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A webmaster is a person who handles the maintenance of a website making sure that the web servers, hardware and software function systematically. He is the sole architect of the information contained in a website that includes both words and pictures. He has other responsibilities like designing the website, generating and revising web pages, replying to user comments and analyzing traffic through the site. A webmaster is generally qualified in HTML and other scripting languages like JavaScript, PHP and Perl. They may also require a thorough knowledge of configuring web servers such as Apache (web server software that played a significant role in the development of the World Wide Web) and serve as the server administrator.

Companies that hire a webmaster usually have different roles for them that depend on their requirements or financial state. In a smaller company, typical webmaster is responsible for many functions simultaneously. In a larger company, a webmaster is hired on account of their sound technical knowledge and programming skills and who has specialized in a certain area of expertise. There may be a team of webmasters who take over the overall corporate web design and policies and work with people who provide the company with its network infrastructure and supervise the design of the company’s website. There may be additional web developers whose duties are to organize and develop the web content. All these various departments of webmasters inter-relate the creation of a website, content and organization, for the corporation’s intranet.

The essential qualities to look for in an efficient webmaster are intelligence, enthusiasm for web technology, exceptionally good communication skills, thoroughness and an eye for detail, integrity, ability to be an efficient team player, courtesy, professionalism, experience in web development and finally knowledge of Perl, UNIX, HTML, CGI and JavaScript. Other than constant maintenance of websites and their designs and management of web servers, they must also possess knowledge of Perl programming, maintenance of site maps, maintenance of mirror sites, assistance in site promotion, writing entries for the glossary, providing top level user support, maintenance of search engine index, HTML validation, generation of the top 100 page from the access logs, monitoring the error logs and reporting potential problems, verification on the validity of the links on the site, checking presentation and readability in different browsers available at various platforms, editing the content, maintenance of the quality and style of the site, finding, creating and installing tools to develop web content and eventually check them for consistency and development of interactive web applications.

Some of the most basic roles of a webmaster in general are as follows:

- HTML Authoring: They need an understanding of HTML 2.0, 3.2, 4, Dynamic HTML including other extensions like tables, frames, server-push/client-pull, server-side includes etc.

- CGI Scripting: Includes having knowledge of Perl, C and UNIX shell scripts.

- Basic Graphic Designing: Must possess the ability to develop attractive web pages that live up to the given standards.

- Internet Awareness: Must be well acquainted with issues concerning the Internet and the World Wide Web.

- General UNIX and PC (MS-Windows) awareness

- Basic knowledge of TCP/IP and Networking

- Graphic Designing skills: An apprehension of graphics applications and techniques like Photoshop, Fractal Painter, 3D modeling and so on.

- Customer Awareness: Must have the capacity to manage a professional relationship with the customers and work within their requirements.

 

Differences Between Unix and Windows Web Hosting

When you are trying to decide what web hosting company to go with you may see that one of the hosting companies is offering Unix web hosting and another is offering Windows web hosting. There will even be times when you can choose one or the other from the same web hosting company. So what are the differences between Unix and Windows and which should you be using?

First of all it is important to note that it does not matter which type of web hosting you decide to go with when creating your site as the actual code used to create your website is essentially the same. The differences between Unix and Windows are actually differences that are more behind closed doors if you will. Here are some major differences between the two:

•Software: This is the biggest difference between the two. Because Windows is a Microsoft product it will stand to reason that the Windows web hosting will run Microsoft software such as VBScript scripting languages and Microsoft Access databases. Unix on the other hand will not be compatible with these types of software. If your website will require specific Widows or Microsoft applications it will better for you to go with a Windows web hosting service.

•Reliability: While both Unix and Windows web hosting are indeed very reliable, Unix does hold the slight advantage in this category and tends to spend less time ‘down’.

•Cost: A Unix web host will use any of a number of ‘flavors’ of Unix like Linux or FreeBSD. These operating systems are free and help to keep costs down. Windows on the other hand sees their server software cost thousands of dollars and this can mean more money out of your pocket as well.

•Bug fixes: Because Unix is run on free servers that mean that anyone has access to the full source code. While that may not sound like a good thing, when it comes to getting a bug fixed it is indeed a good thing as many individuals spend a good deal of time writing new code for Unix to help make it better and fix bugs. Windows though is again owned by Microsoft and because of that only Microsoft people have access to the source code which leads you to rely solely on Microsoft to fix any problems that arise.

So which one is right for you?

Before you make your final decision on whether to go with Unix web hosting or Windows web hosting you first have to figure out what features you will be running on your website. If you are going to use a bunch of Microsoft applications and software then you will of course need to go with a Windows web hosting service. But if your website will not be utilizing those types of programs then going with a Unix web host is going to leave you with more options and more than likely a better price as well. So the correct answer to the questions it, it is all up to you and your website’s needs.

What is UNIX web hosting?

UNIX hosting involves a machine configured on a UNIX platform which is a multi-user computer operating system designed primarily for servers and advanced users. UNIX provides the base operating system architecture for many open source companies, such as Solaris (Sun Microsystems), Linux (GNU), and others. In regards to web hosting, choosing the UNIX web hosting alternative has its advantages and disadvantages.

UNIX has been around for years and it was the language of choice for midframe computer users. Windows actually copied the UNIX file naming convention technique when they created Microsoft Windows.

UNIX hosting is cheaper than Windows hosting. Because most web hosts use the free version of UNIX (like Linux), they don’t have to compensate for huge overhead expenses which you have with any Windows Operating System. Savings is passed to customers. In addition, those who use UNIX hosting usually get free tools and applications that have been written primarily for the UNIX community. Since UNIX hosting is an “open system”, its source code is publicly available for free from various web sites.

Unix web hosting is more secure that Windows hosting.  Have you ever heard of a Unix or indeed Linux based computer been subject to virus attacks? Probably not and even if you have the instances are probably far fewer than with Windows. Unix are less prone to viruses and attacks because the protocols they are  more secure so when choosing a webhosting provider, ensure the servers they are using are Unix based.

This allows web developers working for various companies and for different purposes to add rapid development of applications quickly. As a result, improvements come fast and problems are quickly resolved.

Now when considering the UNIX operating system and UNIX hosting, you need to consider your own technical abilities. Then take a look at the special features offered by each system and hosting company in light of the available technology and — sometimes more importantly — your budget. Hostgator appear to be the best for new starters as they have a host of features but the host you eventually choose will be the one suited to YOUR needs.

Choosing a Web Hosting Package – Unix Based or Windows?

 

Do you want a Windows or a Unix Based Web Host?

 

The fact that you are reading this article indicates that you have been looking for a Web Host, and will therefore have noticed by now that most web hosting companies off you either Unix (or Linux) Hosting, Windows Hosting or both – to some this is an unexpected decision to have to make, many unless they own a Mac will be largely unaware of the capabilities of any other platform than Windows. So what are the differences between the two systems and what are the advantages of each?

The first point to note is that you do not need Windows Hosting just because you have a Windows based PC, nor do you need Unix if you own a Mac, the HTML code or Java Script you upload onto the server is universal as is the server’s output of that code, so your website will look the same on either. The difference lies in the software which is used to output that website.

 

Unix Hosting uses a Unix based operating system which was developed primarily for use on severs, Unix Hosting is generally cheaper than Windows because most web hosts use Linux – a Free Open Source version of Unix (which is used in some supercomputers) and consequently do not have to shell out thousands of pounds in licensing and support to Microsoft, a saving which is passed on to you the user. Another advantage of using free open source software is that anyone can make changes and improvements to the source code, and in doing so add functionality and updates without contravening any license, this factor has lead to Unix based systems naturally evolving over the years to become relatively bug-free. As a result Unix based operating systems are renowned for their inherent stability and their ability to  run for years before a reboot is required, thus requiring less attention from technicians and reducing costs – an attractive feature for a server.

 

Windows Hosting as the name suggests uses MS Windows as an operating system and although more expensive and slightly less stable does have some benefits over it’s Unix based conterpart. Primarily this has to do with what you want to host; if you want to use an MS Access database or upload MediaPlayer files such as music or Videos you will require Windows Hosting, (N.B. MP3, Quicktime, Shockwave, Flash and Real can be handled by either system).

 

Making the decision as to which is best thus comes down to what you want to do with your web space. Both Systems can host Multimedia both can host dynamic content and with PHP, MySQL and CGI, but the question becomes you need to run Windows based applications on your server? If so then you have no choice but to use a Windows Hosting solution, if the answer is no then can make your decision based on other factors such as choice of host, cost and reliability.

 

For Further information on choosing a web host visit, WhichDomainHost 

 

Should you Choose Windows Web Hosting or UNIX?

Should you opt for Windows web hosting or choose a host that uses one of the many varieties of UNIX operating systems? You can decide by evaluating the differences and similarities between these two web hosting options.

Microsoft developed Windows Server, while UNIX was developed as an “open system.” The UNIX source code is publicly available and free for anyone who wants to use it. Some view UNIX’s open source origins and status as an advantage. It’s free, while Microsoft Windows Server involves a purchase. Thousands of individuals have contributed to the development of UNIX, and it is more frequently updated than Windows Server. On the other hand, UNIX is more complex as a result of being open source.

Windows web hosting supports nearly all Microsoft products. This includes Microsoft FrontPage, Visual Interdev and Microsoft Access. Windows Server also supports Active Server Pages (ASP). This is a popular scripting language that allows you to build dynamic, database-driven web pages.

If you’re planning to build your website yourself, it’s worth considering that most CGI programs (including many free Perl scripts) available online today were developed on UNIX. This means they usually install and operate better under UNIX.

In terms of reliability and security, there are many arguments between Windows web hosting and UNIX supporters. Some claim UNIX operating systems are more stable and faster. Windows is sometimes seen as more insecure due to the fact that it is such a widely used PC operating system. This gives people more time to explore and exploit its flaws. On the other hand, UNIX platforms are the most widely used server types, and it too has been hacked successfully over the years.

In terms of performance there’s not a huge difference between the two server options today. Consider that developers are always working to improve both Windows Server and UNIX. Neither is likely to far out-pace the other in terms of reliability, security or features in the near future. 

These are just a few of the differences and similarities between UNIX and Windows web hosting you may want to consider when deciding between the two operating systems. In many cases, the choice about which operating system a web server is using isn’t really important. It’s mainly consequential only if you require specific features offered only by one or the other, or if you plan to use specific technology that will function better or more appropriately on either UNIX or Windows Server.

Flexible Server

The Company Liquid computing obtained a sponsorship f $14 million to create a flexible sever based on AMD’s Opteron processor and an Unix operating system.

The company, with deep roots in telecommunications and base server industry, has created a design available for customers that want servers with increased performances since 2006.

They are hoping that the flexibility and expansibility of their design will later attract customers from the business-computing area.

The product is a system called STL-20X4. It has 37 inch height, so it’s space effective as it is just half the size of the standard server rack. In the middle it has 20 electronic panels named calculus modules that are connected to amid-plane channel. Each module has four AMD Opteron processors, the dual-core model that combines two processing engines on the on the same silicon piece. The AMD processors have also been utilized by the company Kealia.

Regarding the server design, the crucial thing is it’s technology that allows the four-chip modules to be attached in order to form big micro-processor servers or to be kept separately for smaller simultaneous activities.

Furthermore, the multiple systems can be brought together with the help of communication wires so that the users can get even bigger servers. The company foresees a machine that will have four servers, with no less than 320 Opteron processors. The design can be brought to any level the end-users choose to, from four to thousands of processors. This expansion is possible because there are very short communication delays between the transmitting wires, that range from one to maximum two milliseconds.

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Utilizing GPS for a Stratum 1 Ntp Server

The Network Time Protocol was originally developed over 25 years ago as a means of synchronizing computers on the Internet. NTP is a suite of applications that provide synchronization of time to an accurate timing reference. Originally developed for Linux\UNIX, NTP has since been rewritten for the Microsoft Windows operating systems. NTP allows a network time client to synchronize to within milliseconds of an accurate external time reference.

Combining an accurate external timing reference with the NTP application provides a highly accurate network timing device. This article describes how to utilize a low-cost GPS receiver in combination with the NTP software distribution to provide an accurate stratum 1 NTP server timing reference.

The NTP source code can be obtained from the NTP website and must be compiled on the local machine. The downloadable NTP tar file extracts to a directory where scripts are available to make compilation and configuration very straight-forward. Many Linux distributions provide pre-installed versions of the software. To set up and install a stratum 1 time server a stable external timing reference is required. The NTP software provides a large number of reference clock drivers that can be utilized to interface with a range of hardware timing references. Hardware timing references can generally be fairly expensive pieces of equipment. However, the popularity of GPS navigation devices has reduced the cost of GPS technology. Low-cost GPS receivers are now readily available from around $100. Many GPS receivers have a RS232 serial communications port, which can easily be connected to a PC. Many low-cost GPS devices use the NMEA protocol, which is a standard GPS protocol for providing location and timing information. The timing information can be utilised by the NTP software as an accurate timing reference to provide a stratum 1 NTP server.

The NTP software needs to be compiled with the NMEA reference clock driver to interface with the GPS receiver. Once compiled the application must be configured to utilize the correct serial port. When correctly installed and configured, the NTP application will provide your network with an accurate, stable timing reference.

Most computers such as Linux and Microsoft Windows servers and network devices such as routers and switches can synchronize time with a NTP server. Any network device that has an integrated NTP client can be configured to synchronize time with the NTP server. Generally, clients only need the IP address of the NTP server for synchronization. With a NTP server, you can synchronize almost any device on your network.

Functions of Active Server Pages and Their Significant Features

Active Server Pages or ASP is one of the most familiar and commonly known technologies in the IT world. It is a server side technology which is used to display dynamic content on web pages. Active Server Pages was initially launched and established by Microsoft on its web server. It is possible to write code using ASP, which could provide your visitors with unique information, different images and even a totally different page depending upon the kind of browser version used. ASP can be used along with various scripting languages such as PerlScript or JScript. However, it is better to use VBScript as it is the default scripting language.

ASP or Active Server Page is a technology which enables you to create dynamic and interactive web pages. ASP Application development is of great demand on account of its easy interactivity. ASP pages have the extension “.asp”. When a page with the extension .asp is requested by a browser the web server knows to interpret any ASP page contained within the web page before sending the HTML produced to the browser. Any web pages containing ASP cannot run by simply opening the page in a web browser. The page must be requested through a web server that supports ASP, and hence, ASP stands for Active Server Pages.

Active Server Pages or ASP and Hypertext-Pre-Processor are the two standards for web application development. ASP is created and widely distributed to large businesses and corporations. ASP applications are often used primarily on windows-based servers and not on UNIX. This is the reason why ASP is not used much for small and medium sized businesses. InstantASP and ChiliASP are technologies that run ASP without Windows Operating System. In general, ASP applications are good for huge database projects that essentially offer high level of protection for privacy of databases.

ASP web hosting would refer to the services provided by the web hosting companies which offer support for ASP. If a user is browsing on a website which has been developed with the help of ASP, then the pages could be changed based on the user’s actions. This type of code allows linking the pages of your website, in which the users can interact with the pages as they log in using their personal settings. They can also place orders interactively on your website. It also permits the users to access the data from a database, as well as interact with objects like Java components or ActiveX.

VBScript is the default scripting language which is used for writing ASP. Though VBScript is the most common language, a few other scripting languages like Java Script and PerlScript are also used. Any web page containing ASP Application Development cannot run by just viewing the web page in a particular browser. The web page must be requested and demanded through a server. ASP permits to modify a web page dynamically or insert any content in a web page. The major feature and advantage of using the Active Server Page is its low maintenance. An ASP-driven site is much simpler and less complicated than other sites. ASP codlings provide safety and security since the code cannot be observed from the browser.

Something Phishy About your Company’s Email Server

The problem of leaky company email servers has been around since the last decade. Considering the length of time it has been around and the ton of information available on how to fix this problem, it boggles the mind that this very problem still exists today.

Just exactly what is this “leaky problem” in email servers? The common term for this problem is “open relay”.

Back in the days when the monstrosity known today as “spamming” was yet unheard of, email servers did not have to filter outgoing email according to allowed networks or domains. In other words, email senders from outside of your company’s network were allowed to relay through your email server. It was convenient for companies related to one another at that time to share a common email server because most internet access was via dial-up lines and the cost of a dedicated line was still very expensive. Every now and then, an unknown sender would gain relay access but most network administrators would just turn a blind eye even if this act spoke of bad netiquette. After all, the internet was still about sharing during those days.

Over time, the abusers came. The network administrators were slow in plugging the open relay because this kind of activity was yet unheard of and no patch would be available for the server software. The server software makers were just being alerted to this new form of network abuse. When the software makers were able to solve the open relay problem, the damage was too big to contain. The abusers have now discovered a new albeit unscrupulous means of getting their messages across. The cat and mouse chase was on.

A decade later, the chase is still on and it is quite apparent the mouse is running rings around the cat. Spammers are still using their trusty old open relay scanner which scours the net for leaky email servers. But these days, not only spammers are checking for leaks; they have been joined in the hunt by cyber criminals. While spammers send nothing more than annoying marketing pitches, the cyber criminals can actually clean out your bank accounts through the phishing email scams they send out.

If you are new to phishing, it is the method by which scammers send you an official looking email such as from your bank, credit card company or a website that you have done business with. They give you the story that they need you update your account or you risk cancellation. Then you should click a link on the email to take you to a website where you can update your personal information. The link is really a cleverly disguised web server that will gather the personal information that you input. Once the information is in the hands of the scammer, you know what they will do next.

Many phishing email scams’ method of operation are taken from the spammers’ handbook–utilizing open relays in unsuspecting email servers. Open relays are often the result of the administrator’s inexperience, lack of knowledge, carelessness or outright laziness. Most modern unix/linux based email servers have anti-relaying mechanisms built in, and while we have no experience with Windows based email servers, we would like to think that competent Windows based server software makers should have incorporated this feature as well. There is no set formula for configuring an email server, each business has its own unique requirements and policies to follow. But the constant should be that once the requirements and policies are in place, anti-relaying should be turned on.

Email is probably the most widely used tool in the online world. That is basically the reason why spammers and scammers exploit it to the max–the payoffs could be huge. By making sure your company’s email server is not an open relay, you are also disallowing the spammers and scammers from eating into your network bandwidth. But more importantly, you are saving many email users from unwanted junk and being victimized by cyber criminals. If you do not particularly care about doing it for others, do it for yourself because the next potential phishing victim might be you.

Server Recovery Can Affect Business Survival

Effective server recovery can prove absolutely essential for business survival because servers are critical to business operations. Servers are continuously supporting operations by serving files, applications, transaction data and other kinds of support information and tools without which businesses and individuals would find it harder to survive.

Server Data Recovery Planning Differs From Server to Server

Businesses and departments differ in the lengths of downtimes they can tolerate. In a bank, for example, if current account information is not available, even for a short time during business hours, it can cause serious problems. On the other hand, if fixed assets information cannot be accessed for even a few days, the same bank might still be able to continue its normal operations.

Another aspect is the ease of reconstructing the data. With thousands of transactions every minute, reconstructing lost current account details is not the same as reconstructing the comparatively few fixed assets transactions.

Server recovery planning can thus opt for different alternatives for different servers. The servers serving current account transactions have to be fault-tolerant and must have immediate online access to backup data, if it becomes necessary. Fixed assets data can be backed up on offline media, which can even be stored in a distant location.

Backups Can Fail and Data Recovery Can Become Complex

Data backups can prove unreliable if they become corrupted, or contain data which has not been updated for quite a long time. In such cases, you have to either reconstruct the data or take action to recover data from the damaged media (which contains current data).

Reconstructing data from original sources is rarely a viable option except for small quantities of data. That leaves only the option of trying to recover lost data from the affected media.

Recovering Data From Servers

Servers come in a wide range of sizes and types, and work under very different platforms. Many internationally recognised companies and even individuals make servers, and each manufacturer offers different models. The servers might be working under Windows, Linux, Unix or other proprietary operating systems.

Data loss can be caused by different factors. For example data lost through deletion might be recovered rather more easily than data lost owing to a major catastrophe ( natural or manmade) which has physically damaged equipment or media.

Specialist training, experience, and tools are needed to recover data lost from any possible combination. You might be able to use data recovery software in some cases. In other cases replacing damaged components with compatible healthy components might work. In yet other cases, it might be necessary to work painstakingly analysing data streams to rebuild damaged files.

Conclusion

Server recovery, planning, and execution can prove critical to the very survival of a business. Servers are constantly serving files, applications and data to support business operations. If they are down, the operations suffer and profits are lost.

Selecting fault-tolerant systems with RAID 5 arrays for example (with its ability to cope with the loss of a drive) and implementing systematic backup procedures whilst minimizing data loss risks through appropriate training and other measures, are some of the ways you can plan for a business’ survival of a data loss catastrophe.

If data is lost or a drive / array has degraded despite all these measures, you will have to approach a server recovery specialist, who has the facilities, resources and techniques to recover as much data as possible.

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