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. 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. 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.

Q. Do you provide unmetered bandwidth connection on Dedicated Servers ?

Ans: We provide unmetered bandwidth connection options with our dedicated servers. We offer 10Mbps, 100Mbps and 1000Mbps Unmetered bandwidth connection with the dedicated server. Unmetered Dedicated Servers will have full duplex dedicated bandwidth connection it will not be shared.

Unmetered bandwidth options:

1. 10 Mbit Unmetered bandwidth - dedicated, unshared 10Mbit full duplex connection.
2. 100Mbit Unmetered bandwidth - dedicated, unshared 100Mbit full duplex connection.
3. 1000Mbit Unmetered bandwidth - dedicated, unshared 1000Mbit full duplex connection.

Unmetered bandwidth pricing:

1. 10 Mbit Unmetered bandwidth - £ 20.00 per month
2. 100Mbit Unmetered bandwidth - £ 799.00 per month
3. 1000Mbit Unmetered bandwidth - £ 4000.00 per month

Q. Do you have any solutions for load balancing?

Ans: Yes, We have solution for load balancing. We offer load balanced Web Servers or Apache Servers and SQL Servers. We have expertise in setup and management of Load Balanced Servers as we are hosting couple of high specification load balanced servers from few years. Please take a look at our Dual Core and Quad Core Intel Xeon web servers as advertised on http://www.webhosting.uk.com/load-balancing-servers.php

Servers can be customized as per your requirement.

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

Q. What does Webhosting UK dedicated server management include?

Ans: All our servers are fully managed and come with full administrative access to give you complete control, as well as the ability to customize the server as per your needs. The key to our clients’ online business success is smooth and seamless functioning of their web server. Dedicated servers require constant monitoring, care and maintenance which is taken care of by our experienced System Administrators. They ensure that your web server is always available, has the latest security updates installed and technical issues if any are resolved as soon as possible.

Webhosting UK Linux/Windows dedicated server management responsibilities include but are not limited to the following tasks:

• SSH Security and Configuration
• Optimization and Hardening
• Firewall Configuration
• Server Monitoring Process
• Linux Server Security
• Apache Tweaks
• Environmental security
• Security Audit
• Securing Binaries
• Firewall Configuration
• DNS recursion restriction
• Email scanning for viruses and spam
• RDP security
• Windows Server Security
• Scripting mail components
• Scripting Languages
• Image Upload components
• System Security
• Server Migration
• 3rd Party Software Installation
• WHM/CPanel and Plesk control panel Technical Issues
• Initial Server Setup
• Backend Server Software Upgrades
• Database administration
• Application monitoring and updates
• Intrusion detection
• Performance tuning

Please visit our fully managed dedicated server information pages to view our complete list of functions which are performed by our seasoned System Administrators to maintain your managed Linux/Windows dedicated server round the clock to ensure that it performs in a safe and secure manner 24×7x365.

Dedicated Server Management Overview:

Linux Server Management
Windows Server Management