What is Web Server ?

Web Server is basically what most people refer to when they say ’server’. The basic function of a web server to is host and show up web pages over the Internet via a web browser. This usually involves a web server program such as Apache or IIS on a single physical server or it can be part of a cluster of multiple databases, applications and web servers configured to act as a single unit.

Web Server Foundation

Although there are many ways to implement a web server the most common way with the help of which a web server provides web pages over the Internet is by storing the content of the web page files on the hard drive of the server. The web server then provides these stored files using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to visitors who request it through their web browser as a web page.

Many web servers also include functions such as email, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), scripting languages support and other programs which are useful in creating web pages. A web server can also be used to act as the front-end for application servers and to provide access to application programs. In other words a web server is an integral part of making applications available via the web.

When numerous small web hosting accounts are created on a single web server it is called shared hosting. When the web server has only one user and it is dedicated only to his websites, it is called a dedicated web server or dedicated server hosting. A dedicated web server can also be used as a part of a cluster to improve throughput and reliability.

Web Server Hosting

A web server can be hosted in corporate data centers, but the trend is to outsource them to hosting companies for increased reliability, security, 24/7 monitoring, Server management and to lower the overall costs. So when looking for a web server provider look for one who has a tier 1 data center for increased levels of redundancy and improved system uptime.

What is SQL Server ?

The phrase SQL server can refer to a MySQL or MSSQL database software program that supports the Structured Query Language (SQL) or it could mean a database server with a version of SQL loaded on it. There are several versions or dialects of SQL as a software program, including MySQL, MS SQL (which also is called Microsoft SQL server) and PostrgreSQL. All of them use the standard SQL language as a base, but then add their own unique extensions to create a unique SQL server language.

SQL Server as Database Server

As a database server, SQL server, is among the most popular in use. A SQL server is relatively inexpensive compared to other database servers, such as Oracle, and is capable of handling most databases. Oracle still has an edge over SQL server in very large databases.

SQL server is growing very rapidly in client/server systems that use distributed databases. A SQL server can be used simultaneously by many users on a local area network or linked via the Internet.

WebHosting UK provides variety of Intel powered Dell SQL servers. We have expertise in setup and management of SQL Servers, particularly in complex clusters. SQL server hosting database is much more dynamic than a web site, so we take care of the complete SQL server configuration and maintenance allowing you to focus on the management of your business-specific content.

For more information about SQL server hosting, please contact our sales department.

Q. Do you support FrontPage Extensions with Linux and Windows hosting ?

Ans: FrontPage Extensions is supported with all our Windows hosting plans but recently we have discontinued FrontPage publishing on all of our cPanel hosting servers because Microsoft themselves have ceased to support FrontPage extensions on all Unix servers and we have recently observed severe intrusion attempts using FrontPage vulnerabilities. FrontPage extensions is a very potent threat to the security and integrity of a server functioning on the Unix platform. Such intrusion attempts can affect every cPanel shared hosting user so we can not trust FrontPage to be secure and safe to be run on Unix Shared Server Environment.

We are aware of the fact that many clients rely on FrontPage publishing support so we have kept few cPanel shared hosting servers reserved for FrontPage Extensions and our System Admins have integrated multiple security measures and patches to try and keep the server safe. But we would not be assuming any responsibility of the security and integrity of the data and files stored on these servers.

Q. How can I backup or restore data on my VPS?

Ans: Backup or restore data on VPS through Virtuozzo Power Panel also known as VZPP. Virtuozzo Power Panel, includes a simple method to backup and restore your VPS. Go through the following step by step actions for backing up and restoring your VPS using Virtuozzo Power Panel.

Creating a Backup on Linux/Windows VPS

1. Go to your Virtuozzo Power Panel - http://VPS-IP:4643/
2. Login with your root username and password.
3. Click on Maintenance from the VPS Management panel. The Maintenance page will appear.
4. If you have not created a backup before, simply click on “New Backup”.
5. Wait for few seconds and then click on “Maintenance” again from the left hand menu (you can track the progress by clicking the “details” link in the green bar that will appear at the top of the page).
6. You should now see a backup listed.

Restoring a backup on Linux/Windows VPS

1. Go to your Virtuozzo Power Panel - http://VPS-IP:4643/
2. Login with your root username and password.
3. Click on Maintenance from the VPS Management panel. The Maintenance page will appear.
4. Check the box next to the backup you wish to restore.
5. Click the “Restore VPS” button.
6. You’ll then be asked to confirm your decision to restore the VPS, click “Restore” to continue.
7. Wait about a minute and then click on “Maintenance” again from the left hand menu (you can track the progress by clicking the “details” link in the green bar that will appear at the top of the page).
8. You should see at the top of the page in the very centre “VPS is running at the moment”. If you see something else it most likely means that the restore is still in progress, try again shortly.

Q. Could I get more information about the security measures you undergo in order to make sure data stored on your servers are not accessible to inadequate people.

Ans: When it comes to security within the data center premises, we never allow anyone to enter Data Center area without a passport and letter of permission from main contact person dealing from customer side. Technical staff from customer side is allowed to connect to the servers through KVM session only and no direct physical contact with the server is permitted under normal circumstances.

With regards to security of individual VPS or Semi Dedicated servers, the hardware node is our responsibility, however securing individual VPS or Semi-Dedicated server is the customer’s responsibility. Once we have sent the login details, we do not have direct control over the kind of usage which happens. However, our technical support would try and help you as much as possible with your security and will give you suggestions accordingly. Having said that, certain security settings are already in place (depending on the control panel) but usually our technical support team can make additional tweaks to make sure your VPS or Semi Dedicated server is properly secured.

Q. Will Cisco ASA 5510 Dedicated Firewall provide uninterrupted services in case of DDoS (Denial of Service) attacks?

Ans: Cisco ASA 5510 can filter DDoS upto 80 Mbps only. There’s no hardware firewall available in market that can handle anything more than 100 Mbps. If the DDoS volume goes above 100 Mbps then no firewall anywhere in the world can protect your dedicated server. Only solution for high volume DDoS is “Proxy Shield”. We are affiliated with a US based anti-DDoS service provider and they have various plans to handle DDoS of upto 10 Gbps.

Webhosting UK offers shared as well as dedicated Cisco hardware firewall with UK Dedicated Servers.

Hardware Firewall:
1. Cisco ASA 5510 Shared Firewall - £ 25 per month
2. Cisco ASA 5510 Dedicated Firewall - £ 199 per month + £199 Setup Fee (one time)

Q. Do you provide Custom Branded Dedicated Servers?

Ans: Yes. Webhosting UK provides Custom Branded Dedicated Servers. These servers are servers with custom IP whois information in the IP whois look up. Custom branded dedicated servers is mainly a concept designed for medium and large web hosting providers.

For example: A reseller hosting provider uses private nameservers to hide his actual hosting provider’s details from his clients and to portray that he himself is the hosting provider. Similarly medium and large webhosting providers prefer dedicated servers with custom whois information to not let their customers know, or easily find out, where their services are located. Such Dedicated Servers with “custom” whois information in the IP whois are called custom branded dedicated servers. With custom branded dedicated servers your customers won’t know that you get the hosting service from us.

We can not offer Custom branded dedicated servers with the standard number of IP address we provide on a server. Customer who wants to opt for custom branded dedicated server will need to buy complete IP subnet.

Call today to discuss custom branded dedicated server solution with WebHosting UK on 0808-262-0855, or request a quote online.

Q. Should I opt for a Linux server or a Windows server ?

Ans: If you specifically require ASP, ASP.NET, IIS, MS SQL, MS ACCESS server or any other Microsoft products then you will probably want to opt for a Windows server. Otherwise, Linux server is a far more reliable, secure and economical solution.

Q. What exactly semi-dedicated server hosting means.

Ans: Semi-Dedicated server is not a fully private dedicated server that you own yourself. That will be a dedicated server. Webhosting UK semi-dedicated server is a dedicated server that is shared only between 12 clients. With the semi-dedicated server you will get full root ssh access, RDP access and guaranteed amount of RAM. You have total control over your server and configuration. You have access to a large portion of the server resources, allowing you to run more traffic and resource intensive websites as well as more complex scripts and softwares without CPU latency becoming an issue.

Webhosting UK semi-dedicated hosting accounts are setup on a powerful Dual Quad Core Intel Xeon E5420 processors. The servers is having 12 GB DDR2 RAM which ensures that each semi-dedicated account hosted on the server gets at least 1 GB of Guaranteed RAM.

Semi-dedicated server is the perfect intermediary step between migrating from a virtual private server (VPS) hosting to a dedicated server and it also gives you room to expand before you have to invest in a full fledged dedicated server.

Q. Why choose Webhosting UK Linux/Windows dedicated servers ?

Ans: All Webhosting UK Linux/Windows Dedicated Servers are fully managed and monitored round the clock. We use only branded Chassis from Dell and we use latest state of the art Intel CPU’s for our web servers. As far as our network connectivity is concerned, we have 2 x 10 Gbps uplinks for our Datacenter. We have connectivity from all leading ISP’s in Europe as we are directly connected with London hub of all the ISP’s. All servers have 100 Mbps Nic card and they are connected to 1 Gbps switch.

Dedicated Server management includes security monitoring, installing, compiling and maintaining the standard server application/software package, latest security updates, Spam filter, virus-protection and technical support to ensure that it performs and run in a safe and secure manner 24×7x365. Servers deployed at the Data Center includes hardware replacement guarantee. In case of any hardware failure, the hardware is immediately replaced.

Call today to discuss dedicated server solution with WebHosting UK on 0808-262-0855, or request a quote online.