web hosting

Database-Driven Sites with FrontPage

Many website owners are faced with the challenge of keeping their sites fresh with updated content.  Maintaining a frequently updated site is critical these days as it keeps your visitors intrigued and also appeals to the search engines.  This means that you are likely to rank higher and therefore, generate more quality traffic.  An easy and efficient way to overcome this challenge is to create a database-driven website.

Databases and Website Content

Database-driven sites are powerful because they offer the ability to easily generate fresh, updated content.  For most developers, this is enabled by the combination of PHP and MySQL.  Unfortunately, these technologies can be very complex and will definitely take some time learning.  Thankfully, a FrontPage web hosting solution can empower you to create a database-driven and use it with virtually any database, including MS SQL, Access, Oracle or the open-source MySQL.

Making a Database Connection with FrontPage

To make a database full of information that will be displayed on the website you created with FrontPage, all you have to do is connect it to the data you want it to show.  A database connection is merely a function that allows your page to connect with a database via server-side scripting.  While this could be performed with PHP and MySQL, doing it with FrontPage is much easier.  This is because FrontPage lets you create a template that will modify the content by communicating with the database and automatically creating a new page without any additional coding.

Before getting to the template, the first thing you need to do is manually create a database in an application such as Microsoft SQL Server, Access, Excel or Oracle.  The database may contain customer messages or just about any other content you want inserted on the pages of your website.  After creating the database, set up the template where you want the information to be displayed.   The advantage of having a template in FrontPage is that it gives you the ability to change the content of your page by importing new content from a database without needing to re-code the page itself.  As long as you connect the page to the new content in the database, it will be generated on the server-side whenever your visitors view the page.

To import content, simply choose “File” from the “Tool” bar and open the “Import” menu.  After browsing for the file you want to import, select “Yes” when asked if you to create a connection for it.  That’s basically it.  FrontPage offers a great way to make sure your pages are frequently updated and appealing to your visitors with fresh content.

Summary

You will have to do a little more to truly customize your database-driven site, but FrontPage hosting is so user-friendly, that nearly every task you want to perform is simplified through a wizard or tutorial that goes along with it.  Because FrontPage is such a forgiving tool, even if you do make mistakes, detecting and correcting the problem will be a piece of cake.

Why You Need a Good Control Panel

Regardless of the company, every web host offers some type of control panel.  This software application is what allows a webmaster to manage and control all the essential aspects of their web hosting account.  You generally get administrative control over your domains, email accounts, databases and web stats among other features.  While the functionality varies among programs, most control panels are designed with user-friendliness in mind, allowing you to manage just about everything from a centralized interface.  A good program will give you the ability to manage your account with ease regardless of technical experience.

The main objective of a control panel is to enrich the webmaster’s experience by providing a number of tools that dramatically reduce administrative challenges.  One of the most widely used control panels on the market is cPanel and its counterpart WHM (Web Host Manager).  Both are incredibly easy to use, offering a Graphical User Interface with icons well designed on the main page.  cPanel comes integrated with a variety of features and tools that allow you to control various aspects of your web hosting account and even provides details on bandwidth and other vital statistics.

Similar to most technologies related to the web hosting arena, control panels have evolved tremendously over the years.  Aside from the basic functionality such as creating email accounts and adding domains, most of today’s software offer the ability to transfer files via FTP, database management, marketing tools and backup utilities.  The average control panel typically comes included with pre-designed templates and software that allows you to build your entire site.  Other advanced functionality that has become common is the inclusion of application installers.  For example, cPanel is integrated with Fantastico which enables the easy one-click installation of additional software such as WordPress, Cube Cart and Joomla.

There are several factors that must be considered when looking for web host and the control panel is one of the most important of all.  Although the software for you will largely depend on your personal requirements, a good control panel should offer the following qualities:

Interface: The control panel interface is the main page and the first thing you will see upon logging into your account.  Look for a program that has all the essential features located on the interface as this will make your management tasks much easier.

Platform: In the web hosting world, platform simply refers to the operating system installed on the web host’s server.  The platform is crucial as control panels tend to be designed for one system or another.

Features: Control panels are all about features.  The more features you get, the greater level of control you will have over your website.

There are numerous control panels on the market and taking the time to choose a good one is extremely important.  If you would like to get more hands on, look for a web host that offers a demo version so you can test out the control panel for yourself.

A Control Panel for Your Dedicated Server

When making the decision to host your site on a dedicated server, you need to prepare for an entirely different level of complexity.  Unlike a shared server where the web hosting company takes care of all the management tasks, you are essentially on your own and responsible for making sure your site stays operating.  There are several factors that need to be considered but one of the most important of all is the control panel software.

The control panel a company offers can make your web hosting experience a smooth one or extremely frustrating.  Keep in mind that every provider has their own preference, preferences in which you may be forced to accept upon signing up with them.  What is the primary significance of control panels?  The answer is simple – power.  A control panel gives you the freedom to control the features of your web hosting account.  It allows you to access all the essentials such as your domains, email and FTP accounts, files, databases and much more.  When it comes to dedicated server hosting, the control panel is what will enable you to create the best site possible by putting the administrative power in your hands.

Available Control Panels

With so many programs available, choosing one for your dedicated server can be a grueling process.  The best way to make this determination is to know what you are looking to achieve and what a particular control panel has to offer.  In general, control panels are designed for specific platforms or operating systems, which usually boils down to Windows, Linux or Unix.  Some of the most popular options include cPanel, Plesk, Ensim, Hostopia, Sphera and vDeck, all of which are very reliable.

If you are new to the dedicated server environment then you want a control panel that is intuitive and easy to use.  However, if you already have a bit of experience, you may prefer something that offers more power and flexibility.  Programs such as cPanel and vDeck are very popular and extremely easy to use while control panels like Ensim tend to be more functional and suited for advanced users.  If you want something that offers the best of both worlds, Plesk might be a good option as it is both user-friendly and highly functional.

Choosing a Control Panel

One way to find a control panel suited for your dedicated server is to play around with a few demo versions.  Many companies will provide you with temporary login credentials to get a feel of the software before making a decision.  By doing so, you will experience a number of different platforms and are more likely find a control panel that works best for your requirements.  Always remember that any program has a learning curve and will take some time getting used to.  Because each control panel has its own set of features and capabilities, you should choose a program that matches your skill level.  When basing a control panel on your personal needs, its functionality and your abilities, you will be able to find one that is just right for your dedicated server.

Pairing Control Panels and Platforms

Today’s web hosting packages are driven by features.  While everyone has varying needs, one feature that is vital to any webmaster is the control panel.  This software is what gives you the power to create and manage your web hosting account.  From designing the website to creating databases, it all originates from the control panel interface.  In this article we will discuss some of the most popular control panel applications and the platforms they are designed for.

Windows Control Panels

Helm is currently one of the most widely used control panels for the Windows operating system.  The software offers a number of user-friendly features including the integrated billing module.  This is an exclusive attribute that you typically will not find in the average control panel application.  Helm is best known for its ease of use and simple interface.

Another popular control panel for the Windows platform is Hosting Accelerator.  Although packed with features, the user interface is somewhat complex.  Because of this, Hosting Accelerator is more geared for experienced users.

Linux Control Panels

The leading control panel software, cPanel is designed for the Linux platform.  Many prefer this program because of its array of features, ease of use and low cost.  cPanel makes a viable solution for a wide range of needs from shared and VPS hosting to reseller and dedicated server accounts.

Though not as popular as cPanel, DirectAdmin is a powerful control panel and hailed by some as one of the best.  Designed for Linux as well, DirectAdmin is extremely easy to use and loaded with features.

Cross-Platform Control Panels

Platform specific control panels present disadvantages to the end-users and especially the web host as they stand to miss out customers who prefer one platform or the other.  For this reason, more providers are turning to cross-platform solutions to cover the two major operating systems.

The Plesk control panel is available for both Windows and Linux and is the preferred choice for many web hosting companies.  This software offers a user-friendly interface with the look and feel of Windows XP.  Plesk comes packed with numerous features including a comprehensive web building tool that allows you to create your site with ease.  Because it serves both platforms, hosting with Plesks tends to be more expensive than other control panels.

H-Sphere is another program suited for the Windows and Linux operating system.  Though widely used, H-Sphere is lacking in the feature department in comparison to cPanel and Plesk.  However, it does offer all the basics and automates several administrative tasks.

Recommendations

According to ratings across the web, cPanel is the preferred control panel for the Linux system while Helm is more preferred by Windows users.  After deciding on a program, you should then take a look at other key features offered by the web host as they will all be integrated into your control panel.  Although one should never judge the overall quality of service soley on the control panel, the type of software you work with is critical nevertheless.