Website Hosting » FTP

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 Successfully Transfer Web Hosts

DN — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:38:16 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

While considered a nightmare experience for some website owners, transferring a website to a new web hosting provider doesn’t need to be a traumatic experience. Whether your website has outgrown the current web host or the provider fails to deliver on offering quality customer service or reputable network uptime, often it’s necessary to change hosts for a variety of different reasons. In order to make the process go smoother, consider the following steps for a hassle-free hosting transfer.

Planning and Preparation

It’s essential that you plan for the website transfer at least a month in advance. It’s recommend to transfer your site at least one month before terminating the existing web hosting plan. Depending on the old hosting provider and package, user terms and agreement varies, so it may be necessary to refer to the user agreement in regards to account termination. Once a termination date has been set, it’s time to choose a new host to transfer the website. Many web hosts even offer free domain transfers.

It’s vital for a successful transfer to choose a new host that can adequately support your web hosting needs. The same guiding factors that you used when selecting the existing web host should also serve as guidelines when opting for a new host including: price, network uptime and reliability, customer service, guarantees, and hosting features (disk storage space, bandwidth, e-mail accounts, FTP accounts, OS, and MySQL databases). The next step is to sign-up for an account with your new hosting provider. Typically, users are granted access to new accounts within 24 hours.

Backing Up Files and Organizing Directories

While waiting for the new account to be setup, it’s important to back up all of your files from the existing hosting provider. In addition to backing up HTML files, it’s also a good idea to backup database files, script files, and server logs. Consider creating a directory structure similar to that on the web server and download files intro the appropriate directories.

As soon as your new web hosting account has been established, you should receive an e-mail notification which includes information on how to set up the website using FTP. Once receiving the instructions, the next step is to create directory structures and then upload files to respective directories. Also, install any script files or databases required to support your website. Additionally, using the administration panel, setup all desired e-mail accounts. Now that all of the files have been uploaded and the necessary script files or databases installed, you can test the new site by clicking on the temporary URL included in the notification e-mail.

Redirecting DNS

After any last minute tweaking and fine tuning, the final step is to contact the current domain name registrar and request to change the existing DNS to be redirected to the new DNS. The DNS information can be found in the registration e-mail sent by the new hosting provider as well as accessing the control panel of the new web host. Usually, the change in DNS is reflected in 24-72 hours as well as being propagated through WHOIS servers. To ensure the DNS has been transferred successfully, try to access the home page by testing your domain name. Once the new home page appears, then the DNS has successfully been transferred. The final step in transferring web hosting providers is to terminate the existing web hosting account.

Although the thoughts of transferring a web host may seem overwhelming, however, with some careful planning to prevent downtime, the process doesn’t have to be a daunting task!

Original: How to Successfully Transfer Web Hosts

How to Build a Business Website

DN — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:42:27 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

One of the essential tools to market business is through your company’s website. You cannot imagine the amount of business that might turn up to your door through website you yourself will make, incurring no cost at all. It’s a matter of spending few hours on the web and learning how to make one without attending costly seminars, training sessions or outsourcing to it an unknown web designer who might charge you in thousands, when this work would cost you nothing if you get yourself involved in it.

First and the foremost, you need to have a grip over the following elements in order to proceed with it:

You need to decide on the domain name or the website address. E.g. www.abccapital.com. The cost of using this domain is minimal, no more than $10 a month.
You need to register with a domain hosting company that will manage your website and will keep it live at all times. Good domain companies generally charge $10 or less due to increased competition.
You need to install WordPress software in order to design your website and make it look creative and attractive to the readers. This software is available for free and can be downloaded from the WordPress’s website.
The basic template of the WordPress isn’t eye catching but you can download the WordPress themes as well. You will find free available themes but it’s advisable to use a theme called Genesis.

Once you have all the above set, you then need to follow the following steps in order to bring all the installations in use:

Domain name and web hosting

As a general psyche, people generally tend to use their company’s name as part of their website address. There’s no harm in doing so but sometimes the chosen domain name might have already been taken by someone else that leaves you to think of a creative web address for your website. However, you can check for the availability of a domain address by simply logging onto the internet.

Once you have chosen a domain name, you will then be required to register for web hosting. Many hosting companies offer good web hosting services for as low as $6.95/month.

WordPress

Once done with web hosting registration, you, then, need to install WordPress software. Next, you will install WordPress and will be asked for the website address that needs to be installed in WordPress. You can host more than one websites on the same server given that you have purchased multiple domains. Don’t forget to give your website a name, a user id and a password in the advanced options of WordPress. You should always remember your login credentials since you will be asked to enter them every time you logon to WordPress.

Once you have installed WordPress, you can then access your website. You will be viewing the website in a really general and a basic format that is definitely not catchy. However, you may purchase the premium themes other than the free themes available. Premium themes are very attractive and can be transformed later if you need to without costing you much. Genesis by StudioPress is generally the most advisable theme a business should look for because it’s available in multiple pre-designed templates and doesn’t cost you more than $100 if you are looking for a real professional outlook.

When applying the theme to your website, you first need to download it onto your PC as a zip file and then upload it onto your website. When uploading the theme, you first need to log in to the administration panel of WordPress. Enter your credentials and most importantly, don’t forget to add “wp-admin” right next to your web address e.g. www.abccapital.com/wp-admin. Select “Themes” from the list of icons appearing in the menu on left side of the screen after you are logged on to WordPress.

Once you have clicked on install, a screen will appear asking for connection information. The connection information is what WordPress needs to transfer the theme from your computer’s hard drive to the server at the web hosting company where you have your website. You now need to create a FTP account by logging on to your hosting website and selecting FTP accounts in cPanel. FTP, File Transfer Protocol, helps you upload, download and edit files between your webserver and computer. After creating a FTP account, you can upload multiple themes to your WordPress. Now when you have installed multiple themes, you have to specify the theme WordPress needs to use for your website by going to “Themes” under the tab “Appearances”. Click on the theme you want and activate it.

Your website is created and now you can easily upload all the images and text you want on your website.

Original: How to Build a Business Website

FileZilla – Understanding The FTP Monster

DN — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:59:23 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

For website owners that prefer a little more control and less effort when managing website files as compared to other online website building tools and file managers, many users opt for FTP options. FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a quick and easy method of transferring file(s) from one host to another via a TCP-based network, such as the online FTP program FileZilla. This process is efficient and saves users valuable time that would otherwise be spent plugging away at making manual updates to pages.

FileZilla, ranks the 7^th most popular FTP online program downloaded among users as of 2011. The program was introduced as a class project for a computer science course by three classmates in 2001. According to Wikipedia the program is an open source totally free cross-platform including the FileZilla Client and FileZilla Sever. For operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, binaries are readily available as well as supporting FTP, FTPS, and SFTP.

FileZilla Features

FileZilla offers users a plethora of advantages that makes editing, updating, and removing files quick and easy. Perhaps the most used tool is the site manager. This tool allows users to conveniently setup multiple FTP accounts storing individual account information such as port numbers, designated protocols, and the ability to configure anonymous or normal login information, storing login credentials for normal logon attempts. The site manager is a very effective tool for saving time without having to re-enter required information with each logon attempt.

Other useful tools include a directory comparison feature, message log, and viewable file, transfer queue and folder option. Additional benefits include available in many different languages, bookmarks, remote file editing, network configuration wizards, configurable transfer speed limits, and the ability to synchronize directory browsing also make FileZilla a poplar favorite FTP program.

Disadvantages of FileZilla

While it’s true that the pros outweigh the cons of FileZilla, there are a few worth mentioning. Scripting issues are a disadvantage when using FileZilla as scripts can’t be prompted from either internally or a common line. Also, older versions of the FTP program don’t run on Windows 9x/ME and the recent binary FileZilla version for Mac OS X v10.5 requires ‘Leopard’ compilation.

Timestamps are another disadvantage of FileZilla in that the FTP mode date/timestamps can only be retained if the server supports MFMT command. It’s important to note, however, that the most recent versions of FileZilla do support timestamps.

Conclusion

Although many users truly appreciate all of the bells and whistles that FileZilla has to offer to make the task of managing a website a less daunting responsibility, other more novice users are still a bit skeptical about the seemingly complexity of the FTP program, and opt instead for more user-friendly online website builder templates features.

Original: FileZilla – Understanding The FTP Monster

Helm Control Panel Review

DN — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 06:32:32 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

Control panels are an extremely important aspect of web hosting accounts because they give the webmaster complete control over all of their site’s administrative functions. Although the most popular control panel by far is cPanel, other control panels have been gaining popularity recently, with Plesk being a close second to cPanel in terms of popularity. One new control panel that closely resembles Plesk is the Helm control panel. Being that Plesk is so popular amongst webmaster, the creators of the Helm control panel wanted to take advantage of this popularity by designing a graphical user interface that is very similar to the Plesk control panel. The following information reviews some of the most important features and attributes of the Helm control panel.

User Account Navigation

One of the most appealing aspects of the Helm control panel is its simplified navigation within user accounts. In fact, the software is solely based on the usability and simplicity of the user interface. The Helm control panel strongly resembles Plesk in its banner and image design, which helps to give former Plesk users a familiar feel from the very beginning. There are three areas that can be easily accessed from the front page of the control panel, the Wizards, Settings and Preferences sections. The first section that a novice user should visit is the ‘Wizards’ section, which contains walk through tutorials and setup procedures to help you get started using the Helm control panel the right way with minimal effort and no learning curve involved.

Hidden Functionality

Perhaps one of the most notable flaws of the Helm control panel is the fact that much of the functionality is hidden within sub menus that are not readily visible from the main menu. Although it may appear that there are not a lot of features, the navigation of the software is actually incredibly organized and categorized, which makes it slightly difficult to find the exact feature you’re looking for when you first begin using the software. Even so, in comparison to other control panels, the user navigation is much more detailed, and therefore much more complicated for some individuals. To find the useful features, you first have to select one of your domains form the ‘My Domains’ section, after which you’ll be shown a list of features that can be used for that domain.

Domain Features

After accessing the ‘My Domains’ section of the control panel and choosing the right domain, the user will then be confronted with a list of options, including FTP, domain settings, traffic statistics, database management, email accounts, and backup utilities. Although these features are generally easy to use, some believe that they should be moved to an area of the control panel that is easier to find. While some people may find this ultra-organized control panel simple to use, others may find it to be unnecessarily complicated, and without the ability to install third-party applications easily and create your own blogs form scratch with blogging applications like WordPress, many still prefer Plesk over the Helm, control panel.

Original: Helm Control Panel Review

Secure FTP Web Hosting Services

DN — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 05:48:31 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

FTP (File Transfer protocol) is a technology used to mediate the secure transference of files across the internet. FTP clients are programs that utilize this technology, and are commonly used by webmasters around the world. FTP file transfers are conducted through secure web servers that are connected to via a confidential FTP account that is set up within the web hosting control panel.

FTP clients are frequently used by web site owners to transfer files from their hard drive to their web server and onto their web site. While this is the most common use for FTP file transfers, there are also businesses that need to utilize this technology for large file transfers, rather than using it to update or build web sites. If you are in need of a safe way to send large amounts of data in collaborative projects, or if you would simply like to be able to share large amounts of multimedia with friends and families at high speeds, then you may want to consider the following information about FTP web hosting.

FTP Hosting for Businesses

FTP Hosting is most commonly used by businesses and corporations that need to send data from one location to another. Small restaurant and department store chains frequently utilize these services to maintain a database of employee and inventory records. Real estate agents also utilize FTP web hosting to send details about properties including complete brochures, databases compiled from the MLS, and tax files.

Any business that is need of a secure method of transferring files of the internet on a regular basis should consider the benefits of FTP hosting over conventional email. Emails are often intercepted, and email accounts can be hacked and all of the data within them can be wiped out and/or stolen within a single night. Using an FTP web hosting service will keep all of your file transferring activities safe from intruders and malicious competitors.

FTP Web Hosting for Individuals

If you frequently send your family and friends large movies or photo albums then you may want to consider secure FTP web hosting services. With an FTP hosting account you can setup as many FTP accounts as you’d like, which means there is no limits to the amounts of file transfers you can conduct, or how many people you share your files with. You can give each of your friends and family members login information to ensure that only certain people can access the data you’re sending.

You can also use FTP hosting to establish a small site on which you can publicly host your videos, music and pictures to share with your family. If you don’t want this information on a public and unsafe site like Myspace or Facebook then you may want to consider the benefits of the privacy and security associated with FTP web hosting plans. These service are especially beneficial for high-profile traveling families that like to keep in touch with their relatives and friends without risking the interception of personal information that could be used for slander or other malicious reasons. With the low cost of basic FTP hosting plans, it makes sense to have one available when you need to send data in the most secure way possible.

Original: Secure FTP Web Hosting Services

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

The Files Section of cPanel

DN — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:48:50 +0000

(From Website Hosting)

The Files section of cPanel is a vital area for any website owner or webmaster. With access to this section, you can backup, upload, manage and delete files through a standard file-transfer protocol (FTP) as well as view the amount of disk space used.

There are seven primary areas within the Files section of cPanel. These include:

File Manager
Backups
Backup Wizard
Legacy File Manager
Web Disk
FTP Accounts
Anonymous FTP
Disk Space Usage
FTP Session Control

The Backups area presents an easy-to-use interface that allows the user to download and store files, databases, filters and email forwarders. These options can be partially or fully stored in this section. To lessen the difficulty of this task, the Backup Wizard can partially or full backup the website. This is also the area where you can restore everything since your last backup point.

The File Manager is a built-in web application that allows you to manage the files on your website from any computer. There are many buttons within the interface in which you can pretty much do anything with your files. The Legacy File Manager goes a bit further by allowing you to manipulate different files, in a classic interface. Therefore, users that are familiar with the older cPanel find this area much easier to navigate.

The Web Disk section permits users to manage their files from their operating system’s interface. This file management method is primarily used by new webmasters. The disk space usage area is extremely important as it displays the amount of disk space you are currently consuming. This is a check to ensure you do not get charged for going over your allocated amount.

The three FTP areas (FTP Accounts, FTP Session Control and Anonymous FTP) allow you to transfer and manage files using a standard FTP interface, display which users are connected to your account via FTP and define the way in which anonymous users connect to your FTP. The last two areas are important for monitoring those that access your site.

cPanel excels in the file management area of its control panel. The ease-of-use and available options are unmatched in the industry and make it extremely easy for new users to get their website up quickly. This is another reason why cPanel continues to be the leader in the web control panel industry.

Original: The Files Section of cPanel