. If so, you have completed the website transfer to your new web host. Only after you’ve confirmed this is it ok to cancel your old web hosting account.

About The Author

Russ Mate is President of MateMedia, Inc.

www.matemediainc.com

sales@matemediainc.com

10 Helpful Tips To Follow When Switching Web Hosts July 30, 2008

You’ve made your decision to move from your website from your current web host to a new web host. The following tips will help you make the transition easier and make you aware of some potential pitfalls to avoid.

1) Make sure the new web hosting plan you’ve chosen offers you the storage capabilities to handle all of your current website storage requirements. If your website is 50MB, you need to make sure your new hosting plan offers that much space, or more. If you’re not sure how much space your website is using, ask your current host. You can also usually find this information on your web hosting control panel.

2) How does your current web host determine what your storage amount is used for? Find out what your current and new host includes in your plan’s storage amount. Are your emails and log files counted towards your total storage, or just your web files?

3) What operating system does your current hosting plan use? Windows or Unix? Sometimes this can make no difference, in other cases it can make the difference between a working website and a broken website. If your site is currently on a Windows server and your website uses ASP scripting, you’ll find it difficult to make things work well on a Unix server, as ASP is a Windows based programming language. Find out ahead of time whether your current hosting plan is on a Unix or Windows server.

4) Does your site currently use FrontPage? Find out if your new host supports FrontPage. And make sure your new host supports the same version of FrontPage you currently use.

5) Find out if your new hosting plan offers you the same amount of bandwidth that your current host offers. You don’t want to be surprised by unexpected overage charges at the end of the month.

6) Does your new web hosting plan give you the same amount of email accounts, autoresponders and mail forwards that you currently use?

7) Does your site use a shopping cart that your current hosting plan provides? Can you move the cart to your new host? If not, does your new host have a suitable shopping cart replacement?

If you are using any scripts on your website, make sure that your new hosting plan supports all of your scripts. Find out in advance if you’ll need to make any modifications to your scripts to get them working on the new server.

9) Make sure to set up your existing email accounts on your new server before transferring your domain name to the new server. At MateMedia (www.matemediainc.com) we see this overlooked quite often.

10) Do you know how to upload your website files to the new server? If you don’t, you’ll need to find out if your new web host will upload your files for you. Some hosts will do this at no charge, some will do it for a fee, yet other hosts won’t do it all because of liability issues.

Once all your files are uploaded to the new server, you’ll want to double check that the site looks and functions properly on the new server. Most hosts can provide a preview link for you to see how your site looks before the domain name is transferred over. If your host does not provide a method for you to preview your site, you can modify your hosts file to preview your site. The host file tells your computer where to go to look for sites that are listed in that file. This works with any version of Windows. The file name is the same, the location can change. Here’s how to modify your hosts file:

The file HOSTS should be in the c:windowssystem32driversetc You might only find a file named HOSTS.SAM (as in SAMPLE). That is OK; we can modify the HOSTS.SAM file as well and do a SAVE AS HOSTS.

In either case, double click on the HOSTS file to open it. You will be prompted by Windows to select an Application (Program) to use to VIEW the file.

Scroll the list and select Notepad. Click the OK button. The NOTEPAD program will now open, displaying the file HOSTS. You will see examples listed (The # symbol is used to comment out line or remarks.), the format is this. IP address (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx SPACE name)

So, to tell your computer that www.yourwebsite.com is at the address (replace with your real IP) 12.345.678.90 add the following entry to the bottom of the hosts file:

12.345.678.90 www.yourdomain.com (As in the example).

Click on FILE, slide down and click on SAVE AS.

In the Save As Type field, select ALL FILES. (Ensure that no .SAM is shown after the filename HOSTS. Click SAVE. You may be warned that the file already exists; this is fine, click YES.

Close Notepad, by clicking on FILE, slide down to EXIT, and click.

Now when you open your web browser, or try to ping the site, your system will go to the IP address you typed in the HOSTS file.

Remember to undo this when finished testing or your machine will always want to go to that IP address whenever you want to go to that site.

After you’re satisfied that your site looks ok and functions ok, you can go to your registrar (the company where your domain name is registered) and modify the nameservers associated with your domain name to your new web host’s nameservers. If you don’t know your new host’s nameservers, ask them. Most hosts have that information listed somewhere on their website or in the email you first get after signing up for an account.

Once the dns modification is completed it’ll be 24-48 hours before you’ll see your site on the new server.

Most whois utilities will display the nameservers of the current host. A good one is at http://whois.sc. Check your domain name and see if the nameservers you added are listed. If so, you have completed the website transfer to your new web host. Only after you’ve confirmed this is it ok to cancel your old web hosting account.

About The Author

Russ Mate is President of MateMedia, Inc.

www.matemediainc.com

sales@matemediainc.com

The ‘Website’ CHECKLIST : Domains Hosting Web Design July 7, 2008

This article is meant to all who already have a website or who propose to buy it. Website the term comprises three things : Domain, Hosting (Web space) & Web Design

There are numerous company offering these services. I am here to discuss few points with regards to top and essential things you need to have a thorough check when you get a WEBSITE thru one of these companies.

Now to the article,

Every day, I get few phone calls of this sort :

• Sir, My domain expires in next few days, but the company which registered it is out of business, Please RENEW it

• Sir, I want to transfer the domain to your server but I dont have the domain control panel

• Dear Support Team, The domain is registered thru X and his name is listed as REGISTRANT and Admin Contact, help me

• I have a website since 1998 but I am not getting any enquiries thru it. So whats the point in having it renewed ?

• My website is down most of the time, can you do anything on it?

If you look at the above, you could observe the common problem. Thus, a checklist is required for any WEBSITE. Lets see one by one :

Domain NAME Registration : CHECKLIST

Once your domain is registered, check these things :

Web Hosting And The Bible

In 1998 I began a webhosting company. While I had the technical expertise to succeed, I knew absolutely nothing about customer service, and very little about business. Over the past eight years, I’ve learned several principles which have greatly enhanced my customer support skills. Interestingly enough, most of what I learned was readily available in the bible. What’s amazing is that the precepts contained in a 2000 year old book work amazingly well in the contemporary world of a technology business.

For the edification of others who work in customer relations, I wish to pass on my ten commandments of customer service.

1. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

All of us have been customers at one time or another. How do we like to be treated? This rule is simple and essential. In order to give your customer the finest service, you must place yourself in their shoes. If you do this consistently, your webhosting customers will absolutly love you.

2. Be swift to hear, slow to speak.

It’s very easy, in the webhosting business, to stop listening to your clients. Let your clients talk to you. Listen to them. Really listen. Ask their advice. Find out what they are looking for, and provide it.

3. Keep your cool.

A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. Your customer may be angry, but you don’t have to be. by keeping your cool, you can maintain control of a bad situation.

4. A soft word turns away wrath.

At some point, a hosting client will be upset with you, and may unjustly tear into you. Every instinct in you will tell you to fight back. Don’t do it. Speak softly and try to understand why the customer is upset. You’ll be amazed how quickly your client will calm down as a result of your soft and soothing tone.

5. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance

Always stay positive and upbeat. People like that and will want to do business with you. Try to always have a smile in your voice.

6. Be honest

He who walks with integrity walks securely Honesty is a rare commodity in todays world. Always be honest with your clients, even when it hurts.

7. Project humility

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom

8. Be diligent

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds Know your customers well, and keep abreast of their needs. Answer their emails and phone calls quickly and consistently. Nothing pays off in the webhosting business as well as consistent diligence.

9. Be a servant.

Never, ever, forget that your customers come to you for service. Keep a servants heart and countenence.

10. Keep your perspective

Some clients are difficult to deal with. Remember who you are really working for. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men

Larry Dozier is the managing partner of A1 Web Server -http://a1webserver.com

Finding A Reliable Host

Finding reliable hosting for your business opportunity is no small task. Actually, it can be a full-time undertaking!

This is because most hosting companies focus on the higher end corporate market and overlook the fast-growing small office/home office (SOHO) sector. It is possible, however, if you clarify needs, gather recommendations, create a list of potential hosts and ask questions….lots of them.

Clarify your needs: how much disk space and bandwidth is necessary? Will you need CGI or database capacities? What operating system will you require? Will your site change dramatically down the pike, and are you searching only for yourself or for customers?

Be wary of web hosting directories since many are owned by web hosts. You should obtain feedback from those with sites and glean webmaster newsgroup postings.

In creating a list, include those recommended the most and complained about the least, and determine which hosts offer specific services best suited to your need(s) and which fits your price range.

Always ask questions, i.e.: technical questions to gauge their knowledge and accuracy; find out whether they are committed to their customers or their bank account and subject them to an honesty test…offer them the opportunity to upsell you needlessly.

If you fall into the SOHO category, you may feel more comfortable with a smaller hosting company who better understands your needs and situation. Please be sure you can add domains to a core plan and resell services, and ensure that they offer a knowledge base.

You should also watch for signs of rudeness, impatience and unresponsiveness and make sure they are flexible. A downed site costs you visitors and sales and gives you only another headache in your life of an Internet marketer.

Walter Pfarr has over 30 years media experience and has won several writing and community service awards. He is also a prolific grant writer and administrator and is versed in fundraising techniques, special event coordination, development and currently is writing his own e-course and soon his own ezine: PfarrOut. He lives with his wife, Joann, in Oklahoma and may be reached at walterpfarr@mynewsletter.ws

Web Hosting And The Bible July 1, 2008

In 1998 I began a webhosting company. While I had the technical expertise to succeed, I knew absolutely nothing about customer service, and very little about business. Over the past eight years, I’ve learned several principles which have greatly enhanced my customer support skills. Interestingly enough, most of what I learned was readily available in the bible. What’s amazing is that the precepts contained in a 2000 year old book work amazingly well in the contemporary world of a technology business.

For the edification of others who work in customer relations, I wish to pass on my ten commandments of customer service.

1. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

All of us have been customers at one time or another. How do we like to be treated? This rule is simple and essential. In order to give your customer the finest service, you must place yourself in their shoes. If you do this consistently, your webhosting customers will absolutly love you.

2. Be swift to hear, slow to speak.

It’s very easy, in the webhosting business, to stop listening to your clients. Let your clients talk to you. Listen to them. Really listen. Ask their advice. Find out what they are looking for, and provide it.

3. Keep your cool.

A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention. Your customer may be angry, but you don’t have to be. by keeping your cool, you can maintain control of a bad situation.

4. A soft word turns away wrath.

At some point, a hosting client will be upset with you, and may unjustly tear into you. Every instinct in you will tell you to fight back. Don’t do it. Speak softly and try to understand why the customer is upset. You’ll be amazed how quickly your client will calm down as a result of your soft and soothing tone.

5. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance

Always stay positive and upbeat. People like that and will want to do business with you. Try to always have a smile in your voice.

6. Be honest

He who walks with integrity walks securely Honesty is a rare commodity in todays world. Always be honest with your clients, even when it hurts.

7. Project humility

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom

8. Be diligent

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds Know your customers well, and keep abreast of their needs. Answer their emails and phone calls quickly and consistently. Nothing pays off in the webhosting business as well as consistent diligence.

9. Be a servant.

Never, ever, forget that your customers come to you for service. Keep a servants heart and countenence.

10. Keep your perspective

Some clients are difficult to deal with. Remember who you are really working for. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men

Larry Dozier is the managing partner of A1 Web Server -http://a1webserver.com

Designing A Personal Webpage June 30, 2008

Creating your own personal space on the Internet can be a great deal of fun. At the same time it can be rather difficult if you choose to create a really elaborate space. Constructing a visually rich webpage with intensive graphics and a multiplicity of options can be very time consuming and require a lot of work. Generating such a webpage will also require you to have a fair bit of knowledge about computers. If on the other hand your webpage has more of a no frills, textual feel to it then it is likely that the process of producing your webpage will take significantly less time and be much simpler to build.

Taking advantage of web hosting services, which vary from provider to provider, can allow you to create a very clean and professional looking webpage with very little difficulty. When generating your webpage with the aid of a web hosting service provider you must consider the function of your space. If you wish to present a website that is rather simplistic and requires very little actual space, then you should perhaps choose a provider offering an inexpensive package with few options. If you plan on expanding your site in the future, then perhaps you should consider a more capable package. Regardless of your needs you will certainly be able to find a provider that caters directly to them.

The cost of maintaining your own personal domain must be a consideration. If you wish to present a very sophisticated website you may need to wait until you are capable of paying for such a design and you will likely have to settle for a much more straightforward webpage. Taking the time to find an appropriate provider for you is likely to result in you uncovering an inexpensive provider that offers a wealth of benefits and services.

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