Your Private Server Web Hosting

Shared hosting allows thousands of people to host their own sites at a very reasonable cost. It has some drawbacks, however. Since hundreds of sites can be hosted on a single server resources such as CPU, disk space, and bandwidth have to be shared with your virtual neighbours.

Shared resources are usually not a problem for small to medium sized sites. Your main limitation is the lack of control over system level software – http servers, mail servers etc. You don’t have any choice of operating system and you cannot compile programs or do administrative tasks such as setting up Spam filters or firewalls.

Many people would say ‘So what? I don’t want to do that stuff anyway!’ It’s true that the majority of website owners have no interest or ability to handle this kind of work and are happy to leave it to the hosting company. Those who desire more control over their server environment or wish to experiment with new software, however, can get access to this level of management with a Virtual Private Server.

A virtual private server (VPS) is a physical server that has been divided (using software) into several virtual machines, each acting as an independent dedicated server. The physical resources such as RAM, CPU and disk space are still shared, but each VPS acts independently of the others. Each VPS can have a different operating system and can be configured in any way possible.

The key advantage of VPS is allowing each VPS administrator access to the root level of his virtual server. This kind of access allows the administrator to install and delete software, set permissions, create accounts – in short, do everything that the administrator of a ‘real’ sever can.

As well as providing more control over your hosting environment, a VPS Web Hosting is more secure than shared hosting. Websites on a shared server all have the same operating system, so if a hacker were to find access to the root of the server he could damage any or all of the websites on that server. A VPS, on the other hand, is divided in such a way that even if a hacker were to gain entry through one account, there is no way to access the others. Each VPS is invisible to the others and there is no way to set up root level access from one VPS to another.

Virtual Private Servers can be set up in various ways so be sure to understand how the hosting company has allocated resources. The most common configuration is to divide all the physical resources evenly by the number of accounts. Thus, if there are 10 virtual servers, each would receive 10% of the total bandwidth, CPU, memory and disk space.

The disadvantages of VPS are almost the same as the advantages. The control that a VPS account provides can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. You have the ability to delete files, set permissions improperly, allow virus-laden software on the system and, in general, really screw things up. If you don’t have the knowledge to administer a server, or are not willing to learn, VPS is not for you.

If your website has outgrown shared hosting, however, VPS offers an affordable alternative to dedicated hosting. When shopping for a VPS host, be sure to find out how system resources are divided up, the number of VPS accounts on each physical server, the method for upgrading, and the choices of operating systems.

what is colocating hosting

Colocation

Colocation is accentually where you lease space from a professional datacenter. This is option to use for people they need physical access to the hardware. Usually collocation is a more expensive option however you do have more control over your server.

Colocation Facility

Also, make sure that you are getting your moneys worth. Looking for the right colocation facility to host your servers or sites? First off, colocation is great if and only if you have a strong, working relationship with the facility. You need to know that at 2AM when your mission critical online application goes down, that you will be able to get into the facility (either you or your technician) to make the necessary changes. Many colocation facilities over-charge for bandwidth because, frankly, thats all that they really sell you. Make sure that it wouldnt be cheaper and easier for you to run fiber to another location on your own. If you can get a managed colo option, you should definitely do it.

Dedicated Colocation Server

In the strange world of web hosting, you actually pay more for uncertainty. There is certainly a premium on dedicated colocation servers, but if that is what your company needs - go for it. Getting a dedicated colocation server? Be careful, as costs can be high and uncertainty can be even higher. In return, you are getting customization and control. With a dedicated server on colo, you have (almost) complete control over your server and its applications. Alternatively, you can get shared hosting with almost no customization for a handful of change every month. Just make sure you find a reliable, accessible provider that can handle your specific colo needs.

Colocation Hosting Provider

So, what makes a colocation hosting provider better than another? Unlike many other organizations in the hosting industry - location matters. While colocation facilities can provide you with a managed network and guaranteed connectivity, they will not be able to updated and edit your mission critical software. For most businesses lookinginto colocation hosting, the provider that is located nearest you or your tech staff is the best option. Of course, reputation matters to. Ask the colocation hosting provider to give you some of their clients names and contact their tech staff to get the low-down on exactly how good that colo hosting provider is. Having a colocation hosting provider in your area is the best solution.

Colocation Hosting

Colocation has its charms, but it is especially useful for mission-critical online applications and data-serving, not just sending out web pages. Using your colocation facility to host your website might be overkill. If you are really interested in simply serving pages, look into a simple dedicated server provider or a VPS system. Either one of these will allow you to have the control and processor needed to accomplish the majority of your web hosting needs, without paying the expensive bandwidth and managing costs normally associated with colocation hosting.

Colocation Discount Web Hosting

Colocation discount web hosting is a growing trend in America. Purchasinga colo server allows you to keep your data behind a professional infrastructure. We recommend several colo offerings here, but if you dont go with them,make sure that you direct access to your server and the colocation facilitiesat every minute of the day. The last thing you want is your colocation serverto go down in the middle of the night and not have access. Getting this at a discount is not as easy though, as colocation is more expensiveand gives you a lot more space and bandwidth than your average shared hosting. Colocation discountweb hosting can be very useful, but make sure the discount doesnt mean cheap!

Server Colocation

There are a lot of good reasons to pursue server colocation. Most server colocation providers give you access to network specialists who are familiar with their running technology and keeping you connected - yet another added benefit of server colocation. Colocation gives you added control over your web presence without actually paying the expensive bandwidth and infrastructure costs of developing your own datacenter. Colocation is quickly becoming a method of lowering IT costs. If your server colocation facility provides current, reliable technology and services, you can save significantly on all of your server needs.

Colocation Services

When running through the array of colocation services, make sure that they can actually host your particular set up - whether it needs a 1U rack mount, a horizontal cage, vertical cage, quarter cage or half cage. Ask the colocation services exactly how long their systems can run on generators. Make sure that they have redundant connections, gigabit ethernet or OC-12 connectivity, multiple HVAC systems and repeated back up power systems. Generators are also extremely important, given the comonality of natural disasters and power outages. If they cant give you a solid answer about this and all of their colocation services, find another colocation provider.

You can Start Your Own Web Hosting Business

Rather than use the services of a web hosting company to host your web site you could start your own web hosting company. If your business is successful this could provide secondary income and lower the hosting costs for your own site(s).

Basically, there are two ways to start selling web hosting. The first way involves leasing business space, buying equipment, setting up servers, leasing T1 or T3 lines to connect to the Internet, finding clients, and hiring staff to provide 24 hour support. Quite complicated and not recommended for anyone without the technical know-how.

The second way is to become a re-seller for an established host. For a monthly fee you can have an allotment of disk space and bandwidth which can be used to sell to other people. Re-selling is usually anonymous – there is no visible connection to the parent host and you are free to set your own prices and develop your own ‘brand’.

All that is needed to become a re-seller is the ability to pay the monthly fee. All the technical details are handled by the parent company. The re-seller package usually includes everything – even name servers under your own name. All you have to do is to sign up customers and watch the money roll in. Easy – right?

Signing up customers, though, may not be as easy as you imagine. There are literally thousands of hosting companies competing for customers, and making your web hosting business stand out from the crowd is no mean feat. Just think about the process you went through in choosing your own web host. You probably visited several hosting web sites, maybe asked for personal references from your friends or business acquaintances, and then after narrowing down your choices, perhaps did more in-depth research on each of the companies. Or perhaps you just signed up with the first host you saw.

So, in order for your own hosting company to be successful it has to build up a good reputation or be easy to find. Advertising can make your company more visible, but advertising is expensive – especially in a competitive market like web hosting.

A re-seller account, however, may be ideal for certain situations. If you already have several websites of your own, your monthly costs may be similar to a re-selling account. For the same amount of money you could switch all your accounts to your own hosting company. Sign up a few friends or associates and you are ahead of the game.

If this sounds attractive, make sure you are going with a reputable hosting company. You will be entirely dependent on them for technical support. This relieves you of many of the headaches of running a hosting company but you are still responsible to your clients if their sites go down.

There are many types of re-seller packages. Some require you to operate under the name of the hosting company while others allow you to set up a shop under your own business name. Pay attention to the billing aspect of the package. Some re-seller accounts have everything you need to get started immediately, while others require you to set up your own billing gateway.

Computer Repair: Replace Computer Memory

There are lots of computer repair jobs you can do yourself to save money. One DIY computer repair is to upgrade your computer's memory (or RAM). More computer memory allows more space for your operating system and software to use. This in turn enhances the speed at which your computer operates. It is easy to do this yourself and will save you lots of money.





Step1
The first step in this computer repair is to disconnect the power from your computer. Safety first!
Step2
Remove the cover from the case.
Step3
Look for where your RAM memory is located on your motherboard.
Step4
Once you find where your memory is located, check to see if there are any available empty memory slots.
Step5
If there are no slots available, then remove the old memory by unlocking the levers that are located at each end of the memory slot. The memory should release itself from the slot.
Step6
Place your new chip in the empty slot. The chip only can go in one direction. There is a notch in the chip. It should line up with the socket. Levers should lock in place automatically.
Step7
Apply slight pressure to make sure the chip is firmly seated in the slot.
Step8
Put cover back on your computer.
Step9
Turn on the computer and give yourself a pat on the back for doing your own computer repair and saving money!

Choose and Install a Graphics Card

If you can't play Crysis, read this. You obviously have a bad graphics card and you need a new one.

Step1

Before you buy, you should know what purposes are you going to use your graphics card for. The main reason people buy graphics cards is that their old card sucks and they want to play certain games (Crysis). Anyways, you need to choose a card based on your budget, power supply output, space in your compueter case, and what you are going to use the card for. I'm assuming you're going to play Crysis, so you should pick a card that has at least 512 MB of VRAM. Once you've picked a card and made sure you've got enough space in your case for it, you need to check if your power supply is good enough. Open up your case and look at the side of your power supply. Somewhere on the side there will be a sticker telling you the combined output of that power supply in watts. A Crysis compatible card should need about 450 to 600 watts. If you have to install a new power supply, read another guide.

Step2

When you are done choosing the card, buy it and wait for it to arrive in the mail. Once it comes, carefully lift the card out of its box and set it on a flat surface. Using the screwdriver to open your case, set the side of the case away and proceed to take the graphics card out of its antistatic bag. Make sure you are wearing an antistatic wristband to avoid damaging the parts. If you do not have an antistatic wristband, handle the card using latex gloves.

Step3

Locate the PCI Express (2.0) slot on your motherboard, make sure the area around the slot is not full of cables. Making sure that the side of the card with the metal bar on it is facing towards the back of the case and proceed to insert the card in the slot. Do not apply large amounts of pressure on the card or you risk breaking it or your motherboard. Carefully nudge it inwards until it will not go any further. Find the latch at the end of the slot and push it down, this will ensure your card does not displace itself.

Step4

Plug your monitor into the DVI or VGA outputs on your card. Turn your computer on and you should see the image on the monitor in a low resolution. Log in to Windows and insert the disc that came with your card. Install all the necessary drivers and restart your computer. It's all good now.

Choose a Wireless Adapter for Your Computer

You want to connect to a wireless network, but you need an adapter. Learn how to choose a wireless network adapter for your computer.

Step1

Interface: The two most common interfaces are PCI and USB. The network adapters that use the PCI interface tend to be both cheaper and more reliable, though maybe not as convenient to install. To install a PCI network adapter you'll need a free PCI slot, and need to know how to install a PCI card in your computer To install the USB version, you just plug it in an available USB port.

Step2

Security: Get a network adapter that supports the highest level of security your router supports. To find out what level your router supports, find its manufacturer and model, and look up the specs online.

Step3

Antenna or no Antenna: A network adapter with an antenna is usually able to broadcast a further distance than an adapter without an antenna. If the computer you're using will be far away from the router, consider getting a network adapter with an antenna or even a hi-gain antenna for the strongest signal.

Step4

Wireless Lan Version: Check the specs of your router, and get the highest version adapter it supports. The latest version is 802.11 "n," followed by "g," and "b."

Choose a Sound Card for Your Pc

While integrated sound has come a long way since the early days, nothing beats a sound card to increase not only sound quality, but PC performance as well. Learn what you need to know to choose a sound card.

Step1

Number of Channels: What you should get depends on how many speakers you have. The most common are 7.1 channel cards followed by 5.1 channel.

Step2

Sample Rate: The most common is 96KHz, though there's some above and below. The higher the sample rate, the better the sound quality.

Step3

Ports: These can include Line In, Line Out, SPDIF In, SPDIF Out, Mic In, MIDI/Joystick, just to name a few. If you need it, there are sound cards that have it.

Step4

SNR: This is the signal to noise ratio. Cards fall in the range of 86dB to 120dB, with most falling in the range of 103dB and 110dB. The higher, the better.

Step5

Bit Depth: Most sound cards are 24-bit, though there are a few at 16-bit. The higher the bit depth, the better the audio will likely be.

Step6

Interface: Most cards connect via plain old PCI though there are a few that connect via PCI Express. Make sure you have the right kind of slot available for your card.