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A Comprehensive Guide to Web Hosting Transfers

DN — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:11:26 +0000

Web hosting transfers are the topic of many tutorials and guides, however none of them seem to cover all of the aspects of performing a transfer successfully. The following information can help you complete your next web hosting transfer with minimal problems.

Choosing the Right Host

Choosing the right hosting provider is essential towards the success and ease of your web hosting transfer. Some web hosting providers will charge transfer fees and have certain prerequisites that must be met before the transfer can take place. Try to find a web host that is “transfer friendly” and provides assistance with web hosting transfers.

Preparing for the Transfer

The next step is gathering all of the necessary information to facilitate a smooth transition. If you are reading this guide, then you have already begun this process. The most important attribute you can have before your web hosting transfer is confidence. You’ll need to be certain of your actions to avoid unnecessary mistakes and mishaps such as data loss.

Backing Up All Data

It is extremely important to backup all data before executing the transfer. In fact, this is perhaps the most important step involved with the web hosting transfer, as it ultimately determines whether or not you will be crippled by data loss.

It is imperative to create a full backup of your web server and to place this backup onto a disc or some other form of external media like a hard drive. This way, your websites’ files are protected, even if your computer gets a virus or is damaged or stolen.

Restoring the Site

After you have made a backup, it is time to restore this information on the new web server. It is important to note that you should not restore the information until you have examined the reliability of your new web hosting account. Restoring the site will be as simple as using the integrated backup utility in your control panel, or using an FTP client to upload all of the files.

Transferring DNS Servers

Once all data has been transferred to the new web server, it is time to point your domain to the proper DNS server so that it will pull information from the new web server instead of the old one. This can be done within your domain name registrar account, in a section called “Transfer Domains.” After you have completed this step, you will have finished the web hosting transfer process.

Disabling the Old Account

Now that the transfer is complete, it is time to disable the old web hosting account and cancel the plan. It is important to make sure your new web hosting is reliable and fully functional before canceling your old plan. This is especially true if you are purchasing the new plan in hopes of a more reliable web hosting service, as you don’t want to pay more and go through the hassle of a full web hosting transfer if the service and uptime will be mediocre.

Original: A Comprehensive Guide to Web Hosting Transfers

Detailed Instructions for Web Hosting Transfers

DN — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:10:55 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

If you are looking for a step-by-step guide to transferring web hosts, the following information will help you perform your next web hosting transfer with ease.

Selecting a Good Web Host

Selecting the right web hosting provider is absolutely crucial towards the ease and convenience of your web hosting transfer. Many web hosts have specific terms and conditions that apply to transfers, and some may even charge a fee for transferring a domain form one hosting account to another. It is important that you are familiar with the terms and conditions of prospective hosting providers before initiating a web hosting transfer with them. In other words, be sure to read the fine print and ask pointed questions if necessary.

Learning about Web Hosting Transfers

It is important to make sure you understand any web hosting process before beginning, as any mistakes could result in data loss or other mishaps. By building your knowledge base, you can prevent costly accidents from crippling your website.

Making Server Backups

Once you are ready to purchase a new hosting plan, it is time to backup your entire web server for maximum security. The number one fear associated with performing a web hosting transfer is data loss. This is understandable, especially if you have put a lot of hard work into the development of your site. Creating redundant backups using an FTP client is the best way to prevent such an occurrence.

Transferring the Data

Although transferring data from one web server to another is the most important part of the transfer, it is also the simplest. The truth is, you are not transferring information at all! You are simply uploading it from your computer (since you have already downloaded it from the web server using an FTP client). Thus, restoring the data is as simple as uploading a large folder to your server through an FTP account. If you are having trouble setting up and using an FTP client, you can contact your hosting provider, and they should be able to walk you through the process.

Redirecting the DNS Servers

The final step in the process, after all data has been uploaded to the new web server, is to redirect the DNS servers associated with your domain to the new hosting account. This can be done by logging into your current domain name registrar account and navigating to the area designated for domain transfers. Here you can enter in the new address of the nameservers, which will be given to you by your new hosting provider.

Now your domain will be hosted by the new hosting account, which completes the entire web hosting transfer process. If you have trouble executing any of the above steps, you may want to contact your hosting provider for further assistance.

Original: Detailed Instructions for Web Hosting Transfers

Backing Up a Web Site for a Web Hosting Transfer

DN — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:10:26 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

Transferring your web site from one web host to another can be a difficult and confusing process. The practice of moving your web site’s information to a new hosting account is known as data migration, and it is actually quite common in the web hosting industry.

Fortunately, there are many ways to backup your site and perform a safe web hosting transfer without risking your site’s files, which may have taken months or years to accumulate. The first step in conducting a web hosting transfer is backing up your site files.

Why Do I Need to Backup My Files?

The answer to this question is actually quite simple – to ensure the continuity and survival of your web site. Web sites are basically databases of information that are stored on a web server. When these databases are transferred between servers, there exists the possibility that it could be damaged or lost forever. Thus, it is best to use backup utility to make a copy of your web site before transferring it to a new web server.

How Do I Backup My Files?

Backing up your site’s files is very simple, and it can be done in a variety of ways, including using tools that are included in your web hosting control panel.

The easiest way to make a backup of your site is to use the integrated backup utility included in your control panel. The name of this application will differ depending upon the specific control panel that you are using. These applications can be used to schedule routine backups that take place automatically, or you can use them to make a single site backup.

If you do not want to use the integrated tool then you can use an FTP client to download all of your site’s files to your computer’s hard drive quickly and easily.

How Do I Restore the Files?

The process through which the files are restored will differ depending upon the method used to create the backup. If the backup was created using the tool within your control panel, then you will have to use a similar integrated application within your new control panel to restore it. However, if you downloaded all of your site’s files via FTP, then you can simply upload them all to your new web server at the same time. It is important to make sure all of your directories are properly organized before uploading your database backup to the new web server.

Most experts recommend using both an FTP client and a backup utility to create a double backup of your site before initiating a web hosting transfer. Even if you are not planning on conducting a web hosting transfer, it is still wise to create routine backups of your web site to ensure that all of your hard work is not lost in the event of a server crash or other web hosting mishap.

Original: Backing Up a Web Site for a Web Hosting Transfer

How to Perform a Web Hosting Transfer Without Downtime

DN — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:10:02 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

Most web site owners have to upgrade their hosting account sooner or later, as their site begins to grow, both in daily traffic levels and the amount of content contained within its pages. Unfortunately, many webmasters choose an unreliable hosting provider, and they find themselves having to change providers within a few months time.

There are several risks associated with web hosting transfers, including data loss and site downtime that can greatly impact the opinion and subsequent actions of your site visitors. Fortunately, the following information can help you minimize site downtime and keep your site visitors satisfied throughout the duration of the web hosting transfer.

Keep Your Current Hosting Plan

Most people make the unfortunate mistake of canceling their current hosting plan out of frustration, leaving their site out of commission until the new web hosting plan is purchased and active. Even if you are very disappointed with the level of service and reliability of your current host, DO NOT cancel your current plan until you are absolutely sure that your new hosting plan is completely functional.

Sometimes there are periods in which a hosting account is inactive until domain name transfers are finished and the DNS servers are pointing accurately, which could take a week to ten days in some cases. Having you old hosting account on standby will give you access to a web server that can host your site during the transfer.

Become Acquainted with Your New Web Hosting Plan

The next step in preventing downtime will be familiarizing yourself with the new control panel and hosting account. Ideally, you will want to choose a hosting account that uses the same control panel, not only to minimize the learning curve, but also to prevent any unnecessary mistakes that could be caused by lack of experience.

You may even want to host a small mini site in order to test the reliability of your new hosting account before moving your main web sites to the new server. After all, you don’t want to transfer your web site from one unreliable web host to another.

Make Comprehensive Backups

The final step in eliminating site downtime during hosting transfers is creating comprehensive redundant backup of all of your hosting files. This means downloading all of the files on your web server with an FTP client and then burning them to a disc or external hard drive. Even having the files on your computer is not considered safe, as a virus or hardware malfunction could cause the files to be lost permanently.

After you have created a comprehensive backup of the site, you can upload it to your new web server, while keeping your site hosted with the old hosting account. After you have uploaded the files to the new server, you can then point your DNS servers to the new hosting provider and complete the transfer process.

Most experts recommend making several backups of your site, as well as scheduling routine server backups to prevent site unnecessary site downtime in any situation.

Original: How to Perform a Web Hosting Transfer Without Downtime

A Review of Helm Control Panel

DN — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 06:13:08 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

The Helm control panel is one of the latest that resembles the Plesk control panel software. Since Plesk is such a popular control panel used by a number of web hosting providers, other control panels have attempted to mimic their graphical user interface and intertwine many features into their software to keep pace. For instance, Plesk contains a sidebar and window folder, Helm has a similar feature within the GUI.

Another example of this resemblance is the image and banner design. It is speculated that this helps new users to feel more comfortable with the software. Helm is a simple control panel with a strong relation to its user’s accounts. Some of the most navigable areas, which are found right on the front page of the control panel, can be accessed through:

• Wizards
• Settings
• Preferences

Although there is a lack of content on the index page, don’t let this fool you. There is plenty more to this control panel, you simply need to find it. This is one of the biggest drawbacks to using the Helm control panel. There is an abundance of unattractive icons which lead to undesirable functions. The major lack of easy navigation and difficulty in finding specific functions makes of a complicated interface.

To access the most useful information, users must learn to click on the registered domain name under My Domains. This will allow them to find all the major functions of the control panel they need. Once in this section, there are email accounts, databases, statistics, domain settings, FTP and backup functions. These need to be moved to an area which is easier to find.

There are also many additional services offered by Helm such as add-ons and scripts. Helm offers exactly what is needed by the basic user. Therefore, some users will love Helm and other will not fund enough functions. It still lacks the ability of creating blogs, applications and advanced website platforms with the click of a single mouse button.

Once again, Helm is a basic control panel offered to new and moderate users. There are more than enough features for those new to the website game. Webmasters looking for advanced features will not find useful and thus should steer clear of this control panel. As they continue to become more popular, they will be able to simplify specific actions and allow for more customization among its users.

Original: A Review of Helm Control Panel

A Review of Data Backup Solutions

DN — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:22:33 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

There are two types of data backup solutions, hardware and software. Hardware can be stored in a safe, secure location of your choosing. Backup hardware will perform at the highest standards, aside from environmental issues affecting the equipment. Having your hardware in a separate storage facility is not something all individuals are willing to do.

Software solutions can be utilized so long as your computer has access to the internet or a network. The internet is used as a medium to upload and download files to a secure storage facility. Although software packages fulfill basic networking needs, hardware can often be the best decision of the two.

Many professionals use different types of media when backup up their servers. Common media types include:

Tape
CD ROM
Floppy Disks
Flash Drives
External Hard Drives

Flash drives and external hard drives are the most economic and efficient of the listed removable media. Flash drives and external hard drives have much more storage space making them the most popular options. Floppy disks and CD-ROM’s can only be used when the file sizes are small.

The most popular method for backing up a server is remote access. With simply an internet connection, you can configure your server to upload backup files of the system as often as needed. Most choose the remote data storage option. In addition to the accessibility, backup files are sent to a secure location, safe from the elements. This tends to be more expensive but the security is unmatched.

At the same time, there are various software solutions available. Different companies offer different online backup packages for varying needs. Many save the data in multiple locations to confirm nothing is lost during a catastrophe.

Advantageous features include easy installation, affordable costs, unlimited backup and top-notch customer service. Keep in mind that there are also disadvantages found within different online data backup companies. Prior to choosing a provider, make sure to check what’s offered and what isn’t.

Simply choose which option is right for you and your business. Both selections have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Discuss different features and functions that are necessary and those that are not. Also review any potential catastrophic events that could disrupt normal business flow.

These decisions can be difficult. While the cheapest option may look attractive, in the long run it could result in massive data loss which will end up costing more. Therefore select the most balanced choice for the business.

Original: A Review of Data Backup Solutions

Melbourne Server Hosting Introduces Modern UltraVault Managed Backup Service

DN — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:20:32 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

Established in 2000 as a hosting provider and going on to be one of the leading hosting servers in the UK, Melbourne Server announced recently in Manchester, that they have collaborated with R1Soft, the founder of Continuous Data Protection for Linux and Windows, to power the latest UltraVault Managed Backup Service. Managing almost 2500 servers across the UK, Melbourne has decided to give its data backup solutions a more advanced boost. Though UltraVault has been around for quite some time now, the company upgraded its technical development by integrating R1Soft CDP which would prove to be an innovative, flexible as well as affordable for remote data backup. This system would serve both Windows and Linux platforms.

The integration of R1Soft into UltraVault means many beneficial data backup options, which would attract more clients, even those who have security issue fears. This is because the amalgamated technology will ensure multiple levels of offsite data protection, daily backups, hourly backups, open-file backups, live MySQL database backups and Continuous Data Protection. In case of any failed server problems, clients are now no longer worried as another feature called the Bare-Metal Disaster Recovery enables servers to later restore back all the data that has been placed on a disk backup. In this way, there are no tedious tasks of partitioning a drive or re-installing an operating system.

According to the Melbourne Managing Director, Daniel Keighron, the team wants to have an “off-the-shelf” data backup solution, which would convince the clients of a secured and managed server system. The clients would either get an already managed server system for use or they could merge their servers in the data center of the company. Either ways, they will be provided with state of the art data backup technology, which will ensure that data will not be lost.

If there are clients, who do not want fully managed servers but rather services of the UltraVault for their own servers, they can have it at a setup charge of £50 and a monthly fee of £5 per server. If they want per gigabyte protection, they can have that too at a mere £0.50 monthly per gigabyte. If however clients will take up already managed servers then there will be no setup for per-server fees. This leaves clients with a variety of options to choose from, but in any form, they can be guaranteed full secure data backup solution.

With the technical advancement in the IT world, each day more businesses are expanding their online endeavors. With each passing day, data is being gathered more and hence the need of secured data encourages companies like Melbourne to incorporate with other technologies and provide clients vast and attractive features at affordable prices.

Melbourne will always be getting priority technical support, licensing, discounts as well as access to business processes because of its association with R1 Soft. Melbourne will also enjoy high end access to the release of new software, new technologies of data backup and other related features.

For more information about UltraVault™, go to www.melbourne.co.uk/managed-services/backup-and-dr-services/ultravault-managed-backup.htm.

Original: Melbourne Server Hosting Introduces Modern UltraVault Managed Backup Service

Online File Storage: A Must for Photographers

DN — Tue, 11 May 2010 01:47:08 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

In this digital age, professional photographers can snap hundreds (if not thousands) of photographs in a single shoot and upload them instantly. Subsequently, utilizing an effective and secure backup method is imperative to protect your work. Here are just a few reasons professional photographers should backup their work:

* What you are selling clients is essentially irreplaceable, especially if the photos cover a once-in-a-lifetime even, such as a wedding. As a whole, lost pictures may be able to be recreated but they can never be replaced.
* The epigram known as Murphy’s law basically states that “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” When it comes to backups, your hard drive is less likely to crash if you have a backup in place – it’s not science, it’s just life!
* As a photographer, redundancy is your friend. Several layers of redundant copies will ensure no photo is lost.
* Hard drives crash all the time – more than 100,000 each week in the United States alone.

While most professional photographers have comprehensive backup methods in place, more often than not data loss occurs because they do not have an automated solution and they simply wait too long to perform a routine backup.

Online file storage provides an affordable and secure backup method and a myriad of benefits for professional photographers. First, online file storage can be automated so backups are automatically made as soon as new photos are uploaded to your computer (incremental backups ensure just the new photos and/or new changes are backed up). You can also setup automated backup schedules so backups are automatically made monthly, weekly, daily, or even hourly, depending on your preference. Secondly, online file storage provides remote, offsite storage of backups – something that manual backups do not offer. Let’s say a photographer makes multiple backups using external media (such as CD’s, external hard drives, etc.) and keeps the backups in their office along with the originals. Theft or a fire could render the backups useless. In addition, what if they live in an area prone to natural disasters? Online file storage offers secure storage hundreds of miles away and can keep your priceless photos safe and secure.

Original: Online File Storage: A Must for Photographers

Mozy Restore Tips

DN — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:40:39 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

With more than one million customers around the globe, Mozy has become one of the most trusted and widely used online backup service providers in the world. The company offers a rich suite of backup solutions designed for home and business users and easy restore options in the event any original files are damaged or destroyed. While you hopefully never have to worry about restoring files, it is a good idea to know the basic process of doing so just in case disaster strikes and you need to quickly restore business-critical files.

* The Restore Tab – Data can easily be restored through the Restore tab in the MozyHome configuration window. Simply right-click the Mozy icon in the lower right corner of your computer’s system tray, select “configure” or “status,” and then click the Restore tab. You’ll need to select the date(s) of the backups you want to restore, the files you want to restore, and where you want to upload the restored files.

* DVD Restore – When you copy your files to a DVD, it contains a copy of the directory structure that was backed up to the servers; that way, your files are in the same location on the DVD as they were on your hard drive. To restore using a DVD, simply insert it into your computer and double-click on your DVD drive. Browse and select the files you want to restore, right-click those files (they should be highlighted), and select “copy.” You will then be prompted to choose a location to upload the restored files to on your hard drive.

* Web Restore – Users can request a web restore in which Mozy sends an email containing a link to download their files. However, the files can only be downloaded once and must be done within seven days. Login to Mozy at https://mozy.com/login, select “my computers,” and then “restore files.” Again, you’ll be prompted to select which files you want to restore and the link to download them will be sent to you shortly.

Keep in mind these are just brief overviews of the Mozy restore process. If you have questions or require assistance in restoring your files through Mozy, visit the Mozy knowledge base and learn more about restoring data.

Original: Mozy Restore Tips

The Advantages of Online File Storage Over Conventional Backup Methods

DN — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:22:19 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

In the past few years, online file storage has given computer users a new and more reliable method to backup important and irreplaceable computer documents and files. If you’re still using CD’s, an external hard drive or another conventional backup method, here are just a few of the advantages of making the switch to online file storage.

Automated Storage – One of the biggest advantages to using online file storage is the automation it affords. When it comes to manual backup methods, they are just that: manual. Each and every backup made must be manually done, which can not only be cumbersome but time-consuming as well. Most online file storage services allow users to select which files or documents to backup and determines a routine schedule that prompts users to have their files backed up automatically.

Remote Storage – A major issue with conventional backup methods is the fact that the backups themselves are not stored in a secure, remote location. In fact, many backups are kept in the same vicinity as the originals, such as a residence or an office. In the event of a fire, natural disaster, or even theft, the backups would likely be damaged or destroyed in addition to the originals. Online file storage secures backups on multiple remote servers to ensure the protection of your data.

Affordability – While a single external hard drive may cost more than $100, most online file storage providers charge a low monthly fee (some with limited storage, others with unlimited). If cost is a hang-up for you, think of online backup as data insurance; you may (hopefully) never have to use it, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you ever do.

Easy Restoration – If you experience data loss, restoring your data with online file storage is quick and simple and typically can be done within a few hours (depending on your service provider).

Archiving – If you have a spreadsheet or text document that is frequently updated, archiving becomes an important feature since it allows you to access past versions of the same document. If you lost the latest version of the document due to a virus or human error, you could easily go back and retrieve a past version.

Encryption – Last but certainly not least, one of the biggest and most important features of online file storage over a conventional backup method is encryption. If you have high-sensitive or confidential information you’re backing up (think financial records), you want to make sure no one but you can access it. Using CDs and hard drives leaves such information vulnerable.

Original: The Advantages of Online File Storage Over Conventional Backup Methods