Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions that may need answering about Linux servers our FAQ section below may provide the answers. If not, submit your question to us via the link and we will contact you with an answer.
If you have any more questions submit a FAQ here or call us 0800 4584545.
What is dedicated Linux hosting?
Linux is a Unix-like operating system that was designed to provide personal computer users a free or very low-cost operating system comparable to traditional and usually more expensive Unix systems. Linux has a reputation as a very efficient and fast-performing system.
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What is Unix?
Unix is an operating system used by most service providers and universities.
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What is the difference between dedicated Linux hosting and windows?
Depending on which operating system to go with depends on your needs.
If you need to support Microsoft products such as ASP, MS Access, or VBScript, then Windows hosting would be better. Furthermore, if you are comfortable with IIS and do not have the time to understand how Unix works, Windows hosting would again be a better choice.
There are some things to remember.
First of all, just because you use Windows at home does not mean you should use Windows hosting. The two are completely different, and having a Windows system at home will not affect your ability to communicate with a Unix server.
Secondly, Linux is much more common with web hosts due to its superior stability and because it is free. Since it is free, Linux hosting is usually cheaper than Windows. Just because it’s free does not mean it’s not as good - Linux is an excellent product too.
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Should I opt for a Windows server or a Linux server?
If you specifically require ASP, IIS, MS SQL server or any other Microsoft products then you will probably want to opt for a Windows server.
Otherwise, Linux is a far more reliable, secure and economical solution. Administering a Linux system does requires some level of technical expertise.
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Logging into your new Linux control panel for the first time
1. Accept the digital certificate when navigating to the URL of your control panel.
2. Accept any cookies for the session.
3, Enter the username and password provided in your Welcome email.
*** Please note that navigating away from the front page at this stage will mean installation of server software will have to be done manually. We highly recommend you continue with the below instructions before looking around the control panel.
4. The first screen you will be presented with will be the 'Servers Configuration' section, this is where you can select what server software you want enabled on your server. We recommend installing all software unless you specifically know you don't want a particular piece of software.
5. Click 'Yes. Install Configure' - This process can take a while so please be patient, do not close the browser window until confirmation has been given that everything is installed. If you have chosen to install MySQL or PostgreSQL you will find the root password for MySQL and the PostgreSQL username and password in the section detailing the installation, please make a note of this otherwise you will be unable to manage MySQL or PostgreSQL.
6. When you have the option to 'Return to Main Page' at the bottom then installation has completed and you can now use your new Control Panel.
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Firewall software for Linux
Linux Firewall and Security Site
http://www.linux-firewall-tools.com/linux/
Firewall and Proxy Server HOWTO
http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/Firewall-HOWTO.html
Linux IP Masquerading Web Site
http://www.indyramp.com/masq/
Linux IP Masquerade HOWTO
http://mirrors.indyramp.com/ipmasq/ipmasq-HOWTO-1.82.html
Internet Firewalls: Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.interhack.net/pubs/fwfaq/
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How do I configure AWStats?
(Please read the "How do I configure IIS for my website?" FAQ before performing these actions)
1. First open IIS (Start Menu, Programs, Administrative Tools)
2. Expand the tree on the left pane to show the Web Site
3. Right click on the domain name eg test.com and select "Properties"
4. Select the "Documents" tab, check the list of default names for "default.pl" , if not listed click "Add" and enter default.pl
5. Click "OK" , then click "OK" again
6. On the Left Pane, right click on the domain name, select "New" then select "Virtual Directory"
7. The Virtual Directory Creation Wizard will be displayed, to continue click "Next"
8. For the Alias enter stats , click "Next"
9. For the Path browse to the D drive, awstats, cgi-bin folder. Once highlighted click "OK"
10. Select Read - Run Scripts - Execute , click "Next"
11. Click "Finish"
12. Another Virtual Directory is needed so right click on the domain name, select "New" then select "Virtual Directory"
13. The Virtual Directory Creation Wizard will be displayed, to continue click "Next"
8. For the Alias enter stats-icons , click "Next"
9. For the Path browse to the D drive, awstats, icons folder. Once highlighted click "OK"
10. Select Read , click "Next"
11. Click "Finish"
The server is configured to run the Awstats software nightly at 2am so please leave 24hours before expecting to see any logs displayed. To view the web stats (for test.com) go to the following :
http://test.com/stats/awstats.pl
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