web hosting

The Unique Advantages of Plesk

The current control panel market is extremely competitive in nature and constantly expanding with new software. These software titles claim to be the best, or the most suitable for a certain situation, yet only a few actually can come close to fulfilling this promise. One of the few control panels that could be placed in the top 3 would be Plesk. Parallel’s Plesk is a unique and powerful control panel that simplifies administrative tasks and improves the functionality of your website. Since the features of Plesk are so diverse, we deemed it necessary to create a full overview of Plesk’s most unique and powerful features.

Compatibility

Perhaps one of the most notable features of Plesk is it’s unique ability to work with both Window and Linux operating systems. Plesk is also compatible with virtually any server environment and thrives in the VPS server environment. Plesk can also be used with any web hosting account, letting users take their control panel with them when they decide to change web hosts. Plesk also includes a language pack that lets users customize the software using their own language, making it a multilingual control panel as well. This compatibility truly makes Plesk a suitable option for any user, regardless of their nationality or system/server configuration.

Reselling

Another unique feature of Plesk is the ability to customize the look and feel of the control panel for re-branding and reselling. Users can change the color of the control panel and many other options, and then rename it and resell it under a different name. Of course to do this, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate Plesk plan, but it is a feasible and plausible way to make extra money with your control panel, especially if you’re already reselling hosting packages.

Stability

Plesk is also one of the most stable control panels, protecting your site from hackers, server crashes, and dreaded downtime. Using Plesk gives you the ability to relax knowing that you control panel is secure and therefore the administrative interface of your site is protected. Plesk’s performance also adds to the stability of the program, as each feature can be learned with ease and use to it’s maximum capabilities by even the most novice user. Plesk also has integrated troubleshooting features that automatically catch and repair errors within the administrative system, ensuring maximum reliability.

Site Builder

The patented Plesk site builder includes a variety of extremely useful tools that let you create, edit and organize your web pages with ease. The entire control panel is fully expandable and can be enhanced with the few clicks of the mouse and the addition of a few web applications, although the default settings are more than capable of carrying out complex tasks. The site builder itself is extremely simple to use, due to it’s user-friendly five step wizard that walks users through the process of creating a web page with ease.

Although many people prefer solutions such as cPanel, Plesk has proven itself as a worthy competitor time and time again. If you’re using dual operating systems, or if you just need a highly capable control panel solution, then I would highly recommend Plesk.

PHP and Common Web Hosting Security Issues

The most common security lapses online are usually the result of a faulty or lazy programmer that has left some sort of loophole somewhere. Most of the time, these web designers and developers have very little time to finish a project, placing security last on their last of priorities. For this reason many of the sub sequential errors are not discovered until they have resulted in serious security lapses for the end user or their network.

PHP

One particular programming language that is becoming increasingly popular amongst newer developers is PHP. PHP is perhaps the easiest programming language to use, and therefore often the most erroneously misused by inexperienced web programmers. PHP’s ease of use and minimal learning curve make it an optimal opportunity for any novice web developer to create software that is potentially insecure.

Insecure Web Applications

In the past hackers would infiltrate a network using any means possible, including using phishing techniques, identity theft, and any other method to compromise the security of a server or operating system. Now, the main focus has shifted to infiltrating the administrative interface of a website to gain access to online databases and server files.

The easiest way for most hackers to do this is to find a way in through one of many loopholes that exists in the site’s web applications. Web applications make the webmasters job easier and more convenient, however like many other tools that increase convenience, web applications come at a price.

Hiring Your Own Programmers

Since web applications have direct access to your site’s administrative functions, these web applications can be taken advantage of for nefarious purposes, and used to access your website’s control panel. This could prove to be disastrous, especially if you run an online business. For this reason it is best to avoid any new web applications that are built by unreliable sources. If you are planning on using a web application with a busy business website, you may want to hire a personal qualified developer to assist you in creating some custom web applications.

Creating a Website With Joomla CMS

Creating a professional looking website from scratch often isn’t easy, especially if you’re trying to do it with very little experience in internet technology. However with the advent of content management systems like Joomla, even novice users now have the ability to create a site that will give their online business the credibility needed to establish a substantial client base. Even people that already have a website of their own can benefit from the Joomla CMS system, as it can be used to modify and improve the overall appearance and functionality of the original website.

Preparing For The Creation of a New Website

Although Joomla will help you create your site, you’ll need to have a game plan to begin with. It is a good idea to brainstorm and determine exactly what you want from your site. Consider not only your own needs, but also the wants and needs of your targeted audience. Once you know what your goals are, it will be a lot easier to develop a website that is specifically designed around your business. You can use this information to ascertain what web applications would be beneficial to your content management systems. For example, if you know that the majority of your visitors are looking for multimedia content, then it would be wise to install a multimedia application that could aid in the process of uploading, editing and organizing gall of your site’s media.

Populating Your Site With Useful Content

Once you’ve finished the site’s design and you have a game plan, you’ll need to add content to the site, or transfer the content from your old site. If you are just using Joomla to redesign your site then you do not have to worry about this step, as the design process in Joomla will not affect the content that is currently on your site. If you do not have any content to work with then you have several options. You can write the content or you may have the content written for you.

If you are considering re-spun content, such as using web applications to collect, add and revise content may be beneficial for autobloggers, it generally is not a good idea if you’re trying to build long term success with your site. If you want to win in the long run then you’ll need to have original content on your site. If you are not a great writer, then you can hire writers on one of the many freelancing forums found online. Most of these writers have feedback that will let you make the right decision when buying content for your site. Once you have possession of the content you can upload it directly into the Joomla CMS, and the content management system will upload the articles for you depending on your preferences. You can choose to upload content on a scheduled basis, to give your visitors something new everyday, or you can upload the content all at once. Joomla users also have the ability to assign passwords to their writer’s so they can log in and upload the work themselves upon completion.

Maintaining Your Site With Joomla

Since Joomla is an open source software, there are new developments for it being created on a daily basis. In fact, anyone with interest has the ability to create an application that is compatible with Joomla. Due to it;s ever expanding nature, the operation and functionality of Joomla is something that you will be learning and improving upon throughout your time as a webmaster. While you’ll be able to learn the basic functions within a matter of days, it may take months before you truly realize the power  this CMS can give you. Joomla is more than a software that brings convenience, it also brings profit, as it improves the overall quality of your website.

Five Simple Website Safety Tips

Google, Microsoft, and The New York Times are just a few of many big names that have suffered notable security breaches in recent times.  Hacking has become an industry all its own and there is a lot of money to be made for unscrupulous characters who are good at it.  While there is a good chance your website is safe and secure, there is also the possibility that it is vulnerable and open to a wide range of threats.  Unfortunately, many new customers have the presumption that just because they have signed up with a well known web hosting firm, they are automatically protected from a security breach.  They believe that the host will handle all the security measures while they sit back and simply maintain their website.  It is this type of thinking that could make you an easy victim.  In fact, your best defense against a security breach involves taking the necessary measures to protect yourself.

A Little Common Sense Goes a Long

While many security software solutions exist, some of the best ways to defend yourself can be summed up to applying common sense.  Here are five simple tips to help keep your website safe and secure:

1.) Smart E-commerce – If you plan to sale goods or services through a shopping cart, make sure that the software used is properly figured and secured.  If you do not possess this knowledge, bring someone on board who does.

2.) Password Protection – Use secure passwords for all of your website applications that require a login.  This goes for everything from your control panel to CMS software.  A good rule of thumb is to use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols, in addition to never using something that others can associate with you for a password.

3.) Monitor Your Server Logs – By checking your server logs on a regular basis, you may be able to identify strange or unusual activity.  Because knowing what to look for can be difficult, many software solutions exist that will do the job for you.  These programs analyze your log files and automatically send alerts if strange behavior is detected.

4.) Update Your Web Applications - An outdated web application is one of the most vulnerable points of a website.  Hackers are constantly working on new ways to compromise security so if your applications are not up to date, you could be exploited.  Also keep in mind that most updates consist of critical upgrades that address known security issues.

5.) Backup Your Website – Because no website is ever 100% secure, it would be wise to frequently backup your site and all the files its contains.  Don’t overlook this.  Not only do hackers target websites, but entire web servers.  If the server your site resides on is compromised, you could possibly lose everything you worked so hard to build.  Regular backups give you the assurance that your website data can be restored should a disaster occur.  Be sure to keep a copy of your backup in a location other than your hard drive just in case ill fate happens to strike your computer.

Are You Paying Too Much for Web Hosting?

The easiest way to enjoy a low cost on your web hosting bill is to choose the right service provider to begin with.  Unfortunately, the web hosting business is growing at a rapid pace, which means choosing a good and reputable host is not only difficult, but often consuming and very frustrating.  The good thing is that once you find the ideal host, you will agree that the journey was worth the time and effort you put into it.  If you want to make sure you are getting a bang for your buck, keep your eyes on the following areas as they directly attribute to the cost of service:

Bandwidth and Storage

Bandwidth and disk space play a major role in determining the price of web hosting.  Determining how much of each you require can be tricky, but coming up with an estimate is important.  Whatever you determine, just make sure you understand how these crucial resources are allotted.  It is imperative that you understand the rules on overages and what will happen if you use more bandwidth or disk space than you have been allocated.  Simply knowing this will spare you the surprise of a huge web hosting bill at the end of the month.  A hosting company that will spill the details on allowances and overages ahead of time allows you to take the measures needed to reduce or properly plan for extra usage.  This type of host can be a real keeper.

Website Quantity

If you require more than one website, then you might want to consider signing up with a hosting company that allows you to run multiple domains on a single account.  This will help you save a lot of money over purchasing separate accounts from different companies.  Because you are essentially putting all of your eggs in one basket, you also need to consider the dangers of multiple domain hosting.  Should disaster strike the server, all of your websites could be compromised and unavailable to visitors.  You need to give this careful thought as crippling downtime might be the greatest cost of all.

Web Applications and Technologies

You can save yourself some money on web hosting just by ensuring that all the software applications and technologies your site requires are included in the package.  This includes programs such as FrontPage and WordPress as well as technologies such as PHP or ASP.NET.

If the host does not offer what you need, paying extra for it could end up costing you dearly.  Make sure you understand what is included and try not pay for features that can be obtained somewhere else for free.

Hosting Contracts

Many web hosting companies offer substantial discounts when paying for a year or two worth of service in advance.  Signing up for something like this may appear to be a smart move, but you need to find out how long you will be locked in first.  It is recommended to avoid any long-term contracts until you can assure that you are absolutely satisfied with a particular host.  For this reason, you may want to keep your options open to month-to-month contracts where the risks are considerably lower.