Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is a web hosting service?

A web hosting service is a service that allows a third party to store information on a web server. These services can range from the provision of hard disk space to website design and e-commerce.

What is shared hosting?

Shared hosting is a server that hosts web sites owned by many people.

What is a dedicated server?

A dedicated server is a physical server that has an operating system and setup appropriate to your needs with or without a hosting control panel (such as Plesk). Dedicated servers cost more as you are not sharing the cost and resources with other people. Most dedicated servers only utlitze 10% of the capability. A Virtual Private Server (VPS) can offer you many of the same benefits but at a fraction of the cost.

What is a VPS?

Virtual Private Servers are the most advanced step in server virtualization technology. They are used to partition a single physical server into many isolated virtual private servers. Each virtual private server looks and behaves exactly like a real networked server system, complete with its own set of init scripts, users, processes, file systems, etc. but without the costs. A VPS can be backed up and restored, as well as migrated to a new physical server with limited downtime, something not possible with a physical dedicated server. Virtual Private Servers are sometimes called Virtual Dedicated Servers.

What is a dynamic site?

A dynamic website is driven by a database and the content is generated at the time. A typical example of this is a shopping system or bulletin board.

What is a static site?

A static website is one that is not driven by a database. The content will only change by uploading new content.

Do I want a static or dynamic site?

There are a few points to consider that will help to aid your decision: 1. How often does the site need to be changed? 2. What type of information is to be updated? 3. How time-critical is the content that needs to be given? 4. Do I need to collect visitor information for email newsletter or members area? If the website contains information that needs updating daily or more often and is taken from your company stock and sales system you may want to consider a dynamic, database-driven site.

How is bandwidth measured?

Bandwidth is the means by which data is transferred and can vary in size. Imagine bandwidth as a water pipe. The bigger the pipe the more water can get through it. Data transfer is the actual amount of water that travels through the pipe (bandwidth).

Can I create mail accounts?

You can create as many email accounts as your hosting plan allows, as well as set up forwarding and aliasing through Plesk, the control panel software.

What is Linux?

Linux is an operating system and is known for its good value and stability.

What is cgi, asp and php?

These are scripting languages used for building dynamic websites. The acronyms stand for Common Gateway Interface (cgi), Active Server Pages (asp) and Hypertext Preprocessor (php).

Why should I have a domain even i do not have anything to say on a website?

There are a few points: 1. You will always have the permanent email account anywhere in the world, no matter whom you connected to the internet with. Some Isp will only allow sending mail when connected/dialed up via their network. So you will need to change your email address everytime when you switch ISP 2. More professional image - sales@yourcomp.co.uk is better than sales.yourcomp@hotmail.com 3. Have multiple pop boxes for different purposes

Domain names and URLs

What is a URL?

URL is an acronym and stands for Uniform Resource Locator. This is the unique, identifying address of a resource on the Internet , for example www.justrackz.com or www.google.co.uk

How do I choose a domain name?

Try to chose something relevant to your business name, preferably as close to the actual name as possible, that is memorable, easy to spell and say and contains only letters, numbers and hyphens. It can be between 2 and 63 characters, not including the domain extension. Consider registering other similar names as well as using different extensions as this will prevent other businesses from registering them as well as help customers find your site as easily as possible.

What is parking?

Parking is when a domain name is registered but the owner has not yet uploaded the content of their website.

What is forwarding?

The process of redirecting email from one inbox to another (email forwarding), or redirecting traffic received at one web address to another (URL forwarding).

EMail

What is a mail alias?

Aliases are attached to your email pop box. For example, if you have a mailbox called paul.smith@yourcomp.com you could also use another address (alias) such as pr@yourcomp.com. Any email to pr@yourcomp.com would automatically be delivered to the paul.smith@yourcomp.com inbox.

What is a POP box?

POP is a mailbox with its own password. The mail can be collected separated for different users or purpose. For example, you could set up mail boxes for sales@yourcomp.com or technical support such as support@yourcomp.com. These mailboxes will then be able to be checked individually.

What is SPAM?

SPAM is unsolicited, commercial mail.

What should you do if you have spam?

There is not an awful lot you can do. The first thing you should not do is buy any product or services from the advertiser. Then do not do unsubscribe as this confirms your email address and you will get even more spam. Either you can subscribe to one othe SPAM filter services or use rules to filter out most of the known ones. There are two different types of SPAM filters: rule based or user name based.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS)

What is a Virtual Private Server?

Can I have my own nameservers?

Yes, generally 1 per IP.

What is the performance overhead of this software?

Near zero. There is no emulation layer, only security isolation, and all checking is done on the kernel level without context switching. In fact, some tests show slight improvement of performance under Virtuozzo.

What applications can be run on a Virtual Private Server?

Most applications can be installed on a Virtual Private Server without any modifications. Other Virtuozzo customers are using Oracle, DB/2, Weblogic, Websphere and other commercial applications quite successfully. Applications and services do not have to be aware of Virtuozzo.

How much of the processor will I be able to use with this VPS system?

While a set amount of RAM and HDD space is dedicated to each VPS account, your services can use whatever processor power is available at any given time.

What are the complete specs of the machines? Is there a guaranteed CPU performance level?

Some are Dual Xeons, others are P4 3.06s. Virtuozzo does ensure that no less than an equal share of the processor power goes to each virtual environment. Each VPS has a set amount of resources designated by your plan. Should you find that you need more resources, you can purchase resource upgrades from your account control panel. We maintain close watch over the servers, using the Virtuozzo and HSPc technology, and should you need more resources than the current server, we can migrate you with next to no downtime or notice to your clients.

What type of access will I have to my VPS?

It is best to use the Power Panel that comes with your service, but you will also have Telnet and SSH access to your virtual environment.

Is there a strategy in place? Are backups done automatically, how often?

We have the ability to provide your VPS with nightly 7day incremental backups. This service is provided at an additional fee based on your individual plan. With a VPS backup, we can restore a VPS in a very short time. The only caveat is that, should the problem that caused the downing of the server be caught in the backups as undetected, we can not be held liable. We backup your VPS as is. There are also many other backup solutions available. Should you have room, you can utilise Plesk backups that can be downloaded, as well as the Plesk control panel can provide your clients with scheduled onsite and offsite domain backups. Backups in this business are important, we believe you should have as many choices as you need.

Will the other people I share the hardware with have any access to my information?

Not at all. The Virtuozzo software maintains a solid barrier between each virtual environment on the hosting server.

How much management will you do? Will you patch the system and install upgrades?

We offer unmanaged hosting as standard with VPS plans. You get full root access to your Virtual Environment and can patch your systems however you see fit. We maintain OS updates as well as make sure, when it is deemed safe, that you have the ability to choose to upgrade your Plesk control panel or other any other appropriate applications. This feature is non-existent on other VPS providers. We believe in empowering you, the clients. Should you need admin or tech assistance, please contact support (see contacts page) or put in a trouble ticket and one of our trained staff will get back to you quickly. You are not alone when you have a VPS package.

What is a VE Network Device (venet)? How does the virtual network work?

This is a virtual device that provides a high-speed network connection to the host OS. Zero-copy design principles ensure highest possible performance. This virtual device supports all advanced control capabilities available in Linux. More than one device could be created. In the Virtual Private Server, you can have your own firewall rules and local routing table. You can run packet sniffer to diagnose network problems with your own Virtual Private Server. However, there is absolutely no access to any packets sent to another Virtual Private Servers.

How many IPs are provided?

Depending on the level of your VPS plan, you will have 1 or 2 by default. Should you need more, you can purchase them from your client control panel and have them allocated to your VPS in real time.

Security/ SSL Certificates

What is SSL?

SSL stands for secure socket layer. This is an encrption alogorithm that will ensure that data communication between your computer and the web server is being encrypted. This means that even if the data is being intercepted en route it will not be comprehensible to the interceptor. It is generally used for sensitive personal information like financial or medical.

How do I know that a site is secure?

The browser will have a padlock at the bottom right corner. If you tap on the padlock , it will open up a window to tell you who the certificate belongs to as well as the URL. This should match the URL you typed in at the top. The certificate will show the valid date as well as the company information of the owner.

Do I need SSL hosting for my site?

If you are collecting sensitive information such as financial or medical details, then you should have one. Any sort of e-commerce requires a SSL certificate.

Can I have domains with SSL certificates?

Yes, you can set up one SSL certificate per exclusive IP. Shared SSL is not supported at this time.

I want a shopping facility on my site. Do I need a SSL certificate?

It depends. If you are using one of the payment gateways like Worldpay or Paypal, then you it is not necessary as they will handle all the transactions on their own secure server. Some of the off-the-shelf packages will provide their own encyption mechanism for protection so, again, you might not need to own a SSL certificate. If in doubt, give us a call and we can put your mind at rest.

What is a firewall?

It is a gatekeeper for your computer to say what information can come in and out of it.

Why do I need a firewall?

When your machine is connected to the internet the whole machine is open to the world to see and there are people out there who, for whatever reason, would love to mess around with your pc (hacking). Some do it for fun (because they can) but some are out to steal your information (like user name and credit card information). Therefore if you connect to the internet for surfing, either by dialup or broadband, then you should have a firewall.

How does a firewall work?

A firewall closes the ports through which a hacker can enter and allows only approved data through by applying filters.

How does a firewall differ to a virus checker?

Firewall is the gatekeeper but it will still let viruses, trojan (hidden programs that will open a backdoor into your computer or SPAM through. It can stop a trojan as it will try to open a port and your firewall will alert you. A virus checker is like penicillin: it will kill viruses. Both firewalls and virus checkers need regular updates as new techniques are created each day to penetrate computer systems.

What form can a firewall take?

There are 2 types of firewalls: software based or hardware based. Each have their own merits. Hardware: Pros: it is a black box which has nothing on. Easy to setup but might take a bit of expertise to configure the box for advanced features. It will protect the whole network. Cons: Any error messages or permissions are not immediately apparent. Software: Pros: you can see any messages immediately. Cons: Mistakes can be made easily to allow the wrong program to access the internet.

What is the best solution for a firewall?

Use both hardware and software firewalls together and do updates religiously.

Client Account

How to I log into my account?

Once you have an account with JustHostz you can log into your personal control panel by going to the following url : https://store.justhostz.com/cp

How can I buy more IPs or resources?

Please log into your client control panel and select your subscription. Once in your subscription you will see your resources and will have the option to edit.

Plesk

What is Plesk?

Plesk is a control panel that enables you to manage your domain settings quickly and easily. With Plesk you will be able to create mail accounts and set up users.

How do I log into Plesk?

How do I install a SSL Certificate ?

Message Boards

What is a moderator?

A moderator is a gatekeeper to vet all the posting on the bulletin board before it is visible to the public.

What is a message (bulletin) board?

A message board is an interactive notice board that lets your users interact with each other. We have two different ones that we have used and tested: PhpBB and Snitz. Both of them are freeware with a donation to the authors. Both have many different features and can be customised to fit in with your colour scheme. The added bonus with PhpBB is the language adaptation so if you want to have a non-English version it is a good option. It is quite easy to customise and we can install that for you.

Can I restrict entry/use?

Yes, there are features to close the forum to members only.

Blog/RSS

What is Blog/ RSS?

Blog is short for weblog and is a sort of online diary. A blogger can write on any subjects they like by filling out a form. Their posting will then be shown to the world via the internet. No HTML skills are needed. A lot of blog is also on RSS, so it can be widely read. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary or Really Stops Spam and is an alternative to receiving news via email. It is a summary of the information available, usually using links, and therefore allows the user to select the information they want to read.

How do I get RSS?

You will need to install a newsreader or aggregators which are widely available on the web.

How do I find out more about RSS?

There is an excellent article on the subject by Robin Good which can be read at http://llrx.com/features/rss.htm

How is RSS different to email newsletter?

RSS is chosen by the user and can be from hundreds of different feeds. The user can choose the content they want and it will be delivered when it is available. Unsubscribing from RSS is instantaneous. An email newsletter gets sent to a mailbox and can be out of date before the reader gets to look at it. Unsubscribing is usually done at the server and can take a while for it to discontinue.

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