If you are hosting a single website or are a home user, then you probably will have no need of any mail systems that are more complicated than a basic POP3 account. Many people even forgo POP3 accounts in favor of remotely accessible webmail accounts like those provided by Hotmail or Gmail. However, if you’re are running a business, a website and e-mail system that share a domain name relevant to your company’s name adds a certain level of professional prestige, not unlike a good business card. A dedicated mail system can also help you control organization-wide spam filters and security features, an ability that can be invaluable. If you’re company has multiple offices and divisions, then you may end up needing more sophisticated mail delivery systems like a Smart Host.

The goal of a Smart Host is to interface between a centralized mail domain server and multiple independent local mail servers that will be accessed by the relevant users. The idea is to maintain a single e-mail domain that can service multiple divisions. Imagine, for example, that in a couple of years GoodHost.org becomes a huge, multinational corporation with offices in many different companies. Each office will have its own Internet Service Provider (ISP). Ordinarily, any outgoing e-mail would have to use the ISP’s outgoing Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server rather than the centralized delivery service. The reason for this is that most ISPs make it impossible to relay outgoing messages from any IP address which they have not specifically assigned to one of their customers. The goal is to clamp down on spam or otherwise illicit messages being sent from unknown users.

Effectively, this means that each office would have to handle the security for their outgoing mail independently, making sure it isn’t hijacked by spammers, mass-mailer viruses or other exploiters. This can be cumbersome in a large organization. To overcome this difficulty, each office can be setup to send messages through the central SMTP server by relaying their messages through a secure server that authenticates the mail transactions. Such a server can also be used as a backup mail server as it can be configured to store any outgoing messages if, for any reasons, the primary outgoing server cannot be reached. The messages can then be relayed once the primary server’s operation has been restored.

Apart from being useful to homogeneous organizations, a Smart Host can be extremely useful to webhosts who handle the e-mail traffic of all domains they host. The backup system can be invaluable in its own right, but more importantly it can help cut down on spam generated by subscribers who have failed to properly secure their mail programs from hackers or viruses. This level of security can be effected by refusing to allow messages to be transmitted directly, making it possible to implement another level of filtering before mail is sent by requiring that the each message be authenticated and that each relay server will cater to only a predetermined customer list.

Tagged as: Hosting, mail servers, smart host, Webhosting

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I remember when Call of Duty 4 came out. The first time I saw the game was when my friend showed it to me. The game’s release coincided, not so miraculously, with the arrival of my friend’s new gaming rig. The game was simply jaw dropping at the time and it wasn’t long before a bunch of our friends had rented their own COD4 Server from a hosting service. The game, when it came out, was a bit of a memory hog and I know it held up a few would-be addicts from playing.

I know because I was one of them. I could barely get the game to run let alone log onto my buddies’ COD4 Server. Whether it was with Call of Duty or another game, pretty well any gamer has had a similar experience. What, you ask, does this have to do with hosting services? The answer is a new model for running games that being tested called OnLive. If it works, this new technology has the potential to radically change the way gaming software is distributed and used.

The key component of the new OnLive technology is a new data compression system that makes the whole system feasible. The idea is to make it possible to stream games they we already steam music and videos. The difference is that games, involving many dynamic variables and calculations needed to make them interactive, resist the same compression methods usually employed to stream other types of content. Video games consistently push the boundaries of available technology.

The idea behind OnLive is to offload the processing requirements of video games, which have until now always been handled by users’ local machines, onto a remote server. All the local machine has to handle and transmit is the input from the gamer to the server and then display the final output sent to the local machine by the server. This means that gamers can subscribe to the service and play the newest games without necessarily needing to keep their personal computers equipped with the latest hardware.

The idea to run server-side applications isn’t new. Many of the dynamic functions and applications we all use on a daily basis are handled and processed by remote servers. The breakthrough, in this case, really hinges on making it possible to effectively stream such large amounts of data so as to enable a seamless gaming experience.

Apparently, early tests of the system are very positive. What remains to be seen is whether or not the system can handle widespread use. The high demand in peak hours, the frenzy associated with new games, the usual Internet slowdowns and connection problems. Even running a relatively simple COD4 Server can be frustrating if you have connection problems, so it might be a while before all of the potential kinks are worked out of the new technology. For games that are played exclusively online, there is an obvious benefit even if the new technology can’t overcome all of the shortcomings of the Internet. While the advantage of being able to play games without constantly upgrading your system is clearly still an advantage, it may not be worth the hassle of having to make sure our Internet connection is up to par even when you want to play single-player games. Further, the benefit of saving on hardware upgrades is only really meaningful if the OnLive service offers an affordable subscription fee.

Tagged as: Call of Duty 4, Call of Duty 4 Server, COD4

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GoDaddy Coupon: “199DOMAIN“

I was just registering a new domain with GoDaddy, before doing so I was hunting around for some GoDaddy coupon codes.  I found one that gives you the price of $1.99 for the first year, so I thought I’d share it with my readers.  I registered a dot com domain for 2 years which would have cost me $9.99/yr, here’s the breakdown:

Standard Rate:
(1st Year) $9.99 + (2nd Year) $9.99 + (ICANN fee) $0.20 = $20.38

After applying the coupon I got the first year for $1.99 (the second year the price is the same).  I always like to go for the 2yr term, mostly out of laziness… but you don’t have to.  So here’s the breakdown after the coupon was applied:

After Coupon:
(1st Year) $1.99 + (2nd Year) $9.99 + (ICANN fee) $0.20 = $12.38

GoDaddy Coupon Code

Full Sized Image

How to apply the coupon:

1) Just go to the GoDaddy website and follow the normal procedure to purchase a domain name, once you get to the checkout you’ll see an input box for a promo code.

2) Enter the promo code “199DOMAIN” here and click “apply code”, you’ll see your purchase price reduced the same way mine was.

It shouldn’t be any more complicated than that, it worked for me!  Now go take the $8 you saved and treat yourself to lunch

As always there are some standard terms and conditions that apply, be sure to check them out - also, be sure that the price actually changes when you click “apply code” to verify that the promo is still in effect.

Tagged as: domain name, godaddy coupon, promo code

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Generally speaking, when we use the terms “host” or “hosting,” the concept implies the idea of sharing a resource between multiple users. In many cases it refers to a kind of online publishing, but there are many reason one might want what can be called a private file host.

File hosts are generally designed to make it possible to make files accessible to many users and there are a lot of free, publicly-accessible services out there. A private file host is generally used for secure storage and backups. Even when you’re using a free, public file hosting service, you can usually protect a resource so that it will only be accessible to the desired users, but there are cases when you’ll want to employ a more specialized organization that can provide more security.

You’ve probably heard that old saying that you shouldn’t keep all your eggs in one basket and the same wisdom applies to data. You shouldn’t keep all your important files on one disk or machine in case it malfunctions. Similarly, you shouldn’t keep all your backups in one location. If you’ve ever backed up your MA thesis onto a USB key and put it in the same bad as your laptop and then had your laptop stolen, then you’ll appreciate the wisdom of distributing copies of your files. Even if you haven’t suffered that particularly aggravating fate, you should learn by its example.

One solution is to backup your files onto a disk and then physically transport that device to a different, ideally secure, location. This is a practice used by many individuals and small business. This can, however, be a hassle. Transporting storage devices makes them prone to being lost or damaged and, if you’re running a small business out of your home, then options for alternate storage locations are limited.

A private file host provides a way to establish safe, secure, off-site file backup. For many businesses these days, electronic records are the norm. For the sake of efficiency, on-site servers are necessary, but these can be setup to upload data to remote servers. The data can be overwritten and update every time or, depending on the service, data can be sequentially archived. An added feature of this type of service is that, depending on cost, professional storage packages often guarantee the security of files and will employ redundant servers to this end. They’ll take care of all the infrastructure maintenance so that you don’t have to.

Online data storage services are also invaluable tools for organizations that require representatives to travel. If all your business is done in one place, then establishing an off-site storage facility is relatively easy. If the members of an organization work remotely but collaborate on projects or draw on a common pool of data in order to run different projects, a centralized, online file server that is remotely accessible can be invaluable.

Tagged as: file host, file hosts, Hosting, hosts, secure storage

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Interested in FatCow web hosting?

FatCow offers web hosting with unlimited domain hosting,  1500 GB of monthly bandwidth, Unlimited POP emails - all for an affordable price.  Now with this FatCow $10 Off Coupon you can get it all for $78/year.

That’s not all- you also get web site building tools, an $80 marketing bonus, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.  Not convinced? then go visit the FatCow website and get your information right from the horse’s cow’s mouth!

Tagged as: bonus, fatcow, fatcow hosting coupon, web hosting coupon

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Host Hardening is exactly what it sounds like: the systematic strengthening of a host’s position with respect to potential security threats. To put in slightly militaristic terms, hardening is what you do when you’re digging in because you intend to be there for a while and you expect outside “interest.”

Hardening is necessary because all security systems have weaknesses. That, you might think, is what antivirus, firewall and intrusion-detection systems are for, and you’d be right. All of these things are a part of the host hardening process, but there is more to it than that. Host hardening involves a greater level of complexity than simply installing protection systems.

The fact is that pirates (excuse the dramatic term) and hackers get through security systems all the time and this fact seems mystifying given all the lengths people go through to protect themselves. What’s going wrong? Antivirus programs, firewalls and intrusion detection systems all work by looking for things they’ve seen before, or things that are similar to things they’ve seen before. A system can be impenetrable to all known threats, but all it takes is one new one and the jig is up, as they say.

Additionally, security is made difficult by the fact that we all want everything to work whenever we want it, with no effort. Computer systems, even server systems, come with all kinds of features and services that are ready-to go out of the box. Our computers are now so powerful, and our storage capacity is so large, that we can have all kinds of extra things going on, so systems are designed to cater to a huge range of “common” uses and computing profiles. The end result is that most of our systems are running all kinds of technology we barely understand that creates potential weak points for our security systems. An intrusion detection system won’t stop access that is normal for a given piece of software, but that software might, in normal usage, give access to a part of the system that should have been cut off from outside access.

Steps in the typical hardening process (aside from the typical firewall, intrusion detection steps) are systematically disabling all the services that are not specifically needed to do what you want to do. If you have any piece of software that isn’t specifically required, eliminate it from you system. Any communication protocol that isn’t necessary, disable it. Files that don’t need to be altered should be read only. Users that don’t need access shouldn’t have access. Any services that can be performed by a more secure piece of software should be replaced. The idea is to remove any back door to your system that might be exploited using legitimate software.

The extra benefit of hardening a system in this way is that it will be much more efficient and streamlined. There will be less potential for conflicts and errors. That is, of course, if it is done properly. To successfully harden a system you really have to know what you’re doing. You need to know how all the features you want to use work and make sure you don’t disable anything that is required. Many companies prefer to hire professional host hardening services to make proper analyses of their practices and act appropriately.

Tagged as: firewall, firewalls, host, Hosting, hosts, intrusion detection system, security systems, security threats, servers

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If you’re thinking about signing up for Just Host hosting services, look no further as we’ve found a 20% discount for you on the 12 and 24 month plans.  Just click the link below to get the rebate:

20% OFF Just Host

(must have cookies enabled)

• FREE Domain Name For Life
• FREE SiteBuilder with Templates
• FREE e-Commerce Shopping Carts
• FREE $25 Google Ad Credits
• FREE $25 Yahoo Ad Credits
• FREE $25 MIVA Ad Credits
• #1 Control Panel - cPanel
• Anytime Money Back Guarantee
• Instant Setup!

If you’re looking for more information, you can check out our Just Host Review.  This is a great deal for a good hosting company, take advantage while its still available!  Enjoy!

Tagged as: coupons, discount coupon, host, Hosting, hosting services, hosts, Just Host

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That’s right - Dreamhost is currently offering 2 years of free “unlimited” bandwidth/storage. All the bells and whistles are included in this deal, you even get free domain registration.

Too good to be true?

Well… not if you have a geocities account.  That’s the only catch with this offer, you have to have an active geocities account and you have to be one of the first 1000 customers to sign up for the offer.

Yahoo!, one of the first web hosting providers on the internet recently announced that they are shutting down their famous Geocities.  After 14 years of free hosting, Geocities is going the way of the Do-Do.  So Dreamhost has taken the opportunity to try to get an influx of Geocities customers, they’re offering 2 years of free hosting in the hopes that people will stay on and move to paid hosting after the 2 free years are over.  But 2 free years is still 2 free years

How does it work?

If you have a Geocities site, all you have to do is the following:

1. Modify your Geocities web page and post the words “I’m off to Dreamhost!”
2. Go sign-up for a Dreamhost account and use your Geocities URL as a coupon code

That’s it!  You are now set-up with 2 years of free Dreamhost hosting.

Enjoy!

Tagged as: coupon code, Dreamhost, Free Hosting, Geocities

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The term “dynamic virtual host” is a fairly simple concept that is surprisingly hard to describe. There are a few related ideas that will have to be explained first in order to create a clear picture of the concept.

One of the most economical forms of hosting for small-scale applications is virtual hosting, which is a deviation from the normal hosting setup. The Internet usually assumes that a given IP address represents a simple, isolated machine. In this ideal setup, every website on the Internet would require its own machine and its own IP address. Such a system would create two problems: each website would require a lot of hardware and each site would eat up an IP address. Virtual hosting consolidates the use of resources by making it possible for a single server, and often a single IP address, to maintain different domains and web sites.

On the server side of the operation, each machine is partitioned so that the data corresponding to multiple domains and websites are stored on one system. Sometimes the server operating system will associate each partition with a specific network adapter so that each domain will be able to have its own IP address (as in IP-based virtual hosting). An even cheaper method is to make each partition accessible through as single network adapter and IP address by having connection requests include the IP address and the hostname (name-based virtual hosting).

Traditionally, and in the most reliable setups, the IP address involved will be static, which is to say the machine always uses the same IP address. The difference in the case of a dynamic virtual host is that the server software used to maintain the system is designed to dynamically configure the necessary connections. The advantage of this kind of server implementation is that it will automatically assign IP address to resources that require them. This makes the setup process, in some ways, much simpler and it also allows different IP-based functions to be activated without restarting the server or manually entering IP addresses.

The difficulty is that, if you want to host webpages on such a server, the software will also need the capability to update a DNS server with the relevant IP addresses as they change and every time they change. Changes in the IP address assigned to a domain can potentially make resources difficult to find until DNS servers that have cached the old IP address are updated or reset.

The main advantage of a dynamic virtual host is that it simplifies the administration of servers that typically run many temporary IP-based applications that would otherwise each require complicated setup procedures. There is a certain plug-and-play quality to the functionality to a dynamically configured virtual host that makes them attractive in certain circumstances.

Tagged as: Dynamic Virtual Host, host, Hosting, hosts, IP Address, partitions, server side, server software, servers, virtual host

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