July 26th, 2010
Overview
Wikipedia defines Uptime as a measure of the time a computer system has been “up” and running, but did you know there are different kinds of uptime? Did you know that many web hosts use this common lack of knowledge against you?
Types of Uptime
- Network lifetime: This is the type of uptime many hosts use to incorporate loopholes in to their advertisements and guarantees. Based on this measurement, a network can have 9 hours of downtime each year and still fulfill an advertised 99.9% guarantee! How would you feel if your site was down for 9 hours every year?!
- Set time frame: Most commonly measured annually, monthly, weekly or daily, this is the method we use in our uptime guarantee to assure a set, recorded number each month.
- Rolling period of time: This type of measurement is counted from the last X amount of days, usually the last 30, and is a constant measurement – never ending.
A live-updating uptime graph for our beloved "lambda" server
We use Pingdom
PhireFast uses and recommends a great, paid service called Pingdom. Their global network of monitoring servers measures and reports on each of our hosting servers. If you are interested in a constantly-updated uptime graph for the server your site is on, let us know!
When shopping for hosting
Find out if the host clearly defines the type of uptime their guarantees are based on. Do they back-up their advertised features in their Service Level Agreement? We do.
For the “techies”: Finding uptime
Windows
How: From command prompt, run systeminfo | find “Time:”
Example output: “System Up Time: 8 Days, 8 Hours, 30 Minutes, 17 Seconds
Unix/Apple OS
How: From a terminal session, run uptime
Example output (taken from PhireFast’s very own “lambda” server): 22:51:47 up 34 days, 6:39, 1 user, load average: 4.51, 4.04, 4.21
22:51:47 up 34 days, 6:39, 1 user, load average: 4.51, 4.04, 4.21
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Posted in Network/Server Activity Log, PhireFast | No Comments »
July 12th, 2010
The preview you see below is an example of a rising security threat that conveniently comes right to your inbox. The trickery is as old as email itself, yet the threat has gained sudden popularity over the last 7-10 days, and we want you to avoid being caught in this crafty trap.
What’s wrong with it?
- RED FLAG #1: For one thing, we don’t send email from abuse@phirefast.com, so why would a bounceback message ever come to it?
- RED FLAG #2: If this came to my personal inbox, I’d know if I emailed that rox-tech.com address, which I certainly have not and therefore should not have a bounceback from it.
- RED FLAG #3: Why would an error message have an attachment? That is not standard practice.
- RED FLAG #4: Even worse, the attachment is a .html file. For obvious reasons we didn’t open it, but there really could be anything in there – ads (most likely,) an iFrame framing a malicious website, XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) and so many more possibilities.
How to be safe
Prevention is key. You can be as slick as you want, dodging ‘internet bullets’ like Hannibal from A-Team, but chances are a threat will slip in to your machine eventually. For this reason, Windows and Apple users should have strong security software to make sure there’s a chance of stopping a threat, should one slip in to your system. We at PhireFast use and recommend Trend Micro, but any reputable, paid security software with good reviews should do the job. Ideal security software also has a strong firewall that blocks suspicious incoming and outgoing activity.
Summary
Remember that email bounceback messages should NEVER contain an attachment. Even if it’s a “harmless” .txt attachment, don’t open it – play it safe. If you ever see a suspicious email with an attachment, it’s more than likely something that can and will harm your system.
As a premier web hosting and domain provider, PhireFast serves thousands of email users throughout North America and the world in a security-oriented cPanel environment, with packages starting from $6.95/mo.
Links
Until next time,
- Mark Mutti
Founder/CEO, PhireFast.com
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Posted in Internet Security | Comments Off
July 8th, 2010
We’ve accomplished two things we’re VERY proud of, and we want to brag for a minute.
Client Portal
Earlier today, we activated our new Client Portal, which consolidates your hosting services, domain features (instant registration, renewals and transfers), invoices and support all in one place.
We also now accept PayPal and Google Checkout!
We have affectionately named this new platform after our beloved mascot “Plame”. Current clients received an email (reaaaally) early this morning with their new log in information. If you are a client and for some reason did NOT receive this email, please reach out to us.
Social Networking
By popular demand, PhireFast has entered the realm of social networking, including Facebook and Twitter, but please hold your applause – we need your help. If you like us, please stop by and say hi, and help us grow our community of clients and friends!
Links:
PhireFast on Facebook
PhireFast on Twitter (follow us and we’ll follow you back!)
During these exciting times, we hope that you share our excitement about adding great new features. In the coming days you’ll see an Affiliate Program and Dedicated Hosting services, amongst other things.
Thank you for reading!
- Mark Mutti
Founder & Head of Support
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Tags: cpanel, domains, hosting, social networking, WHMCS
Posted in PhireFast, Press Releases | Comments Off
