October 28, 2008

Tutorial cPanel - .htaccess: part 2

The Apache servers are usually equipped with a number of configuration tools designed to help clients effectively administer their website. Few of these tools have the purpose and functionality of the .htaccess file, another handy feature found with the cPanel control panel. Though small, this file is quite powerful when put into action, giving users the ability to override the default settings of their hosting provider’s server.

Htaccess is merely a simple ASCII text file, yet it can be extended to perform many different functions. Some of its capabilities include password protecting the directories of your site, to preventing intrusion from malicious hackers and redirecting visitors to different locations on the web. In this article we will cover its unique ability to block IP addresses and specific domains.

Hide the .htaccess
The web contains a great number of sites hosting interactive member forums and blogs. These sites are often targeted by several spammers and malicious hackers. Website owners have been trying to come up with a solution to this issue for years with few results. However, the .htaccess file is a tool with the power to limit this intrusive activity and give you a bit of privacy by keeping out those IP addresses and domains causing all the ruckus.

.htaccess vs. IP Deny Manager

Although .htaccess files can be easily activated from within the cPanel, choosing whether to use them or not is a difficult call. This is a sensitive file with a lot of power, meaning it could inadvertently shut down your site or negatively impact the provider’s server when used incorrectly. For this reason, the IP Deny Manager may be a better solution, another feature of the cPanel which functions similar to .htaccess.

Just like the .htaccess file, the IP Deny Manager can be used to block IP addresses and domains from accessing your website. If there is a particular IP address or domain you wish to deny access, it can be done easily from the control panel by following these directions:

• log into the cPanel account
• locate the “site management” tab and click on “IP Deny Manager”
• find the “Add IP Deny” field and type in the address you wish to block
• click the “Add” tab

This activates the IP Deny Manager and keeps the internet intruders from harassing you. The only way they can gain access to the site is if you lift the ban. This can also be done using the .htaccess file or by simply selecting the IP from a drop-down box in the IP Deny Manager utility.


Both .htaccess and the IP Deny Manager are great solutions for protecting your website against unscrupulous characters. It can prevent data from being stolen and the spamming of your interactive features. Although .htaccess works well, the IP Deny Manager is the recommended choice as it will have no negative effects on your site or the provider’s server. If would like to try the .htaccess file, be sure to inquire within your web hosting and find out about their regulations before carrying on.

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Windows Hosting: More About it


We know that the word 'Windows' indicates the Microsoft-branded OS so it has become the standard for use in both home and business environments. For many, it is the only system we know. Aside from being an end-user platform, Windows is also prevalent in web hosting and has quickly become a preferred option for many.

Windows introduced a number of web developing tools that have gained momentum and become standards in the industry, making it an attractive setting for creating websites.

IIS
IIS (Internet Information Server) is the base technology behind modern Windows hosting. IIS is a group of internet servers which includes both an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) server and an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server.

It has additional capabilities to support Windows NT and 2000 server operating systems. IIS consists of numerous programs designed for creating and administering websites with solid support for database management. Of course, IIS is tightly integrated with Windows NT and 2000 servers which results in the more efficient serving of web pages.

Hosting with Windows
Even if you run the Linux operating system on your computer, you can still choose to host your site on a Windows server. However, if you plan to implement Microsoft technologies such ASP and FrontPage, a Windows operating system is recommended. The same holds true for Windows databases such as Microsoft Access and MSSQL. While adjustments can be made to suit both environments, this is something that can prove to be time consuming and expensive.

Aside from it’s own technologies such as ASP and ASP.NET, Windows hosting supports a number of other scripts as well. CGI scripts and PHP can also be used to enhance the presence and functionality of your site. There are also a number of programs and object-oriented code that can be implemented into Windows hosting. The price for these components range from free to rather expensive. The good thing as that several developers cater to the Windows environment and offer affordable products and services.

Finding a Provider
Web-based hosting should come with solid support by a trained staff capable of handling all the issues that may arise on the server. You can actually look for these credentials as a company may have acceptable certifications from the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) or the MCSE.

The MSCA provides certification from an administrative aspect, cover areas such as the management of complex computing environments. MCSE certification covers the planning, development and implementation of Windows server solutions and infrastructures.

When searching for a Windows provider, your main concern should be the foundation of the company itself, not the Microsoft product. You need to conduct research and find a reliable business who is likely to provide quality service over a great length of time. The web hosting business is a prominent industry and many companies fail and crumble every year. As with any hosting platform, you should find out about their customer support and security, their method of connecting to the internet, uptime and features. All of these elements are crucial to the establishment of your website.

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