Basic Advantages of Linux Web Hosting

By Tina Hope

Linux web hosting not only helps you build your website from a small business to a large enterprise but also gives you many advantages over contemporaries and competitors alike. Once you decide your budget and also your required features, then you will be able to decide on the Linux web hosting package that will further improve your chances of doing well in business. The scripting language that is incorporated in your website also comes into play and so does the interactive facilities that are implemented in it. There are many advantages that one ends up getting through Linux web hosting services. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Linux is open source code software and eventually does not require the gigantic licensing fee that one usually ends up paying for others. Other operating systems command a huge licensing fee in comparison to this one and it is this virtue of minimizing costs that makes this form of web hosting highly endearing to hire. You not only get to download it free of cost but also are rendered the advantage of using it sans any sort of costs.

2. The Linux based website can be converted to a window based website at any time of the day without any hassles. The website can easily be changed back into its original form or to any other form when the requirement of the user keeps growing continuously. The conversions can be done depending on the user requirements and can also be changed according to changing times.

3. This form of hosting is the most economical form of hosting and the user gets to save a huge amount of money out of the total budget. The only costs involved are those of the distribution that are further incurred by the proprietor or the owner.

4. Linux also proves to be the most cost effective and frugal option for your website when the scripting has to be done in languages like PHP and My SQL along with Perl. Unless and until the scripting is very heavily loaded, one does not have to worry about the whole process.

5. The operating system allows the user to run as many kinds of databases one feels like running. The most widely used databases include the likes of My SQL and Postgre SQL. These databases might look interrelated by nature and also allow highly optimized communication. This is done to quickly reclaim all the data.

6. It offers paramount security. The end user does not have to worry about the security of any of the applications and can go about doing anything on the server. Designers and programmers prefer this form over any other form and can mostly be seen using it.

These advantages this form of hosting a lot of advantages that are too good to ignore and subsequently have created a huge fan base for Linux web hosting India. Be it any IT professional who deals with this, Linux hosting is never short of springing in surprises and always manages to fox people.

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Should I Use a Linux Or a Windows Server?

By Gary Klingsheim

Even some folks who are pretty computer savvy, and can make Microsoft Office jump through hoops, are less knowledgeable when it comes to the operating system (OS) and networking technology that drives the Internet. Most people who do not work in that end of the business need to do a little homework when confronted with the question, Should I use a Linux or Windows server?

There are some arcane hybrids and do-it-yourself OS schemes around, but the OS choice you have at most hosting companies today is between Linux and Windows. Hosting companies don’t always clarify exactly why one might be better than the other for a particular customer or situation, leading some folks to conclude that there is really no difference at all. This is not the case. It does matter what kind of server you use, and there are clear differences between Linux and Windows.

Licensing costs money

All the various flavors of Windows, from the multiple versions of the new Windows 7 to the “enterprise” (server) packages, belong wholly to Microsoft, also known as the “Evil Empire” to the hackers and open source fans that prefer Linux. Linux, being open source, is free. This is the first major difference with important repercussions, since the hosting company’s costs for licensing Windows will be passed on to the customer (that’s you). Free, open source Linux means lower hosting costs all around, if only by a few dollars per month.

Getting a Windows hosting package is going to be a bit more expensive, but not so much more that you should make the difference a deal-breaker. Other factors — the make and model of the servers, company location, package offer details — can affect pricing as much or more, so make sure to get the big picture and don’t bog yourself down in an “OS controversy.” That said, you should know the operational, stylistic and tech-related differences between the two server types in order to make an informed decision.

Slow down and consider

Now, simply because you use a PC with Microsoft (MS) Windows, or even built your own Web site with it, doesn’t mean you have to have a Windows server. You will access your site through such tools as Web-based control panels and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) software, and can do so from a Macintosh running Mac OS X, a PC running Windows 7 or a homemade computer running Mandrake or RedHat (distributions of Linux). Some commands will differ, perhaps, but all the tools do the same thing, in much the same way.

Slow down enough to consider what you actually need to do with your site and what you expect from the server (and hosting firm). E-mail protocols, both IMAP and POP, work fine in both environments, as do PHP, the standardized HTML and XML, JavaScript and “file helpers” like Adobe Flash and Reader. However, Frontpage extensions, ASP, the.Net environment, Access, Windows media and other MS technologies will require a Windows server. For these particular features, Linux support ranges from limited to non-existent, and trying to work around the restrictions will cost you a lot more than paying the difference between the hosting packages.

Security and management

There have been some contentious arguments about the relative stability and security records of Linux and Windows server environments. Some computer professionals are simply knee-jerk anti-MS partisans, and there are also any number of MS fans that are anti-Linux (as well as anti-Mac). The fact that Windows is the most common OS in the world has both advantages and drawbacks. Millions of people are working on making it better, and just as many are trying to shoot it down in flames.

On the other hand, Linux is now most common server OS in use and hackers have had greater than expected success subverting it, too. The fact is that the platform in use is not as important to security as systems administration, attentive technicians and company management. If security is high on your list, you need to examine the company as much or more than the company’s equipment. Don’t take their marketing materials as a promise — do some due diligence here. It matters.

A toss-up?

There is probably little difference in server performance because of the choice of OS. Again, it can come down to how the companies install their software and maintain their hardware — Linux just might be “faster” in some functions than Windows if, in fact, the Windows OS was installed in default mode and not “tweaked.” (This can be true of Linux installs, too, of course.) In the broadest terms, performance is comparable and you can have a fine, effective and efficient hosting experience with either kind of server.

The bottom line is that you should certainly consider the kind of server, particularly if you use MS technologies than need a Windows environment, but your search should be for a good host, not a good server. A company with the best equipment in the world will be no help to you if it is mismanaged, oblivious to security lapses and technologically out of its depth. With a rough equivalence in features, reliability, security and cost, a “winner” is impossible to choose beforehand. You can win — or lose — with any kind of server, so keep looking at the big picture and just make your decision.

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Know Your Tech-Speak – Linux Dedicated Servers
By James Koh

There is something to be said about using either shared web hosting solutions or those that are dedicated to a single platform, either Windows based or Linux based. These two represent the most popular solutions on the internet for consumers and businesses to get online and distinct themselves on the information super highway. The former is more popular because of the fact that it is shared, which means within the pipeline, there are a few users, and in some cases, a few hundred and even a few thousand users sharing the server bandwidth.

This is great when you are a simple consumer using the server for more leisure and casual reasons but when you are using the internet as a platform to extend your business, then you need to get a dedicated server. While more expensive, it is a dedicated server with customisable host names and more bandwidth to support your needs. This article will peek a little at the Linux dedicated server and tell you why they are great solutions for your business and in some cases, even personal needs. The reason why shared web hosting is so much more cost effective is because of the reason above – they use one single server in a location that can host tens of thousands of websites all over the world.

Because of volume, the cost goes down; but there are detriments to this, which include things like a shared bandwidth, meaning you will experience slowdowns and technical problems that are universal. With a dedicated Linux server, you will be guaranteed a larger bandwidth and your own personal space online. This is because your website is being handled by one single dedicated server, and because of the resource focus to keeping your website running, there is a higher level of reliability when compared to using shared hosting.

The equipment behind these servers are usually the best in the business, with high end servers being a feature common to Linux dedicated servers, so it is always a good idea to in that direction. You do not want to be caught in a position where you a riding on the back of a technologically inferior server that cannot deliver the power and speed that your website and business demands. With Linux servers, you know you are getting pre-configures and cutting edge equipment. The network connections are usually way above the consumer T3 connections; with gigabyte level bandwidths not uncommon with some Linux servers.

They will also provide you with custom software and a team to support the server, in case of any difficulties and issues with your web site. If you are looking for performance and piece of mind, the general advice is to go for a Windows based or Linux dedicated server. With so many issues already reported with shared servers, you know that this is the direction you need to provide your website with the resources that it needs. So know your tech speak and be aware of emerging technologies in web hosting, and make the right choice.

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Basic Linux For Ease of Use and Management of a Hosted Website – Getting Started!
By Mike Tremell

Welcome to the beginning of a path to simpler website administration!

This article is the first in a series aimed at the average user with the average hosted website; someone without a vast amount of hyper-technical knowledge about the guts of the internet. We will see that utilizing the more “complicated” part of the hosting provider’s service can be easy and can make your website management easier as well. I will provide you with a basic road map to simple Linux utilization that, I believe, will both benefit, please and, ultimately, empower you to better manage and amplify your site’s potential!

As we all know, with the proliferation of user-hosted websites in our age, the market has driven most hosting services to provide users with more user-friendly interfaces; windows, or browser, based menuing systems with simple and easy to understand layouts.

This is a good thing, but it’s also a bad thing. One could make the argument that the simplification of hosted website management through the use of these interfaces makes it possible for the average person to easily set up and manage their own website or e-business. This is true. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons that the web hosting industry is experiencing a boom. Consumers demand ease-of-use from merchants and simple picture-menu based setup and maintenance systems fulfill that demand.

So how can this be a bad thing?

There are a multitude of reasons, but the one I’ll be addressing here is, coincidentally, the exact same thing: Ease Of Use! What most people don’t realize at first (but soon become aware of) is that the “Ease Of Use” supplied by these point-and-click-simple solutions, more often than not, make a lot of simple tasks extremely difficult, if not impossible!

The double-whammy is that they essentially “mystify” the underlying operating system (that place where the work actually gets done) and lock most people into a cycle of endless forum-searching or email-tag with customer support (and experienced Linux users) where they find, mostly, answers that assume they already possess whatever basic knowledge they need to complete the task at hand. I’m not saying that any of these folks are unfriendly or unwilling to help, just that the average user ends up no better off in the end and has to go back to… the windows-like menuing system.

The good news is: You don’t have to settle!

Given the right circumstances, you can enhance your ability to maximize the potential of your website, and, ironically, increase your “Ease Of Use” by making use of that underlying operating system.

By learning just a few of the basics of Linux (the most popular operating system for most web-hosting solution providers), you can dramatically increase the ease with which you can maintain, and even optimize, your website.

Below, we’ll go Point-by-Point, with “Tips” along the way, toward adding use of the Linux operating system to your bag of tricks. The de-mystification begins!

Point Number 1: Don’t let any roadblocks you hit discourage you. What you’re about to accomplish is within the realm of absolute possibility. You CAN use Linux to maintain your website, enhance it, optimize it and much more. None of this is beyond your ability. Societally perpetuated self-doubt, mass-belief that it’s all just too complicated and the pervasive notion that Linux is comprehensible only to computer science majors and “techies” are myth’s and falsehoods.

You can master Linux as easily as you can master your ABC’s. If that seems like over-simplification, believe me when I tell you that it’s not. Remember how much easier it was to remember LMNOP than it was the rest of the alphabet? In simplistic terms, you’ll be learning how to help yourself by learning how to use Linux to your advantage in much the same way. We’ll start with the parts that come easily, and the rest will fall into place over time, seemingly without effort!

Point Number 2: In order to make any of this work, your service provider will have to offer you the option of using a “shell account.” This is the most common terminology for direct access to the underlying operating system. “Shell access” is also commonly understood. If you are already being hosted, be sure to use these terms when requesting the access you’ll need. All service providers understand what a “shell account,” or “shell access” is and will be able to let you know, immediately, whether or not they offer their users that option.

Tip: If you are in the consideration phase, and looking for a hosting provider, be sure to ask them if they offer you the option of a “shell account,” or “shell access.” It’s your call in the end, but, if they don’t, I would advise that you continue your search for a provider elsewhere.

Tip: Most providers offer “shell accounts,” or “shell access,” but they don’t make a point of letting you know. In my experience, it’s never anywhere near the top of the list of features the hosting provider offers, and, most times, you have to go to the support page, or elsewhere, to find out. You just need to ask. If it’s something they offer, they’ll give it to you (however grudgingly); usually with simple login instructions. Hosting providers generally don’t like the thought of “regular” users mucking about with the underlying operating system, so they generally don’t make it a point to let you know you have this option!

Point Number 3: Now you’re going to need to get to your shell account. This is a piece of the puzzle that most service providers will assume you know how to do. We’ll assume for the moment that you don’t. For our purposes here we’ll assume your provider is a company named XYZ.com and you already have access to the internet and have that connection active when you connect to your “shell account.”

There are certain things that you’re going to need in order to access your shell account; all of which are free. Some you’ll have to get yourself and some you’ll most likely have to request from your service provider.

Most importantly, you’ll need your connection information. You will get this from your service provider. It should include:

1. The host name or IP address of the server you’ll need to connect to in order to access your account (e.g. webhost.XYZ.com or somecrazyname.XYZ.com). You’ll almost never be given an IP address exclusively. Your service provider should, however, include this information along with the server name (e.g. webhost.XYZ.com – IP Address: 192.68.224.176). Having an IP address to connect to can be advantageous if, for some reason, you can’t reach the server via the host name.

2. Your login information. This will simply be a user name and password.

3. The method by which you can access your shell account. Generally this will be via “SSH” (Secure Shell), but some hosts still use “Telnet” (Telecommunication Network

‘t let the definitions I’ve included in parentheses put you off. They’re simply provided for completeness and shouldn’t concern you at this point. Their strict “definitions” may never ever concern you – They don’t concern me and I’ve been in the business for well over a decade!

Basically, the difference between the two connection methods is academic. Telnet sends information over the internet as-it-is. This is one of the reasons most providers use SSH. SSH sends information over the internet in “encrypted” form. That is, Telnet is an “unsecure” protocol, while SSH is considered “secure.” It’s much harder (if not nearly impossible) for someone to hack into your connection and “see” what you’re typing if the information is encrypted. Encrypted information is protected. Unencrypted information (what you’ll be sending if you use Telnet) can be read (by the proper hacker) as if he or she were looking over your shoulder watching you type!

Tip: Don’t accept Telnet if it’s offered as a connection option. Insist on SSH. If SSH is not available from your provider, there are other options you can pursue, but they’re beyond the scope of this article.

Next, you’ll need a method by which to connect, using the information given to you by your hosting provider. This is simply going to be some software “client” that you’ll use to connect. Many SSH clients are available for free and can be downloaded at various freeware sites on the internet (Use any search engine and simply type in a search for “SSH client freeware download.” You’ll be surprised at the number of options available!)

Tip: Don’t pay for an SSH client unless it makes you feel better. There are several reputable and highly effective clients available for free. Almost all work right out of the box (just start them up and look for a button that says “new connection,” or something similar, and then you’ll be presented with a screen into which you can type in the host name, user name and password information you received from your hosting provider. Just click connect and you’re logging into your “shell account!”

Point Number 4: Now, strangely enough (with most providers), you’ll be presented with a “menu screen” once you login to your “shell account.” This will generally provide you with several options such as editing files, sending email, uploading or downloading files, etc.

A text-based menu is generally fairly easy to follow. Options are presented on a numbered menu (possibly with letter shortcuts in parentheses alongside), you select the number (or letter) of the option you want to use and then you do whatever that is until you exit and come back to the menu. A simple menu might look like this:

—- Welcome to XYZ.com Shell Access Menu —–

1. Edit Files (e)

2. Send Email (s)

3. Upload Files (u)

4. Download Files (d)

5. Linux Shell (l)

6. Quit (q)

Enter your option

Tip: If you use any option and it isn’t made obvious how you can get back to the menuing system, you can generally get back there by “killing” whatever program you’ve launched by selecting your option. This can usually be done by typing one of the following “control-character” sequences. ctl+c, ctl+x, ctl+v, ctl+d. The key combinations described here are simply the typing of two keys at once (denoted by the + symbol), so for ctl+c you would type the “control” key (usually “ctl” or “ctrl” on your keyboard) while simultaneously typing the “c” key. Just type them both at the same time. Nothing to it!

Please note that all of these options may disconnect you completely from your server and should be used only after you’ve saved any work you’re doing.

Not to worry; if you do get disconnected, all you need to do is connect again. Of course, any and/or all of these options may do nothing at all. If you just “need” to disconnect and can find no remedy in your “shell account,” you can always take the guaranteed step of closing your SSH client.

Now you have arrived!

This part of the lesson is coming to an end, but your journey has just begun. At this point, fool around with the various menu options and try out the various features of your “shell account.” Use them with caution, as you would when interfacing with your window-based menuing system. Try to keep your actions non-destructive (e.g. If you’re going to edit a file in a foreign editor, make sure to back it up, or copy if off, first, etc).

If your hosting provider’s “shell account” is literally that, you’ll end up at a “shell prompt” after connecting. Take some time to investigate. For now, stick to using “info,” “help” or “man” (for manual) commands to learn about your environment. You’ll know you’re at a shell prompt immediately. It may look something like this (But, there’s no mistaking it for a menu!)

/home/user/public_html >_

Practice with the skills you’ve gained so far. You’ll find, with time that they will become second nature. Of course, we’re only part of the way there now, but, as this article is a “Beginning,” you have accomplished your goal.

Remember, with practice and patience, you can learn a thing or two about Linux as you explore your new environment. Be cautious, but have fun. It’s one of the best ways to learn!

“Ease Of Use” in managing your website will take on a new meaning for you as we continue. Hopefully, it has already!

If you’re already slightly farther ahead in the game, or would simply like to take some steps to get your existing, or in-progress site notices, my website might be worth your while to check out.
But, that may be for later.

Mike Tremell – (c) 2007

If you have any questions about this article, or you’d like to be kept informed of updates to this series, please feel free to email me and I will include you in a mailing to announce future updates. Please also note that I respect your privacy and your email will not be resold or used for any other purpose; I do not send out unsolicited email or do any bulk email marketing.

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The Benefits of Linux Dedicated Servers
By James Koh

Money is one of the most important factors for anyone who is considering to use a dedicated web server host regardless of the scale of business they own. Cash is the utmost determinant of all businesses. The best Linux dedicated server statistical distributions no not require any amount of money which gives an advantage over separate licences for each and every software package that Microsoft introduce. Thereby, you can invest your budget on the hardware which forms the backbone of your project.

One of the better things that you need to know about is that of course, trustworthy and safety are really well documented when talking about Linux servers, and this is really one of the more important things you need to talk about when concerning finding out as much as you can on the benefits of the Linux server. They are well known to be running for months on end, giving reliable performance without any need for maintenance at all.

When you are talking about normal servers that run on popular servers or even talking about coded software, one thing you need to realise, when you are talking about comparisons is that Linux always runs for much longer then any others, and this is one of the main reasons that you should think about when you are talking about being able to get something that will stand the test of time. For someone who uses their computer at home, and uses a in house server, an occasional crash and a need to reboot is something that is not much of a big deal for them, and what you need to understand is that when you are talking about someone who is running a business online, this can be catastrophic and they could lose thousands and thousands of dollars on a single day when their website is not up.

Sometimes, they route the problem by having a ghost server running an exact duplicate of their website on the same server but with a different backbone, but what if the main webhost and all its pipelines are affected, and if your ghost secure server is built on the same backbone, what you need to think about is that there could be a universal crash and all the data that is inside might actually disappear together with any transactions or any financial information as well and this is really important. So you really need a server that is really reliable, able to actually give some security to the customers on your e-commerce site.

This is why you need to think about why you should be using a Linux server. One of the things that you need to also know is that the Linux server is able to actually communicate with a host of operating systems with some really good ease, and this is actually an advantage when you need to connect the server with other platforms to form a network where complementary businesses can actually operate.

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Linux Web Hosting – Know What Makes it So Acceptable
By Anand Maheshwari

When you figure out the requirement to form a website, you will also have to zero out which web hosting firm to select. There are several platforms which you are open to make your pick from. The most famous amongst them is Linux Web Hosting. Linux hosting is taken to be as an alternate for making use of technology based on Microsoft Windows for working a website. Linux, an open source system was designed subsequent to Unix. This suggests that Linux is absolutely free, which a factor is considered by some people while making a choice. Apart from being free, it is also taken as extremely steady even in between long-lasting multitasking. Its flexibility, portability as well as power make it more credible in usage.

Other factor which contributes in making Linux Web Hosting a hit among the users is that the distribution cost is very small. With this you also avail free applications to assist the server run swiftly and consistently. Some of these applications you will also very well acquainted with such as HTTP server, File Server, FTP, DNS server among various others. With the technology of PHP, it is able to produce web pages having dynamic content and is also visually attractive. Such pages can change in terms of appearance as well as content. This is mainly keeping in consideration the interest of the person watching it has to so something like getting a form filled. Another most important advantage that plays a crucial role is that it is extremely easy in terms of its scalability. The provider of Linux based services offers practically a website, small as well as large as per your needs.

The system of data base which is used by Linux web hosts for varied websites is MySQL. Python, the programming language that is much valued by the programmers is also used in Linux hosting. It is comparatively refined and at the same time is very simple to learn too. It often makes use of words commonly used in English unlike other programming languages which make use of symbols.

It also renders you with the flexibility to make alterations and check them instantly without even making those changes everlasting. Extensible Markup Language, abbreviated as, XML is another technology made use by the Linux Web hosting. It is an extremely flexible way of regulating the information that contributes in formation of a website. With HTML, the previous system that was used every information piece was marked mainly for manifestation. With XML, this phenomenon has undergone a change and now you can use any kind of marker that pleases you. The owner of the website can now manage the website in their own way with XML. With Linux web hosting you can own all these benefits and mould them according to your needs.

Anand is a webmaster for Web Hosting India visit: hosting.b4uindia.com

How You Can Get Cheap Dedicated Hosting
By Erik Lenisen

Cheap dedicated hosting is provided by a number of web hosting companies throughout the US and Canada as well as Europe and Asia. It doesn’t matter where your hosting company is located from a technical point of view, other than that fact that you may want to deal in your own currency. So if you are in the US or Canada, it is easy to work seamlessly in the same language.

There are other issues, however that may dictate which web company you may want to use for dedicated hosting. Besides language and currency, other considerations should be support for your particular needs. Some companies offer far fewer options to get help when it’s needed. Choosing a competent but cheap dedicated hosting provider need not be complicated as long as you are comfortable with the operating system and the control panel.

International web host providers located outside of the US can provide an inexpensive alternative, but, and there is always a but, it may require far more effort on your part to get all the features you need for your site. In addition, the laws in each country vary and the effort and time needed to clarify any misunderstanding may not be worth the effort. The amount of time you spend may cost more than if you were using someone in your own country.

Cheap dedicated hosting then becomes a matter of bandwidth, support, reliability and cost. Finding the cheapest within your country’s jurisdiction becomes a matter of research. Using a package that allows for hardware replacement in a short time, or not concerned whether the servers are Linux or Windows can make the cost also come down.

The solution for your business, particularly if you require the website to be operating with 100% uptime, may be a dedicated hosting package that is not the absolute lowest cost. If you have to sacrifice service for a few dollars, then when all is said and done, it may not be the most prudent move to go with a lowest bid. Instead, you would be better off taking advantage of the promotional offers made by the web host provider.

Most providers offer a variety of managed hosting services, from Windows 2000 or even Windows 2003, and dedicated servers at a low enough cost, with good customer support to compete with any of the shared host providers. The value of a cheap dedicated hosting company is further enhanced when you take in the fact that there is generally no need to add costly upgrades, everything is within your control.

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Six Steps to a More Secure Linux Server
By Christopher Pace

I’ve worked as a remote Linux System Administrator for quite a while, and one thing that I’ve noticed is that many “administrators” out there don’t know how to configure or secure a server properly. This article is a quick reference on some of the more important (and easy) security or configuration tweaks that any administrator should do for their server. These six steps can dramatically increase the security and stability of any Linux server. The best part about these tips, is that they are all quick and easy to do as well, with each step taking less than 15 minutes!

1.) Security Updates Not Installed
Nearly every server that I work on is not running the latest (and most secure) software. Yes, Linux is a great Operating System- but all software has security problems. Enabling the installation of automatic updates via a cron script or similar is the easiest and most foolproof way to ensure that your server isn’t compromised. There really isn’t any excuse not to install the latest security updates- older packages are saved in the package archives in case there is a stability or compatibility issue, and the updated packages are logged as they are updated.

2.) Disable root login via SSH, and password authentication
Admittedly, I’ve been guilty of this myself sometimes. Let’s face it, everyone likes being able to quickly and easily log into their servers, and change settings. However, if you’re using password authentication, what’s to keep someone else from logging into your server? In addition, you should not use password authentication on your Linux server, to prevent others from logging into your Linux server. Instead, enable RSA signed authorization keys. This is more secure, since an attacker will not be able to guess or brute force a login session with your server.

3.) Disable or filter extra services
This is the second biggest issue that I see working with new client’s servers. Often, the system administrator who setup their Linux server did not perform a necessary final step- filter incoming connections that aren’t necessary. I’ve seen everything from the daytime service running, to MySQL listening for connections on a remote IP. If a Linux administrator is not familiar with iptables, there are several tutorials out there that will show someone how to create even a basic firewall ruleset. In addition, disabling unnecessary services is a basic step in server optimization as well- why run extra services that tie up resources if they aren’t needed?

4.) Test accounts or guest accounts still active
Another glaring security issue (and an often exploited one) is that a client will still have test user accounts running (often with extremely easy passwords, such as test) once a software solution is deployed to a production server. I don’t need to go into the security ramifications with this one- make sure that you get rid of those guest or test accounts!

5.) Advertising banners left on
We all love advertising, don’t we? However, advertising to the world that the version of Apache or Sendmail that you run on your Linux server is 3 years old is not the type of attention that you want. Simply disabling the server banners will help hide your server from the basic script-dependent attackers. Besides, why help the bad guys determine what software your server is running?

6.) PHP errors or application errors
I’m pretty confident that we have all seen an error or two displayed on a website. Some errors that are displayed are not a security issue at all, for instance Javascript errors. However, some errors are security issues (PHP is particularly bad with this), because they disclose sensitive information. The easiest way around this is to disable displaying errors in PHP (or your web applications). Otherwise, an attacker may be given information about your website’s database details, or file locations.

These issues are the top 6 security issues that I see on a daily basis in my work. You can all check your server or servers for these quick issues (these tips take almost no time at all), and dramatically increase the security of your server. However, if you have any problems implementing these security steps, please feel free to contact me.

Christopher J. Pace is a freelance Linux consultant who has worked with Linux since 2001. He provides remote Linux consulting services for Linux servers.

Host Your Webpage Using Your Own Computer
By David Nies

There are many web hosting companies available willing to host your website for various monthly fees. Most of these fees are based on bandwidth usage, storage usage and anything else they can think of to add on fees.

Each company offers similar packages which include add-ons like support for programming languages such as PHP, ASP, Perl, database support such as MySQL or even a shopping cart for those of you interested in selling items from your website. If you have a need there is probably a company able to meet it for you and if not you may have just found yourself a business opportunity.

Don’t want to to pay the fees? Then I have a possible solution for you and I say possible because it will take a little patience to set everything up but if you’re willing I’ll show you how to setup your own computer to host your webpage yourself for free. Well not actually free you will still have to pay for the electric and your time to set it up but pretty close to free.

In order for you computer to act as a server it needs to be setup like one. And this is How. Every computer running Windows probably has a built in server that just needs to be started but I prefer using Apache Web server. Don’t panic it is also free.

Many of you may have read or heard how difficult it is to setup Apache server on your computer and not to discount those unfortunate soles in any way but there is a much easier way to install Apache along with several other items that may come in handy as your knowledge increases. (MySql, PHP, phpMyAdmin, Filezilla FTP Server, and Mercury Mail Transport System). Now all of these additional programs are beyond the scope of this article but I wanted to at least mention them.

Sound scary? Take some deep breaths or maybe count to 10 because it’s really not that bad. Okay here we go!

Setting up the Apache Web Server On your computer!

Apache is an open source software that is free for everyone to use and the best place I’ve found for downloading the program is ApacheFriends.org.

Apache Friends have an installation package available for download that takes all the headaches out of the setup process and pretty much does it all for you. To get started click on the link below and download (based on your computer’s operating system) the right version of what is called ? XAMPP

They have a download for Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and Solaris. I downloaded and setup the installation package for windows so there might be some differences between my version and the one you will need however there is instructions available for each platform.

To get the ball rolling create a folder on your C drive called x or maybe xampp. x is shorter and to the point so I’ll use that. Now we need to double click the xampp installation package that we previously downloaded. The program start and ask you to select your language, once selected click next and then you’ll be prompted to enter in the path or location of the folder we previously setup.( “c:\x”) then click next. Here you will be prompted to create an icon on the desktop etc.

At the bottom of this screen the software will provide options for installation. You can install either or all of Apache, MySQL, and Fileszilla. I selected all of them and then clicked install but you begin with only setting up Apache if you like. At this point you will see the software begin to install and once it’s finished you will receive a message stating “Installation Complete” and a popup box asking if you would like to start the Xampp Control Panel now? Click yes.

Xampp Control Panel should now open and if we look at it we can see that Apache has the word “Running” beside it. MySQL and Fileszilla will to if you installed them as well. If the word “Running” is not there you can click on the button labeled start beside each one to get them running.

Once these are running you should be able to open your web browser and type http: //localhost/xampp/splash.php to see a page that was created through the installation process. Feel free to explore the different information that is available by selecting your language.

Now your all setup and rolling right? Okay maybe not yet.Where do we put the web pages we have created?

If you navigate to your C: drive and then locate and open the folder we called x you will see several folders along with a number of files. For now we are going to be interested in the folder called “htdocs” this is where you will keep the index.htm or start page. If an index file already exists then rename it for now and then open up notepad and type the following.

THIS ACTUALLY WORKED!

Then save it as index.htm or index.html file. Now let’s try out our new web server by opening up your web browser and typing in http: //localhost/index.htm, http: //localhost/index.html or just type in http: //127.0.0.1 which is sort of an alis for your computers home ip address. If the words above in bold displays then it’s working and your all set.

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