Advice please
Hi,
I am taking that first big step and having my site hosted. The site is not a business one so things are not critical. I have found a company that offers 12 months of free hosting (with set-up fee) and outlined below are the details for the particular account.
Given the non-critical nature of the site and that this my first tryout, is it worth going with this host? I am only wanting a response regarding the info below (not issues like support etc) as I don't understand the technobabble.
Thanks in advance,
Annette
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Details -
"We have multi-homed connections on powerful multi processors hosting servers and our network is monitored 24 hours per day with 99.9% uptime.
The servers are located in major data centres in San Antonio, Texas and in Boulder Colorado.
The data centres run the Border Gate Protocol (BGP4) for best case routing. The entirely switched, Cisco powered network employs Cisco 12000 GSR and 7500 class routers running HSRP (N+1 hot failover) to ensure that data can be routed even in the event of a router failover. The BGP4 protocol is a standard that allows for the evaluation of each packet of information sent out from the Network. Each packet of information is evaluated and sent over the fastest route possible. Because of our redundant network architecture, packets may be sent via alternative routes even if they are being delivered to the same end user. This also allows for packets to be redirected via another route if network congestion on the public internet becomes overwhelming.
Our providers are paid to make sure that packets of information are delivered to the end user's eyeballs. This offers significant advantages over simply peering with the major backbones. Peering agreements rarely include Service Level Agreements (SLAs) so no one is accountable for lost packets at congested exchange points. Because there are actually SLAs with all our providers, we are able to guarantee that all packets will leave our network at full speed.
The Network currently operates at less than 50% capacity during peak hours. This allows for us to accomodate even the largest spikes in traffic that are often associated with the most popular websites. We have multi-homed DC3-OC12 connections and are always adding network connectivity
and new routes in an effort to make sure content is delivered to you users as efficiently as possible. A low bandwidth utilization also allows for the highest amount of uptime.
What type of hardware are you using?
We are always upgrading equipment because the hardware market changes so often. All our machines are multi-processor Pentium III's. The network operations centres have full redundant power supplies, with natural gas powered generators and apc battery back.
Silver account servers currently are: Processor Speed: 750mhz+; RAM: 256mb; Drive: 20GB (this disk is backed up to a backup server twice weekly).
What operating system and server software is being used?
All Unix servers run a customized version of Redhat, using the powerful Apache webserver and Apache SSL server for secure transactions."
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mjames posted this at 03:28 — 19th August 2001.
They have: 2,064 posts
Joined: Dec 1999
Congratulations on taking the plunge into paid hosting... it is worth it.
What is the name of your host you are considering?
I am a little weary of twelve free months, such a long time. What if you try them for two and find out you hate them? They would be getting ripped off royally, so there must be restrictions where you must continue to use them, no?
Personally, I would go with:
hostrocket.com
hostmatters.com
veoweb.com
Annette35 posted this at 03:43 — 19th August 2001.
They have: 46 posts
Joined: Aug 2001
The hosting company is http://www.flowingnet.com.
I have emailed them (and it is in the small print) and they say there are no conditions to continue to host with them after the free 12 months, and you can drop them at any time (just can't use the free offer again). They offer cheap hosting after the 12 months. There is a set-up fee though.
My question was about the 'hardware' type stuff that I outlined in the details section of my post. Can anyone offer an opinion on this? Again, I'm not after advice re: support or other considerations.
Thanks
Annette
PS Someone else has told me about http://www.allsite.co.uk/ which is having a special for August - $20 for a year of NT hosting. Not sure of what their conditions are - haven't read the fineprint on that one. That person is hosting with them and like them, though has only used them for a short time.
Brian Farkas posted this at 06:33 — 19th August 2001.
They have: 1,015 posts
Joined: Apr 1999
Opinions on the hardware? What they're running right now seems like it should be fine for a general hosting setup... A couple questions you might consider asking them:
1. Are those hard drives SCSI or IDE? SCSI drives are generally better suited for the hosting environment, as they handle multiple tasks at a much faster rate, and they are generally more reliable than IDE. However, IDE technology is getting better, and is fine with most dedicated servers... For hosting operations, though, I do recommend SCSI.
2. How many users are put on the machine?
A machine like that sounds like it should probably hold somewhere around 300-350 accounts pretty easily. I'm sure it could physically hold 500 accounts or more, but it's always better to be a little _under_ full capacity.
--
As far as the network goes, it sounds mostly alright.. it doesn't say anything about the actual size of the pipe it's on- though. Some common ones are a T-3/DS3, OC3, OC12, OC48, and OC192 (in order of speed, from slowest to fastest).
In regard to operating systems, Red Hat Linux is pretty standard for the hosting environment, with version 6.2 being the most popular (and possibly most stable?). Apache web server is also very popular among web hosts.
Hopefully this will help answer your questions. Good luck!
Brian
Annette35 posted this at 08:02 — 19th August 2001.
They have: 46 posts
Joined: Aug 2001
Thank you. I also appreciate the links to recommended web hosting companies for my future forays into websites and hosting.
Cheers,
Annette
BOF posted this at 14:19 — 21st August 2001.
They have: 31 posts
Joined: Aug 2001
For what it's worth my advice would be to forget the so-called 'free' hosts. If you want a first-class host, with ample facilities and unequalled service, take a look at FutureQuest - futurequest.net/ You couldn't do better.
Disclaimer: apart from being a satisfied customer I have no link with FutureQuest, apart from a link on my sites.
Chris
Lofou Village
Limassol
Cyprus
mairving posted this at 18:27 — 21st August 2001.
They have: 2,256 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
That statement is too funny. If it is RedHat, it is not Unix. Although Unix and Linux share common roots, they are not the same. Most hosts that run a 'nix based OS, usually run RedHat about version 6.2, where most bugs have already been squashed.
Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states
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