What is CGI?
The Common Gateway Interface, CGI, permits interactivity between a browser and Web
host. Using CGI, a Web page can allow visitors to run a program on the server that
performs a specified task. One of the simplest CGI tasks is to submit a form collecting information that the visitor supplies.
What is the difference between having CGI forms and CGI access?
Web servers commonly have CGI processing available, however a personal account will often deny access
to the CGI directory. Sometimes, rather than provide full CGI access, the hosting service provides the most popular CGI
forms, such as a boilerplate form for name and address submissions. With full CGI access, you can upload and customize your own CGI scripts. A working knowledge of CGI is needed. For more information on using CGI, read this
overview at WDVL. For free CGI scripts you can use, browse ScriptSearch.
What is multi-homing?
When the same Web site can be the home for more than one domain name.
What should I expect from design services?
Many web host companies maintain a staff of designers who can help with web site
development. Design services can cover anything from changing the layout of an HTML
page to creation of a logo. For advanced design services, you should look in the The List of Web Designers.
Why would I need Real server?
It is software to allow streaming of audio and video using the Real Networks format. You
would need this if you plan to serve Real Audio streams from your Web site.
Why would I care if the host uses NT server?
You should choose a host with NT running if the person who will maintain your Web site is most comfortable with the
Microsoft environment. An NT Server is often used to run a site with Active Server Pages (ASP).
What would I care if the host uses Unix servers?
You would want to choose a Unix host if the person who will
maintain your Web site is most comfortable in this environment or if you choose to use
Web content systems that require Unix, such as PHP. Here, Unix refers to any of the servers that use the Unix protocols for its operating system. Apache, Solaris,
BSD, HP-UX, AIX and Linux are all Unix servers. They share the same general operating commands.
What is MS FrontPage?
Microsoft FrontPage is a web-editing tool. To make full use of its features, your host
must have special software known as the FrontPage Server Extensions installed. It is
possible to maintain a Web site using FrontPage if the server does not have these
extensions available, however, you will lose access to FrontPage features like "publish to
Web" and WebBots.
What is meant by database support?
There are a number of database choices used on Web sites usually running SQL. MySQL is the most popular
option.
What is meant by domain name registration?
This means that the Web host will handle the domain name registration process for you.
When a domain name is registered, the registrar (Network Solutions, Register.com, etc),
needs to know which Web server IP address should be recorded in the DNS record and
the technical contact for that server. Your Web host provider must be the source for this
information and so it can be more convenient to let them handle all phases of the
registration process. To be sure you have control over the name, you should ensure that
the domain name registration indicates you are the administrative and billing contact.
What is chat software?
One of the many different programs available to have real-time discussions. It requires
server software that would be called from the Web page. To use Chat software, there
must be at least two users connected at the same time ready to exchange messages.
This is different than Message Board software which is not a real-time program.
What is message board software?
A program that allows visitors to post messages that are displayed so others who visit at a
later time can respond. The most popular programs being offered are Ultimate Bulletin
Board (UBBS) and Vbulletin.
What is credit card processing?
A website that wants to accept credit-card orders over the Internet needs to have the
transactions processed to verify the card number and begin funds transfer. Some
Web hosts can manage some of this process for their customers. See The Ecommerce-Guide for an
over of online payment process.
What is the difference between traffic logs and traffic reports?
Web servers make a record of every file download, recording the time and IP address of
each visitor. The file that contains this information is a traffic log and it is generally kept
as a daily log file on a server directory that is separate from the web site.
Because the traffic log file is a long series of numbers, it must be
processed by log analysis software in order to generate something that is coherent. This is
a traffic report. If you use a host that provides traffic logs but does not provide
traffic reports, you will
need to obtain software that will generate reports. If your host does not provide
either logs or reports, you can install The
Counter, a program that will send reports directly to you. To learn more about log files,
see WDVL.
What is DNS and why would I want to host it or park it?
DNS stands for Domain Name Server. It is the global system Web browsers use to find
Web sites. The DNS entry lists the IP address for every domain name. A web site
can not be found unless its domain name is properly registered in the
DNS system. When DNS is hosted, it indicates that the domain name is pointing to the
correct Web site. When DNS is parked, it is considered a temporary spot to point the
domain name until the finished Web site is ready.
What is email forwarding?
The automatic transfer of email sent to an address you specify. A Web master uses this so
his or her personal email address is not revealed to the public. For example, you would
have email addressed to sales@mysite.com forwarded to john.doe@isp.com.
What is an email auto responder?
A message is sent in reply to an incoming message. You would use this if you want to
give an acknowledgement to visitors of your site that their email was received.
What is email list processing?
This is used to send out newsletters or announcements to a list of email names. As the
owner of the Web site, you would collect your own names and then use the list processor
when you wanted to send an email to everyone on the list.
What is email POP SMTP processing?
This is full-service email account hosting. It requires that the DNS for email is properly
configured to receive incoming email (POP); storage is reserved for incoming email and
access accounts are maintained. It would generally be used as an alternative to email
forwarding at a web site. You would want this service if your Web site represented your
main business and you would use this account for your primary email account.
What is shell telnet access?
Allows the use of Unix commands to maintain a web site. You would be able to use a
telnet program to access the system command prompt and then use shell commands.
The alternative for Unix accounts is FTP, in which you use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) software to
send files to the server. This does not apply to NT or Microsoft Front Page hosting.
What is meant by redundant Internet?
This indicates your host has a backup connection to the Internet in case the primary
connection goes down.
How should I evaluate a money back guarantee?
A money back guarantee may mean you get a refund on the current month's service or for a period when the Web site
was not available. However, depending on what is written in the service contract, the
guarantee may not include the return of your setup fees.
What are daily site backups?
The web host will make a copy of the files on the server every night. The extent to
which you can use this backup should be defined by your contract. A dedicated hosting
contract with daily site backups may specify that the backups are stored to tapes or CD's
which are set aside in an archive. These copies may be available for shipping to your
location, if you request it. If your contract does not cover site backup, you may need to
pay a service charge to gain access to the backup.
What is meant by adult content allowed?
Some hosting companies will not allow their systems to be used to host adult-oriented content
What is meant by resellable space?
A reseller of web hosting space could provide their own hosting services to others if this
practice is allowed. Someone who resells space would probably also provide a certain
amount of Web management services, such as page updates.
What is VPN Suppport?
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. It is used by corporations to provide access
to their servers that is limited to only approved users.
What is a Class C network?
InterNIC sets standard for the service networks who can assign Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to
individual host machines, such as Web and email servers. In establishing these criteria, it
uses a system of three network classes, A, B and C. The Class C networks are the most advanced,
with control over the greatest number of IP addresses. Therefore, they have the most flexibility
in assigning addresses to unique hosts. This would be important to a company that runs many web sites.
What is a backbone provider?
The Internet backbone is a web of high-speed telecommunications lines that allows
traffic to pass freely from one NAP (Network Access Point) to another. In a sense, it is
the super-highway of the Internet; data moves much more quickly when it is on the backbonoe than
when it is off the backbone and traveling through local switches.
A Web site host that has its own backbone NAP or has direct
access to one should provide better performance than a host which must pass through
many switches before it reaches the backbone. In evaluating how important this is to you,
consider the distance in which you expect your Web site traffic to pass. If most of your
traffic is near your web host's location, this should not matter at all. If you want good performance around
the globe, then this is a consideration.
What is in a cage at a colocation facility?
Cages are secure spaces where server and telecommunications equipment can be kept under lock and key.
Frequently Asked Questions About Web Hosting
