Video Hosting Provider

The use of Internet video hosting services is ever-increasing as people use video more to communicate and share experiences. These services give Internet users the opportunity to post videos online just as easily as they might post photos or blogs. Some services are paid while others are completely free. Without these services, many clips would go unseen or only be accessible to others in limited ways. As with any growing web industry, the world of hosting continues to expand with more and more options for Internet users. Making the choice to subscribe to the right host can be rather challenging, considering the large pool of options. However, there are particular features to look for that will point the typical Internet user in the right direction.

Many cell phones today are now equipped with not only a camera but also a video capturing feature. These clips are not of high quality but can be the perfect size for a video hosting provider. People often capture amazing things on their video phones at the spur of the moment. Cell phone cameras are easy to access, and most people carry a cell phone on them during the majority of the day. Whether it is a recording of a baby doing something cute or footage of a skateboarder doing an awesome trick, someone besides the cell phone owner is going to want to see the video. Unfortunately, others won't always have easy access to the clip. Sending clips from cell phone to cell phone can be expensive. The best alternative is to subscribe with a host.

Choosing the right video hosting services really depends on the purpose behind the need. Some businesses use videos to promote products or provide methods for using a product. Even though the business has a website, they lack the money to afford the appropriate bandwidth to support the videos on their own site. Instead, they can create a link to a host. On this site, customers can immediately view the videos. If a clip is promoting a particular product, many free hosting sites will not permit it. In this case, it may be necessary to subscribe to a paid host. These services do offer great benefits, especially concerning ownership and rights to the clip. Shoppers should always read the Terms of Use to find out these rights because ownership of the videos may be a stipulation of a free service.

Not every video hosting provider has a set price. The vast majority of these sites make money from advertising, so there is no need for them to charge for a subscription. The most popular sites are now household names and draw millions of viewers on a regular basis. They are even used by teachers who need a particular video but can't access one through any other means. Others use them for entertainment, communication, or important information. The biggest sites offer some larger clips in multiple parts, so viewers can watch longer postings in better quality. Many of these free sites stress the importance of community. After all, the postings are connecting people all over the world to one another. Today people can see things that they never dreamed of seeing one hundred years ago because they just didn't have the means to see them in person.

Video quality may not be an issue for some video hosting services shoppers. However, some may find this extremely important. An independent filmmaker, for example, may want to maintain a good frame rate and a clear picture in the posting of his newest movie. While a mom in Kansas, who just wants to show her family in Wisconsin a clip of her son's first homerun, may not be as concerned about how in focus her son's face is. The file size will affect the quality of the picture, and hosts do have MB limits. These can range anywhere from 25MB to over 2,000MB. Most sites will provide information on those limits.

Families who are shopping for a video hosting provider should be cautious with their children using these websites. "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right" (Proverbs 20:11). Not all videos are "G-rated." The best providers will monitor what postings are on their sites and flag or remove inappropriate postings. Before choosing the right provider, be sure to read the website's community guidelines or terms of use. This list should include violence, nudity, sexual content, hate speech, and other offensive materials. Be aware that not all inappropriate language is censored, so children should be monitored at all times while using these types of sites. The safest route approach would be to use a filter or one of many computer monitoring software technologies available.

The great news about shopping for the right video hosting services is that much of the comparison work is already done. Many online magazine and video gurus have already taken the time to research and test out up to forty online hosts. The next step is tracking down those reviews and comparisons and reading them. Look for review sites that are reputable, not just John Doe's blog. It's important for the shopper to note what features are important. Editing capabilities may top the list, while others may find that having the biggest potential audience is the most important feature. Because so many of these sites are free to use, it's not a huge loss if an Internet user picks a bad apple. However, reading up on these sites will save users plenty of time hopping from one video hosting provider to another because they are unsatisfied with the results. Take the time to get informed and save a little time being frustrated.

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Streaming Video Hosting

The popularity of streaming video hosting is growing as technological advances improve the quality of both the picture and sound of these types of files. Anyone who has surfed the internet has probably stumbled across a web video. For some surfers, this type of media is an annoyance; others enjoy watching creative clips. Surfers may not be interested in such details as streaming media hosting methods, bandwidths, and file formats. But a novice website owner or designer who wants to develop a creative, innovative site that attracts both new and repeat visitors will want to learn as much as possible about the different options for including an informative and entertaining video. For example, an online store that sells rosebushes may include a short video clip demonstrating the proper way to prepare the soil, plant a rosebush, and care for it. A nonprofit group advocating teen driving safety might create an animated clip that will appeal to its target audience of sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds. The designers of both types of websites will need to make decisions regarding how these clips will be formatted and delivered to the end user.

At one time, and not that long ago, internet media consisted primarily of text and graphics. The user would enter an internet address and a web page would pop up on the computer screen that contained words and/or pictures. The user could take as much time as needed to read the information and look at the graphics or surf to another site without spending much time at all on the first one. Videos are becoming more popular, however, as website managers look for competitive advantages to entice visitors to the site. Additionally, innovative technology for streaming media hosting has improved the final viewing experience. Competition among hosting companies means that the quality of the video clip and the accompanying sound will continue to improve.

For now, there are three basic streaming video hosting methods. The least expensive and easiest to create uses HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) to create a downloadable file. When the user downloads this type of file, it is copied to a temporary folder on the user's hard drive. The entire file has to completely download before it can be opened and viewed by the internet surfer. Besides the low cost and simplicity, another benefit of the HTTP download is that the webmaster doesn't need dedicated software or special hosting mechanisms in place to add the video to the website. However, the downside of this method is that it takes time for a file to download and the larger the file, the more time it takes. By its very nature, a video file is going to take much longer to download than one that is made up primarily of graphics and text. The person who is waiting for the downloading to complete may get annoyed or frustrated if the file takes too long to transfer to the temporary folder. This frustration may lead to giving up on the file and an unhappy consumer. When this type of delay occurs, it's a good idea to remember the wise words of King Solomon: "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:8-9). Patience is a virtue in all things, including slow internet downloads.

Another streaming video hosting method, which is considered true streaming, allows the internet surfer to watch the clip as it "streams" or plays on the website being viewed. No waiting is involved and the file is not saved to a temporary folder. This type of method allows webcasting. That means that events can be broadcast on the internet as they actually occur. The third method is a kind of hybrid which is sometimes called progressive downloading. As soon as a portion of the file has been received by the end user's computer, the video will begin to stream. The entire file does not have to be downloaded to the temporary folder before the internet surfer can view it. This last option is also relatively inexpensive and easy to set up.

The most expensive option, generally speaking, is the genuine streaming media hosting method. There are several different popular file formats that have become common and each one has pros and cons. Webmasters usually have a favorite or two and so do internet consumers. When selecting a file format, the webmaster will want to consider which file format might be preferred by the website's target audience. Though customer satisfaction can be ensured by creating a file for each format, this is not a realistic solution. But a file can be created for more than one format and technology allows the streaming video hosting to match files to the individual user's connection speed. That customer-friendly feature will help increase consumer satisfaction.

Webmasters and designers also need to think about the traffic load and bandwidth costs when considering streaming video hosting. The more traffic that a website receives, the more bandwidth that site requires. A webmaster may find that the current ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides the appropriate bandwidth for the traffic. For this reason, the website owner should check with the ISP before spending additional money for a service that may not be needed. If more bandwidth is needed, then the webmaster may need to find a specialized ISP. For extensive streaming media hosting, the website owner can contract with a network of server locations. However, this is a very expensive option and will most likely only be utilized by large corporations or national organizations. Each website owner and webmaster will need to take into consideration such factors as the purpose of streaming video, the website's target audience, the bandwidth required to handle the site's traffic, and the most appropriate and cost effective method of video hosting.

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Backup Storage Devices

Understanding the importance of backup data storage systems is crucial given the huge place that the computer holds in everyday life and business. A lifetime of records, information, work, creativity and memories can be lost in a flash. Whether the crisis comes in the form of a hard drive crash, the loss or theft of a family computer, or destruction by a natural disaster, loosing the information stored in a computer can be devastating. Computer data can represent financial records, family recipes, hours of homework, a near finished novel or years of family photos. It can represent the lifeblood of a small business, or the names and addresses of friends and family. This storehouse of treasures and memories deserves protection. Investing in any of a number of backup storage devices is essential to today's consumer. Any wise computer owner will strive to protect this treasure. The Bible talks about the wisdom that comes from God. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

One of the challenges faced by owners of personal computers is managing the vast quantity of information that is stored on the average home or business computer. Managing the life cycle of these files and protecting the files that are still in use is a major concern for both the home and the business computer owner. Setting up a hierarchy of newer, more frequently used files and deleting files that are no longer needed is also known as data life cycle management. Efficient backup storage devices have to also take into consideration which files are worth keeping and which are obsolete. A particular file's priority is measured by ascertaining the length of time that has passed since a file has been accessed. Some programs will work to make sure that the most needed files are the ones that take priority and are the easiest to access. This approach is especially important in the storage of business information.

Loss of important records and information can occur in any number of ways from the crisis of a major hard drive crash to something as simple as a cup of coffee spilled on a nearby laptop. Taking the steps to make sure that these vital files are stored and readily accessible in case of emergency can be a life saver. Of the many types of backup storage devices that are available, the magnetic tape data storage format is most often used for larger computer systems. Hard drive back up software is available for both the business and the home computer. Other options for preserving computer through backup data storage systems can include the use of zip drives or burning files on recordable compact discs and rewritable compact discs or recordable digital video discs and rewritable digital video discs. These tools will store the files chosen by the user and can be saved on the computer again once things are back to normal. External hard drives and memory sticks can also perform a similar function. Whether the need is to preserve financial records and spreadsheets, word documents, digital photographs, music or other media, storage on external devices is a good option.

A more comprehensive approach to creating backup data storage systems is the use of drive-imaging programs. Rather than simply making copies of individual files, a drive imaging program creates what amounts to an image of the contents of the entire drive. Individual files can be retrieved later if needed, including older versions of a specific file. An entire hard drive can easily be restored to working order using this method. These devices can be scheduled to perform back ups as frequently as the consumer desires. Remote backup systems are also available and offer the consumer the opportunity to store their important files online. These services are extremely convenient since they require little effort on the part of the consumer and most will automatically back up any changes to files while continually updating without any work on the user's part. The user can also access their information from another computer if need be. These services generally operate on a subscription basis and require a monthly fee that can vary according to the amount of information that needs to be stored and the different services that are required.

Choosing efficient backup storage devices for laptop computers and notebook computers is also very important. The portability of laptop computers and notebook computers make them much more susceptible to theft, accidental damage, or just being misplaced. These risks make preserving the important files on a laptop or notebook computer even more crucial. While there are professionals who can work to restore data that has been lost because of a hard drive crash, theft, loss or damage, the time that the device spends in the shop is time when the consumer's work comes to a sudden stop. For anyone who earns their livelihood by using computer technology on a daily basis, this down time can be devastating. Also available are a variety of hard drive crash recovery software programs. Many of these products are geared more toward hard drive crash prevention rather than recovery. While they can be very useful in helping to recover specific files, a technology professional may still be required in the event of a major hard drive crash. With the many different types of backup data storage systems are available, the consumer would benefit from thorough research before selecting a solution that best meets their needs.

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Remote Data Backup Service

Remote data backup service appears to be one of the new hot button issues with IT people around the country as they struggle with the issues of security, terrorism, disaster scenarios and other what if situations, none of the them good for onsite data recovery prospects. There are perhaps as many questions about remote data backup software as there are about services for the same thing. The remote services are not inexpensive, with the bigger companies charging as much as twenty-five hundred dollars a month for high end services and about six hundred to a thousand dollars per month for standard services. Some remote data backup software assumes the customer has a reliable server somewhere in a remote and secure area where the software can send selected data or all data on an ongoing basis while other software providers send daily information to their servers. Think about all the reasons to employ a back up service.

A most telling statistic is that on average, one in ten computers experience hard drive crashes each year, resulting in the dreaded "fatal error" message. Some computer geniuses are able to retrieve much of the information from such a disaster, but it might be the ten percent of irretrievable information that brings about grief. There are virus attacks that can creep like slithering snakes into programs and files, corrupting them and rendering them useless, or even worse, vulnerable to a hacker's whim. Theft of a sale person's laptop in an airport terminal or perhaps stealing information sent over a wireless network can bring about untold damage to a businesses' reputation and the inability to reproduce the information on that stolen laptop or snatched from a wireless router may bring financial ruin to any business. And of course, the natural disaster, where a tornado or flood or hurricane or fire can completely destroy the computer physically, rendering even a retrieval genius impotent to bring back important information.

So why not use a remote data backup service or at least remote data backup software? Here are a few advantages to this service. First, no person in the office ever has to fiddle with backing up information every night again and no saving to CDs and no bulky tapes systems, so if a company is now having to take tapes each night to an offsite storage facility, that errand can go away. Secondly, a remote data backup service usually provides several off-site storage facilities in case one of them is destroyed and a small to midsized company may only have one distant off site. Third, the back up only occurs incrementally after the initial backup and many of these companies also offer as many as two weeks of nightly backups and the files are encrypted and compressed before leaving the company. "Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." (Luke 18:17)

There are also some disadvantages to this kind of service. Imagine if you have had a number of years of information not backed up and you decide to dump it all to a remote data backup service. How wide is the bandwidth that runs between your company and the remote server? Can privacy be 100% guaranteed, even after the data is encrypted? What if the remote service goes out of business or the password is lost? How will lost information be recovered; Internet, disk or tape? Frankly, this writer is getting headache thinking about all of this.

With most every business today riding on the presumption that there is really no way to operate without a computer network, LAN, WAN or both, it is surprising that remote data backup service is not more widely used. Secure Internet data backup services take the responsibility of keeping clients' information very safe. Just as some scientists who are eager to save the seeds from the earth's most important food crops from disease and blight have stored thousands of backup seeds in a secret far northern arctic cave, many Internet back up services have very secure physical locations, usually underground and away from possible flood damage and often in undisclosed locations. In addition, remote data backup software varies in how each one actually saves a company's or individuals files. Some companies save the information in a differential manner. This means that the information is saved just as it is written or composed on the monitor screen. Other services save the information incrementally. This means that the information is saved as changes are made to the documents or files.

There used to be an old television ad touting car oil filters and its slogan was something like, pay now for a new filter or pay later when the engine seizes up. Perhaps the people that thought up that commercial came up with the idea of remote data backup software. Perhaps the reader has never considered that God wants every person on earth to have a backup plan also. God wants human beings to be kind to one another and be fair to each other and provide for each others' needs, but it will not be enough to enter leaven, because as one wise person said, God does not grade us on a curve. Good outweighing the bad? Not with God. His backup plan for all of us is have full and complete trust that Jesus Christ alone paid for our shortcomings, our sin and our mistakes, and that our hope for eternal life solely rests in Him.

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Web Based Proxy Servers

Web based proxy servers are a smart way to make sure that personal information remains secure when surfing the World Wide Web. With the recent increase in criminal activity on the Internet looking for the personal information of millions of Americans, people can not be too safe when surfing or doing business on the Internet. Other websites, and those up to no good, like to find out what websites people visit in order to discover what information is being researched, and even try to find out financial and personal facts without the surfer knowing about this. What web based proxy servers do is act as a go between from the home personal computer to the website that is visited. If there is any type of activity or attempt to gather information on an individual, the anonymous proxy server prevents this from happening by preventing a direct connection to the home PC.

There are various types of a free anonymous proxy server and each goes by a different name. For example, there is what is referred to as a caching service that automatically stores the websites a person visits so that they can be accessed there instead of at the website directly without leaving any of the surfers information behind. These web based proxy servers can also provide security functions by blocking undesirable web pages and preventing lethal computer viruses from damaging the home computer. Businesses can effectively utilize this feature when the desire is to prevent users from going to places on the web that should not be visited. These proxies can mask your IP address so the surfer can use the Internet anonymously, thus the term free anonymous proxy server. If someone plans to do business on the Internet then safety and security should be highly important.

There are ways to move among web based proxy servers so that continued security of information can be maintained. The user can utilize the web based proxy server also by having the ability to block pop-ups and to get rid of surfing history. Parents should be particularly careful about the websites teens and younger children visit. An intermediate unit could assist in preventing intruders from spying on the children and the activity when surfing the Internet. Libraries and schools should think about using public intermediate services since a large number of children and teenagers utilize computers in public places out of the scrutiny and watchful eye of parents. Not only would the experience be safer for patrons, but would help to secure computers at these public places. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

Colleges and government institutions most likely already use free anonymous proxy servers to a large extent not only to keep out hackers, but also to enable them to keep a watchful eye for criminals inside the country. There are so many opportunities these days for personal information to be stolen that it helps clients, students and all citizens to feel safer when security measures such as a free anonymous proxy server is put into place. Using web based proxies can help to increase the speed and efficiency of the search mode because all the information is already stored on the unit and not on the hard drive of the computer being accessed. The more one understands about how computers function regarding the Internet the better, so that the proper equipment can be obtained and interfaced with home and public computers.

Companies that handle large quantities of information as the main service of the business would definitely utilize free anonymous proxy servers, as would law enforcement officials across the country. There have been many instances of hackers breaking into huge company databases of information that has been gathered from thousands if not millions of people. Of course, no matter how many type of security measures a company or an individual attaches to the PC, some criminal will most likely find a way to hack in, so technology has the onerous job of continually staying ahead of the hacker curve so to speak. Apparently, the hackers try to stay ahead of the technology curve, so who is to say who will ultimately win out, if anybody. This is why there are now software packages that continually scan computer systems looking for evidence of viruses and security breaches. The sooner the breach is noticed, the sooner something can be done about the situation. So begin researching for good web based proxy servers now.

For the home PC user not comfortable with do-it-yourself security updating, then a call to a local computer fix-it store could be a great place to start. A representative could make a visit to the house, assess the situation and make recommendations for the customer. Most of the time though, obtaining use of a web based proxy server is not a difficult undertaking. All it takes is for the user to search on-line for these services, and follow the directions on how to set it up. It is just that simple. Making the move to begin using a free anonymous proxy server may be the best decision any home PC user could make. Using on-line servers does not have to be the norm, because a technician can install this in the home as well. This way the customer has full control over storage and utilization issues without having to resort to using something out on the World Wide Web. Some just prefer to have the ability to touch and see instead of just sign up and go. Sort of like keeping books instead of going paperless.

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Rack Mount Server Cabinet

A rack mount server cabinet is manufactured by particular companies which offer a wide variety of cabinets and shelving units specifically designed to store networking and server equipment. Many types can be found that fit the needs of a large consumer base. Cabinets come in various sizes and have ample space for storage and allow equipment to be accessed with ease and efficiency. These storage units are a must for those with large amounts of equipment and not a lot of storage space. Organization is important especially in order to prevent wires from becoming a tangled mess and valuable electronics from becoming covered with clutter.

Shelving that can be easily mounted onto a wall are just one more piece of well thought out storage unit that the company provides, in addition to a rack mount server cabinet that can be as large as needed. There is a model that is designed to house large servers and sits on the floor allowing the users much convenience in accessing the equipment as possible. The company also offers tower cases and tabletop versions of storage cabinets, as well as general pieces that are often found in rooms dedicated to network and server pieces, such as power strips and hardware needed to attach important pieces together and specialized desks that make ideal pieces for classrooms.

Many choose a rack mount server cabinet due to the fact that the pieces are well designed and crafted with optimum storage and safety in mind. Many of the server cabinets feature fronts with doors that allow for the unit to be closed. This not only acts a way to maintain a neat and tidy workspace, but provides an extra layer of protection for the expensive equipment and hardware housed within. Server cabinets are able to be customized meaning that they are designed to fit the specific measurements and storage capacities for any and all who require them. The pieces are made to efficiently house servers from several well known companies which goes a long way in allowing the customer to find a piece that will best fit qualifications and the size of any space.

Server cabinets are crafted out of strong aluminum frames that can easily hold a substantial amount of weight. This is imperative as equipment and hardware can easily become quite heavy with only a few pieces. The units feature casters that allow for ease of movement within a space and stabilizer bars for when a unit needs to remain stationary if in danger of tipping over. Any additional screws, panels, shelving, power strips or mounting hardware is available as well. Shelving within a rack mount server cabinet is versatile and easily adjustable. Additional trays and drawers can be added allowing for even more options for efficient storage. For those with a substantial amount of equipment to store there are additional features such as the addition of fans to help keep electronics from overheating, to added security measures for the protection and safekeeping of pieces from dust and potential moisture. A special feature about such cabinets is that the pieces usually come in standard grey or black but can be painted in custom color at an extra fee.

Data center services are intended to aid businesses in the management and maintenance of data information technology and tools. Many of the services available offer clients a streamlined manner of the sending and receiving of information which can be critical to business which relies on network systems. Some of the most common areas addressed by data center services are ways of securing information, the efficiency of well run and managed networks, the recovery and backup of critical information, and the most efficient ways in which particular companies can get the best results possible.

Data center services allow businesses to pinpoint with accuracy the best and most efficient way of dealing with problems and solutions as related to technology. There are services available which offer preliminary assessments in order to ascertain the areas that require the most attention or maintenance, and also draw up strategies that apply directly to networking issues in an effort to keep information flowing and provide the best connections. The act of keeping people connected with information that is invaluable is imperative. There are many services that are specifically intended for just that purpose. Technical support is readily available to those in need and can be just what is needed to save a company much time and money that can be spent into ensuring safe and adequate data transfer. Occasionally, those involved in the management of networks and equipment can become bogged down with confusing technology. One of the main goals of such services is to offer tech support and advice intended to keep networks running smoothly.

One of the most important aspects of data center services is that those in need can be provided with a safe and secure location for the storage and operation of expensive equipment. Those with limited space of their own can greatly benefit by taking advantage of the space provided and the security measures taken by such companies for the safeguarding of information and equipment, and the many options for technical support from experts in the field who are readily available when needs arise. Centers provide the convenience and security needed for success in a day and age where hackers and viruses abound, "For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy" (Psalm 61:3). The management of data is important, but of equal importance is the managing of the equipment and hardware that is imperative to information transfers and the networking world.

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Internet Webcasting Services

Sending visual communications requires internet webcasting services. The world of broadcasting is now taking over the servers like it took over the air waves. Most television networks and radio stations also "air" their broadcasts for those listening on computers. The media corporations aren't the only ones benefiting from the rise of computers as the medium for carrying visual information. Many businesses are using the services of a video webcasting company to assist them in sending their board meetings to their telecommuting employees, rather than have them travel in. Though, this should not be confused with web conferencing. Web conferencing is set up for both the sender and the receiver to be able to communicate back and forth. The connection in this way is called a many-to-many connection. However, webcasting is set up to be sent by one originating source to many recipients who cannot respond back to the source in any way. Also, these businesses are using internet webcasting services to advertise to potential clients and instruct new employees. Companies in the travel industry can show movies of their beach condos right from their homepage. If a picture speaks a thousand words, a movie of a sunny beach with the roar of waves speaks volumes to a potential customer ready to take a vacation. Educational institutions are following suite and placing videos on university websites to showcase the campuses and transmit lessons to students learning over the web.

Sending video over the web has been around since the late 1980s, but due to the great expense and slow connectivity of commercial grade computers at that time, internet webcasting services were not regularly used until the 1990s when network bandwidth increased and the file types were standardized. The fact that webstream viewing has doubled every year since 1995 is directly related to broadband canvassing the world. In the beginning of this emerging technology a video webcasting company would record the segments and broadcast them later. Sending a video or audio sound bite live just was not heard of back then. This format was called non-streaming. Even though these recordings were not live, they were still a great improvement over the former method. Many times a business would send out DVDs or CDs with its information or marketing presentation to many computer owners and hope that the recipient took time to watch the video before it was thrown away. At least with sending propaganda over the web, a business can reach only those who want to hear the message and intentionally log in to watch the video. "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

With the growing popularity of broadband, the use of live casting is now growing steadily. In 1999, several television entities partnered to broadcast three different concerts simultaneously. They also employed internet webcasting services to reach the entire world. There were over 150,000 computer users watching the news casts of the 2005 London bombings. It is quite common now for a television network or radio station to have a formidable internet presence. These networks air broadcasts over the web at the same time they are being viewed on the television or heard over the radio. Simulcast is the term chosen for these types of "web copies" of media shows. The term webcasting was formally used in the late 1990s to describe this sort of technology. Now using "cast" at the end of a word is understood to mean that it will be streaming live in some way over the web. Computer users still have the option to watch a show or listen to a radio program after it is not being streamed live. A video webcasting company archives and saves the broadcasts on a separate server. The computer user is free then to log in and view the piece at their convenience. These videos accessed after they are recorded are called on demand, because they are viewed on the user's demand. Radio devices that stand separate from the processor can provide a no computer option for the radio listener that does not want to drop everything and log in to hear their favorite program running on the web.

Multimedia files are still pretty large and can be expensive to send. After compression, they are a bit smaller and more affordable to market. With it now cheaper to send the files and the abundant availability of internet webcasting services, many independent filmmakers, public speakers, radio hosts and amateur television actors are getting in on the action that was originally only for the large media corporations. From a persons living room, they can send live presentations to computer users across the globe. There are a few ways that the messages of these individuals, as well as those of large corporations, can reach multiple end users. Unicast protocols send a copy of the live program to each end user's computer. This is pretty simple to use, but creates a lot of work for the network and makes unnecessary duplicates of the show. A video webcasting company uses a multicast to send only one copy of the live show to each network connection. In order to do this, the originator will have to buy a special router to handle multimedia dispersal. Multicasts cut down on bandwidth usage, but do not allow for rewinding or fast forwarding. There are myriad ways to reach an audience over the internet. Peer-to-peer was the old way. One source sent a media file to one recipient. This protocol didn't bog down or require routers, but hardly has the impact a growing company, aspiring talk show host or a cutting edge news outlet needs. The future will bring IP multicasts when the cost decreases and the popularity grows among viewers.

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World Time Server

A world time server is very useful for the synchronization of timely units amongst multiple computers and operating systems. Such a server not only sets hours and minutes in accordance with Coordinated Universal Time but then maintains the proper recording to ensure accuracy that can be depended on. Any information that relates to the passage of hours, minutes and seconds are accessed by the server through the computer's connection to the Internet. There are few different internet time server protocols which have been put in place in order to aid in the synchronization dispersed between several computers in a network.

In 1972, the community of the world agreed on a standard for the keeping of the official world time, which became known as Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC. There are two main centers where the passing of hours minutes and seconds are officially tracked. One of the centers is located in the United States with the other found in England. Servers and other devices work closely with these centers and base facts off of the information gathered through signals and other means. A world time server works in conjunction with GPS signals from radio waves. The detection device is in direct contact with any and all information regarding timely units that is put out via the signals, and then in turn, sends the information over a network system.

There are several reasons for why installing a world time server is a good idea. For starters, most timepieces that are electronically operated are notorious for running either too slow or too fast and simply cannot be relied upon for keeping accuracy. Even more commonly, a timepiece will rely in battery power, when the battery dies a clock stops, potentially causing much confusion and frustration. Keeping accurate track of the passing of hours down to the second is simply impossible when one is not able to fully rely on a timepiece that could be even a few minutes off. A device that works in conjunction with direct access to UTC is not only convenient, but invaluable. Errors by computers in a network that might not all be running simultaneously can cause errors resulting from scans run at different points in a day, or important files lost. Programs such as e-mail operators and billing services quite often rely on accurate hour keeping, as well as the ability to track possible security breaches relating to any operating systems with a network, hence the important of a world time server.

Broken down to the simplest form, the passing of seconds is actually recorded by the movement of atoms. Special detection devices have been created in order to detect and track the atoms as they flow and denote the passage of intervals such as the atomic clock. The United States official timepiece is a clock of sorts which has been carefully constructed to measure varying amounts of cesium. The cesium fountain atomic clock is just one of a group found around the world which makes up the core of UTC. This special mechanism is designed to be the most accurate timepiece. The clocks accuracy is due to the fact that it monitors the gas known as cesium, which is produced as atoms when put through movements similar to a fountain. A series of high tech lasers are used to measure photons. The atoms are slowed down in such a manner to allow the detection of a second between movements, which in turn serves to discern the hour of the day within the utmost accuracy. In turn, Internet time servers worldwide operate on the results.

The most common way computer users synch systems by using simple software that allows for continual updates when needed so as to make sure that one's personal computer is always accurate. Internet time servers can be synchronized quickly and easily. This form of time service is in close conjunction with Coordinated Universal Time and are simple enough for anyone to use and can be free of charge. Throughout the United States there are multiple servers found which users can connect with to ensure that computers which are used on a regular basis are regulated within the most accurate measurements within seconds.

Hundreds of sights on the World Wide Web allow people access applicable websites and either download easy to use software, or simply follow a series of prompts and clicks of the mouse, making their personal computer a dependable timepiece. Those who employ the use of methods by Internet time servers should be aware that a few second delay in accuracy should be expected and taken into account. The delay is a logical result of the sheer volume of users periodically logging in to adjust timepieces. Large amounts of users accessing the same programs simultaneously often results in an almost imperceptible delay of seconds, yet despite a few seconds difference they still receive the most accurate readings possible.

Methods for measuring the passage of hours have come a very long way since the invention of the sundial. Technological advancements have made the act of watching for changes in the sun's shadow, to the almost undetectable movements of atoms, some of the earth's smallest particles. No human being knows what living outside of the bounds of timely units would be like as most everything that is seen and perceived has a beginning and a point in which an end comes or the things ceases to exist, as is said, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1. With that in mind, one can see the importance of world and Internet time servers as invaluable for aiding the world in timely unified harmony.

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Ethernet Print Servers

The invention of wireless print servers may be one of the best things to ever happen to homes, offices, libraries, and other organizations needing to utilize one printer for multiple computer users at a time. No more do students printing essays in the school library at the last minute have to wait in a printer line, wringing their hands, or small offices with little space have to jam a printer into every cubicle. Computer users can print from any location in WiFi reach, clicking "print" from an office down the hall or a laptop in a study room, sending a report or paper to a conveniently located printer that is easily accessible to all. If the office in question doesn't have wireless Internet, that's okay too; ethernet print servers provide a perfect option for a small office's printing needs. This technology can be a bit expensive, but it saves time, space, and a lot of frustration for office staff--not to mention printers, ink cartridges, and other printing paraphernalia.

It can be difficult for multiple persons to share a single printer, especially if the office requires a lot of printing output. Often, a single computer must remain turned on all the time in order to support the network's printing abilities, which means that one computer is not available for regular use (a loss of productivity that many offices cannot afford) or that whoever is using the computer will be constantly interrupted from their work every time something goes wrong with the printer. This is an avoidable hassle, as wireless print servers do not require printing jobs to run through a designated computer. To use a server, all a home or office needs is a network, a wireless router, a printer, a few computers, and perhaps a few cords. Buyers should be sure that the print server is of the same wireless standard as their router to avoid incompatibility and should try to match hardware brands as much as possible to encourage the best possible performance speeds.

Ethernet print servers are similar, but require the use of ethernet cords and do not allow as much freedom because the computers connected to them must be centrally located. Still, they can be great assets to any home or office, allowing multiple computers to print from one machine. This is an excellent option for computer labs at schools or colleges, as all of the computers reside in one room, or even small offices with lots of shared space. Many ethernet print servers do not require a computer to be dedicated to managing printing jobs, which is very helpful, freeing up a machine from the taxing demand of controlling printing for an entire office, which in turn speeds office efficiency and allows the office staff to focus on work, not on frustrating technology problems.

Convenience and efficiency aside, some people just like to use wireless print servers in the home or office simply for aesthetic purposes. Nobody likes to see an unsightly cord trailing across the floor, which is a problem for those who want or need to have a printer located at a distance from their computers. A person can set a laptop on her bedroom desk, one in the family room, and another in the attic office and provide print access to all three with no messy cords and no jump-drive transferring. Plus, a print server is usually small, fitting easily onto a desk or other location and blending in nicely with other technology.

The price for both wireless and ethernet print servers can run from $30 to $400, depending on one's needs and technology requirements. As previously mentioned, it is essential that before purchasing a server buyers ensure that it is compatible with existing resources, such as printers and wireless standard, as some servers may not be compatible with certain brands of printers or may not use the same wireless capabilities as one's router. It would be terrible to go through the entire process of setting up a print server only to discover that one's printer is incompatible, resulting in painfully slow printing speeds or other problems. Doing thorough research before a big technology purchase may seem tedious and difficult, but the results of a hasty purchase could be very disappointing and cause problems for one's business productivity. The Bible has good advice for anyone considering jumping into an office technology solution without careful thought and consideration: "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want" (Proverbs 21:5).

Once the shopper has done serious research, comparing all of the available options and considering each aspect of the purchase, it is very likely that wireless print servers will figure significantly into the solution. The set-up process for a server may be complicated and difficult, so the buyer should be prepared for a little bit of mental work. During the set-up process, each computer connected to the server will need to have the contents of a CD installed in order to connect to the printer, and there are a few other steps that should be explained by instructions provided by the manufacturer. However, if the buyer feels unsure of his abilities, consulting a friend or associate well-versed in computer issues can save a lot of mistakes and frustrations. In the end, he will have wonderfully convenient and efficient printing capabilities, making all the hard work well worth the effort.

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Managed Firewall Services

Investing in managed firewall services can provide protection in a dangerous world for owners of personal and business computers and network systems. A firewall is something like a traffic cop, regulating internet traffic and protecting a personal computer, or network of computers from any kind of unwanted or unauthorized presence. Who are these unwanted intruders and what damage can they do? They might be hackers who make a sport of breaking into personal computers and computer networks and can do serious damage. From seeking out and obtaining personal information to infecting a PC with viruses, hackers mean business and can leave a multitude of problems in their wake when and if they find their way into a personal or business network. It is imperative that these interlopers be kept at bay. Effective managed internet security services provide protection and peace of mind to private individuals and business owners alike. To function efficiently in today's technological world demands the kind of protection that these services offer. As its name implies, the firewall adds an extra layer of protection to a home or business system, warding off damage, intrusion or harm. By containing hackers outside of a PC, network or system, these security devices take some of the danger out of connecting to the World Wide Web.

To ignore the need of managed firewall services is to ask for trouble in today's world. The types of issues that an unprotected system faces can include; confidential information falling into the wrong hands, infection of a system by dangerous viruses, attacks that jam a system and prevent it from being used, exposure to malicious harm or harassment. Any time that an unprotected computer is connected to the internet, these kinds of issues can occur. Specific attacks to personal or business systems can include; unauthorized sharing of sensitive or personal information, IP spoofing, or attacks on a personal password. Efficient managed internet security services can help businesses prevent the sharing of confidential information from inside sources such as disgruntled or negligent employees. An attack that involves IP spoofing involves an outsider to the network who gains access to information by pretending to be an insider through the use of an IP address. A password attack involves attempts to uncover confidential passwords and gain unauthorized access to a system. Unfortunately, even the best of firewalls cannot offer protection from disloyal employees who choose to share information or data that is not meant to be seen out side of the company.

The benefits of managed firewall services to a business are multiple. The service can be customized to fit the needs and requirements of any business. Since a system that uses a firewall service is prepared in the event of any kind of attack, business activity is not interrupted. If an issue occurs, the use of managed internet security services insures a quick resolution that can save a business countless dollars. A quality firewall will also integrate with other programs that provide system safeguards. By providing protection twenty four hours a day and seven days a week, a business owner can rest assured, knowing that their vital information is secure. A competent firewall service will also address any ongoing maintenance issues and upgrades and will provide round the clock monitoring. The Bible talks about the security believers can have. "Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident." (Psalm 27:3)
For the home computer, managed firewall services are just as much a necessity as they are for any business system. The information that is stored on an individual laptop, notebook, or PC is just as important to the user as it is for the most complicated business network system. Just as a wise home owner takes steps to protect their home, they should also provide effective protection for their PC. A security provider of this nature would be able to bring a level of expertise and resources that would provide the highest quality of protection to the home system. Monthly fees for these firewall providers usually amount to only a few dollars a month. Private customers can also expect same twenty four hour, seven day a week protection that is offered to business clients.

Whether for the home or business, managed internet security services should be certified by the recognized industry authority in firewall certification, the International Computer Security Association. The fact that, in many cases, a hacker is unaware if a system has firewall protection provides added security. While providing needed protection, a service of this nature will not limit internet access or prevent a user from visiting a specific web site. Aside from subscribing to managed firewall services, there are three other types of firewalls available, the software firewall, hardware routers and wireless routers. Software firewalls are most effective for individual computers and do not require additional hardware or wiring. However, only one computer can benefit from one software purchase. Hardware routers come equipped with multiple network ports, allowing for use by a network of PCs. Individuals who have a wireless network might benefit from a wireless router firewall. These can connect a number of devices such as laptops or notebooks without the use of wires. While no one security precaution or device can answer all security needs, to go unprotected is to put vital personal information and records at risk. A quality service of this nature can make all the difference for a home or business system.

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Linux Dedicated Server Web Hosting

Both Linux dedicated server web hosting and the FreeBSD dedicated server can be highly beneficial to a business person's website and business needs. Both are operating systems for servers. The customer obtains a program from a hosting company, but there are different ways to obtain these items. Linux was developed by Linus Torvalds of Finland in conjunction with other developers from all over the world. The freeBSD dedicated server was developed at the University of California at Berkeley. These software packages make it possible for particular websites to run efficiently. Both are free and very low-cost to maintain. Because of the companies' non-profit position, they often share technological advances in filesystems and operating systems and share many similar features. If a business person plans to develop a website and needs an operating system, it is a good idea to compare what Linux has to offer and what FreeBSD has to offer. Both are popular names in the world of operating systems. By looking at their reliability, security, performance, costs, and forms of support, a wise business person can determine which server would be better.

There are both benefits and disadvantages when choosing one of these options. Linux is known for a high level of support. There are plenty of options out there for technical support. In addition, a user can do his own research online if that person should run into problems with the server. Yet, it is not likely that he will. Linux dedicated server web hosting is known for its reliability. They often run for years without breaking down, so are considered very dependable. The downside is that the Linux disk I/O is non-synchronous, which allows the possibility of producing a corrupted filesystem should the system crash or lose power. Also, Linux can only handle so much network traffic. It usually performs well, but the system follows behind FreeBSD in virtual memory progress and performance. A major disadvantage for Linux dedicated server web hosting is that security is not top-notch. Many inexperienced programmers can change the codebase. However, the server does have firewall protection and security tools.

FreeBSD offers performance, advanced networking, security and compatibility features. Like Linux, the FreeBSD dedicated server also has benefits and disadvantages for users. Support is widely available for this service. In addition, the user can find tutorials and newsgroups for help with problems. As far as reliability goes, both systems server are equal. FreeBSD active servers also last years. The FreeBSD file system optimizes disk I/O, ensuring reliability for transaction-based applications. Regarding high performance applications, this system is the best among competitors. Some of the largest, most popular websites use these systems because they can handle heavy network traffic. As far as security goes, it is also top-notch. Third parties have repeatedly tested and verified the security of the system. Plus, the administrator security levels prevent access to certain operating system functions. FreeBSD also has firewall protection and intrusion detection tools.

Both systems are easy to obtain. To get Linux dedicated server web hosting, simply go on the Internet and visit the official website. Since both are operating systems, not software, a user doesn't necessarily install it on his computer. He downloads what's called a distribution. Depending on the amount of space on the computer and what the user plans to use the system for, he can choose the right distribution. Before downloading a system, the user should have a high-speed Internet connection and ISO images for the distribution. If he already runs another operating system, he will need to re-partition his hard disk to install the new operating system. Before obtaining a system, read all of the instructions and requirements. If a user doesn't have the means to download and burn these programs on a CD, he can find both for free in some computer magazines. Also, retailers sell distributions on CD. Remember that in order to obtain technical support, a user has to get his operating system through a web hosting company or rent a server with a company.

Choosing the right operating system is important to helping run an efficient website. At times, a user may need to find professional support. Select a reliable server company with various options for operating systems. Ask other people whether they recommend Linux dedicated server web hosting or a FreeBSD dedicated server. Also, read reviews and articles about the different operating systems options. These are not the only ones. No matter which operating system chosen, it should be one that the user can either handle on his own or where he can depend on professionals to provide support. Expect the small investment of an operating system to go a long way towards the efficiency of any website. Yet, not matter what we do, we may not succeed, especially if we ignore our responsibility to take all our business concerns to our Lord. Psalm 19:7 says that God "makes wise the simple." First lean on Him through prayer and Bible study, then conduct business according to the principles in His Word.

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Colocation Service Provider

Finding a colocation service provider on the Internet is fairly easy because of the number of such companies is high, and they are quite visible to the browser on the pages of any search engine. For businesses that have hardware but lack the resources to build a supporting infrastructure, colocation providers offer a solution. Customers housing equipment with one of these firms will enjoy power resilience, temperature control, fire detection systems, and state of the art physical security systems.

Most of these colocation providers use global networking internet providers to eliminate dial-up connections. This network is designed to evolve every 18-24 months, keeping up with the latest technology. The equipment (optoelectronics) that controls the flow of information through a network, much as valves control water through a pipe, is improving even faster. Doubling in price and performance every nine to ten months, optoelectronics is the fastest improving technology in the industrial history. There is even a transatlantic cable system connecting North America and Europe. Expert sales consultants and technicians are available through most of these companies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Besides the assurance of constantly being able to get onto the Internet, the colocation service provider has other services to offer clients. Colocation providers will sell server hardware and network devices, storage systems, network firewalls, routers and switches, and more. The equipment they sell is fully guaranteed for one year. Sometimes they offer service contracts to cover any failures that might occur and in-house engineers who can take care of the problems. Not having the equipment onsite, but having access to it's services, is an advantage for most businesses.

Companies looking for hosting services for their Internet website can often look to their colocation providers for that service as well. There are experts on staff that can manage a website for a client, and assist the businessperson in gaining more visits to the web page, and thereby increase sales of product. Every advantage a business owner can pursue to increase sales should be pursued, of course. Hosting services usually include assisting the businessperson to improve the website itself to make it more attractive to visitors, as well as monitoring where the website is ranked on search engines so that can be improved as well.

Backups are important if data is lost through power outages or other problems, and the colocation service provider often does that as well. These companies have backup electrical systems so that power outages don't do the damage that it might to the usual office setup. In fact, colocation providers can safely guarantee almost no downtime for their clients, and what does occur is repaired promptly. In fact, these companies provide state of the art services in all areas for their clients to ensure that colocation is making money for them by building the business. Often they include second data centers for backup servers or disaster recovery in another city, or even another state.

The Internet site of a colocation service provider will include testimonials from clients, describing their satisfaction for the services they have received. Testimonials are fine, but one should go a little farther before actually signing up for the services of any company to which a fee will be paid. The Better Business Bureau will have a record of any complaints against the company posted on their website so they can be evaluated. Word-of-mouth testimonials that aren't just a written statement on the Internet will be more valuable than the ones that are posted on the web because there is the chance to ask questions and hear the whole story. Many businesses are built to provide service to others, and it wise for us to remember that scripture tells us what God has done in service to us. "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;" (Psalm 104:14)

Many advertisements on a business website include voice lines, where visitors will hear a message about the products and not just have to read text. The equipment necessary for providing this service is included among the things one can get through the colocation service provider. So, for the company that is looking for a secure place, outside its own location, for its Internet service equipment, and a lot of other services that will enhance the volume of traffic and sales, colocation may be the answer. The services by the various companies will vary some, and the fees they charge will also differ, so there is a lot for a prospective client to check out before actually engaging one of them. Once the decision is made, the client should find that Internet business is running smoother, and business growing. If that doesn't happen, there is another one that is waiting for a chance to be the one to take care of that client's needs.

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Dedicated Hosting Server

A dedicated hosting web server could be the answer for large web sites in need of a good and reliable web host service. When investigating shared web hosting or dedicated hosting server service, it is important to know what will be needed, what expectations in Internet traffic are, and who the web host neighbors are, if sharing space on a domain. Getting familiar with the web host under consideration could save time, money, and headaches before making a final decision about how and where to launch the business website. The first step in finding the right hosting server for any business need is to evaluate expectations and necessities. Once this is accomplished, then hosts seekers are ready to investigate the options available in the web hosting market online.

There are a couple of ways and options available for posting a website. What an individual company or service wants to accomplish will determine what direction to take in choosing the right host. There are shared servers and there is the dedicated hosting web server, which means that the website that is being posted is the only one which occupies the server. Shared web hosting means that a website shares its Internet address or domain with other sites. Most small or medium companies with a website choose to share web space, because the cost of sharing can be considerably less expensive. A shared website can have disadvantages, though. When sharing a server, it will be important to know who the neighbors are. Will those that share a domain name represent reputable businesses? Exposing customers and clients to questionable materials may not be a good way to make a first impression. Be sure to investigate and check out the Web host and all of the businesses that it represents, before committing to an agreement for space.

Shared servers can also mean slow response times. Multiple sites on any given domain can cause traffic back-up. If a shared web server is being considered because of costs, then completely evaluate the current traffic or future traffic expectations. Customers and browsers can become frustrated with slow Internet response and loose valuable interest. The amount of traffic the server neighbors are getting could affect the ability for visitors to log on. The Internet or web neighbors may also cause further problems with crashes, so make sure that who is on the server and how they operate is completely known and understood. Shared or virtual hosting can be the answer for many business website and Internet needs, but it is important to have knowledge and understanding of the over-all picture and to have realistic expectations.

There is also free web hosts available to those wanting to have a small website on the Internet. Servers that offer their services for free generally do so in exchange for advertising that will be placed on web sites. Of course, performance and customer service will be minimal with any free web hosting service account.

If there are expectations of a larger website and traffic, then website owners will want to check into a dedicated hosting server. With a dedicated hosting server, website owners do not share an IP location with other web sites or services. A dedicated hosting web server and the conveniences it offers can, in the long run, save the larger website frustrations. A web host that offers a dedicated server can offer customers more control, faster response times, and simple setups. A dedicated hosting server can cost more, but may be worth the investment because there will be a full server servicing the account or website. A dedicated host server will also give their customers access to the server, making control much like operating from a personal computer at home.

The Internet is good place to begin the search for finding the right web service and comparing dedicated hosting web server to virtual or shared accounts. There are directories online that compare costs and services of the many web hosts. Those looking for a space for their web sites can find agencies online that will match up criteria with web hosts that can meet them. There are also web sites online that rate the top ten dedicated hosting server agencies, giving quick access to the most reliable companies on the web hosting market.

It is always a good idea to conduct ample research when making financial and business decisions. Choosing a dedicated hosting web server is a decision that needs to be carefully considered and researched, knowing that what is being paid for will offer the best quality service, not only for personal or business benefits, but for the benefit of customers as well. The Bible teaches us to gather wisdom about all areas of our lives and not just the spiritual side of things. "Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14) Before making final decisions about a host for your website, speak with others who are using the host under consideration. Be sure to get referrals and ask about the quality of service. The time and research invested will be time well spent!

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Fully Managed Dedicated Servers

Managed dedicated servers provide customized features for optimal performance towards website needs. Something to initially consider when looking at these options, is deciding what operating system is needed and what additional programs should be included. With a professional site builder and templates it is easy to customize fully managed dedicated servers. These provide flexibility and security for a website. Along with support and technical management are services that include email, DNS, security, backup system, and restoration capability, this is an option for someone who is looking for more storage capability on their website.

There are hosting packages available online that offer this type of support. Features include traffic monitors, excellent bandwidths, operating system updates, managed domains, and network monitoring. Firewall protection and power scans provide additional security. This is included in some packages. Other security features include spam filters and anti-virus software. It is possible to customize the operating system, memory, and amount of backup storage. Do an assessment on server needs before deciding on a web hosting package. A person might want to get some advice from a professional if unsure of what is needed from fully managed dedicated servers.

Some packages that are geared towards providing a business with maximum speed and manageability. These types of packages include faster processors and more memory. With demand increasing for managed dedicated servers there are many choices on hosting packages on the Internet. Support keeps a website separate and unaffected by others. Having a dedicated server means fewer worries and interruptions in service. When others share a server there will likely be some issues that arise. If someone on the network is doing a backup it could heavily utilize the network to the point that additional server users feel interruptions. This could affect viewers visiting a site and even completing a sale transaction. Sharing resources could result in slower than normal response times. These servers usually make these kinds of problems nonexistent.

People might be thinking about managing their own server. Before making a decision to do so they should check out the hosting packages online on fully managed dedicated servers. This will save some headaches in maintenance. A hosting service will manage and keep it up and running. Most sites offer support for technical problems pertaining to any kinds of site issues. Hosting packages range in price depending on the customized features offered. Choosing faster processor speeds and more memory will end up costing more than just the low-end basic service. However, the basic service will provide the designated server with a good processor speed and adequate memory.

When choosing a web hosting service, individuals should evaluate the site for effectiveness. The functionality, traffic, and available services must be closely examined. Of course one must consider a budget when it comes to web hosting services. Weigh the differences in cost to having a server verses a full one. With managed dedicated servers technical issues will be taken care of by the hosting service. Any hardware or software issues are usually also included with technical support.

Using managed dedicated servers for a website will provide a service that will allow people to concentrate on the more important aspects of a business. Some companies that offer web hosting server management also offer tips on marketing techniques. Some include marketing packages along with hosting services to help the new business owner with initial advertising. Do some research on fully managed dedicated servers and find a reputable company that offers reasonable prices. Become informed by reading frequently answered questions on various sites and if not sure about some issues, make some phone calls using available contact information or do a live chat with a professional. This will help clear up anything people may be concerned about. "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven" (Proverbs 23:5).

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Free Data Storage Solutions

Many data storage systems are available today, with great variety in type and cost. Storing information is becoming increasingly important, both for business and personal use. As in the times mentioned in Daniel 12:4, ...many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. The amount of files needed to store and transmit this information is steadily growing. Access to the database is important in nearly every aspect of a business. Therefore it is important that this information be securely stored and that the files are available when they are needed. Secure storage and reliability also need to be balanced by the cost of the system. Some free data storage solutions are available. However, most of these are offered as introductory incentives with the hope of later retaining the user as a regular paying customer.

Several of the free data storage solutions seem to be more for personal use rather than for use as corporate data storage systems. Generally a specific amount of space is offered, for whatever database a customer wishes to preserve. A popular use for these systems is the storage of digital photographs. Be cautious, however, as to entrusting photographs or other personal information to sites whose reputation is unknown. Even if these sites are reputable, perhaps it is best to use it as a redundant site rather than the main repository of important information. Some free data storage solutions offer additional space for a minimal cost.

If a corporation is looking for a storage solution, those responsible should consider several things. The protection of the database is of primary importance. However, one also needs to consider ways to reduce downtime and lower the costs of meeting a company's storage needs. In addition, maintaining the systems should not be impossibly complex or time-consuming. Finally, a system should be able to be adjusted to deal with increased future requirements.

People who configure systems try to avoid having any part of the data storage systems subject to a bottleneck where a failure of one part leads to the shutdown of the whole system or prevents one from accessing certain information until the problem is resolved. They use hardware which can be exchanged while the computer is running, without loss of data. Another safeguard is the use of RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive/Independent Disks) systems. In this system, multiple disk drives are combined into an array which provides performance which is better than any of the individual drives. The RAID system comes in a variety of configurations, both hardware and software. As long as they have redundancy, both types can use hot spare drives. These drives are physically installed in the array, but are not used unless an active drive fails. The spare replaces the failed drive and the array is rebuilt including it in the system. This can help reduce downtime needed for repairs. One fault in this system is that since all the drives are being used fairly evenly, when one fails, another may be likely to follow soon afterwards. If a second drive fails before the system has rebuilt using the spare, items can be lost. A RAID 6 configuration can protect a database during the failure of two disks, but it requires the use of a more advanced RAID controller.

Some data storage systems provide a snapshot -- a copy of a volume of information at a precise point in time -- which can be used for backup. It is also useful for testing various systems and noting performance after particular improvements have been made or hardware has been substituted. For even greater security against data loss, remote mirroring technology can be used. Under this system, volumes of information can be copied to separate arrays which are located in a variety of places. Thus, the mirrored items are safe even if the first repository is damaged.

After being reasonably sure that crucial information is secure, an administrator may be concerned about minimizing downtime (the time the system is unavailable due to reconfiguring or repair). Some companies provide systems which use automated load balancing. Even if arrays are added, or removed for repair, the company provides servers and applications which allow continuous access to the data. The data is automatically redistributed to available hardware. This allows greater performance and a minimum of disruption to the users. The virtualizing aspects of this system lessens the burden on staff people, for they no longer have to spend time installing, configuring, balancing and providing security for arrays. Nor do they have to create or map volumes of data. In this way, managing data storage systems requires less time, effort or knowledge from available technology staff.

An iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) system is one which allows customers to send commands to devices on remote servers. The iSCSI system is a popular Storage Area Network (SAN). These systems provide high performance, yet lower costs. Ethernet switches and adaptors are much less costly than those of fibre channel networking cards, switches and bridges. Be careful not to go overboard on purchasing arrays when choosing a networked system. Otherwise, money is being spent for capacity which is not yet needed. If a system is chosen which is modular and has automated load balancing, costs are kept in check because the company can buy only what is needed at the time. However, it is easy to expand and add more arrays when they are actually needed. Another benefit is that iSCSI can be run using existing networks, unlike fibre channel systems, which need special cables. Although these are not free data storage solutions, considering security, reliability and availability of data, the money which is required to implement this system is well spent.

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Dedicated Email Hosting Server

A dedicated email hosting server provides exclusivity to users who need the full power, memory, speed and features that only this type of hosting can provide. There are many ways of securing hosting through shared, virtual, or colocation providers, but sites that transact large amounts of data may require a dedicated mail server hosting solution in order to process its traffic. Dedicated servers are generally recommended for web sites that see over 2,000 or more visitors a day in order to provide adequate service in general and multi-faceted features for business purposes in particular.

Mail services are provided through all other means of hosting, but in order to receive the benefits of exclusivity to an account, a dedicated email hosting server is necessary. Dedicated options will cost more than other solutions initially, but in the long run, may provide the much needed space and service that only comes with exclusive use. There are also out-source communication options that can provide service to small businesses that need the full features of a corporation but don't want the hassle of owning a dedicated server and maintaining it. Many email hosting services provide mail security, software and other hardware associated with these choices.

The account is managed by a web mail company with all maintenance and service provided by competent staff to insure quality, professional service for any business. Many corporations and businesses prefer, however, to provide their own in house dedicated email hosting server as well as their own IT team to conduct all data transactions through web mail. Features such as anti-spam and security protection are very important to many corporations as well as communication access distribution among employees and other specified parties.

For companies that manage 100's of communication accounts and corporate web mail addresses, it is imperative to have hands-on management of dedicated mail server hosting to not only provide better service but to also insure privacy and security. There are many online sources that provide information and hardware regarding specifications, purchase, set up, management and support for any dedicated email hosting server solutions anyone may have in mind. Before investing in dedicated server hosting, be sure to thoroughly access the needs and features that will be required for any business or enterprise. Not all situations really need this type of hosting, so make sure that there are adequate requirements before investing in exclusive services.

Experts suggest that exclusive email options are not necessary for businesses that have under 4-5,000 users. Also, understanding how much space a company actually needs for data storage is important. Anything over 60Gb of space for storage usually requires dedicated mail server hosting in order to accommodate the large stream of data that occurs each day within many corporations. Another thing to consider is the type of back up system a company or enterprise is willing to put in place in order to protect its data and security interests. Other concerns are the type of software that is required that relate to spam and security issues. As with any purchase, it is also important to check out all agreements and service options that are available for any server requirement.

One issue that is very important when choosing to use a dedicated email hosting server is whether or not a company chooses a managed or unmanaged facility. Dedicated servers can be purchased and set up according to company specifications, but may need to be maintained and serviced by IT professionals that are hired by each respective business. This is an unmanaged dedicated server option and will require the attention of high tech specialists to be effective. Hiring IT specialists to maintain, service, and program a system can be very expensive for some companies that are not quite to the stage of exclusive server management.

For companies that want the power house option of a dedicated mail server hosting features, a managed situation may be best. Managed options provide professional technical staff that are well versed in every operations of email hosting management and can provide services for a fee to any company. It is quite amazing to realize the expertise and knowledge that can be found among those who are skilled in computer technology and who can provide incomparable service. "What is man that thou are mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." (Psalm 8:3-4)

This can prove to be a more efficient and cost effective way to manage and service the hosting set up that is required by moderate to large companies who do not want to pay for full management of their own servers. Most providers of email hosting offer options that can be customized to any company requirements. The best in web mail features such as POP3, email forwarding, security, auto responders and spam filtration which are only a few of the many available. For more information regarding dedicated mail server hosting options, there are many online sources that offer complete details for every requirement.

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Dedicated Linux Hosting

Dedicated Linux hosting seems to be one of the more popular hosting systems currently being used, if the number of times it appears connected to hosting companies on the Internet is any indication. There is even a site where you can investigate the top ten hosting companies using Linux servers. Servers of this type can be used for both managed and unmanaged web sites. While web designers and web developers are comfortable with this system, apparently it is also widely used by clients with no experience with server administration. That is to say, they can better understand what the web manager is doing with the Linux system.

Web hosting companies frequently manage web sites for clients, but with Linux dedicated web hosting companies, sometimes the hosting chores are turned over to the client when they request it. Some businessmen with web sites prefer to keep everything concerning their business close and personal. When this is the case, dedicated Linux hosting appears to fit the pattern just fine, and the cost is reduced accordingly. However, for those who wish to manage their own Linux web server remotely, they need access to people with extensive server administration resources and expertise. Web designers and software developers who can remotely administer the server, and software developers who can install and maintain third-party applications will be comfortable with Linux.

Monthly fees for managed Linux dedicated web hosting can vary, but usually run from about $340.00 to $995.00 for various packages, depending upon the size of the business using the service. The packages include a computer, CPU, RAM, hard drive, IP address, monthly bandwidth, and monitoring of three ports. Linux dedicated web hosting seems to offer everything the modern businessman requires to help his business reach its potential. Hosting companies offer free port monitoring, and allow customers to configure the Linux system to monitor their server and its ports. This configuration is left up to the customer, and maintenance is also the customer's responsibility. Any alerts are also sent to the customer for response. The Linux system also provides security patching and a firewall, providing security so necessary in today's Internet world. One can acquire a significant amount of security in the physical world, but it doesn't compare to the spiritual security available through faith. When performing the miracle of giving the blind man sight, "And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee." (Luke 18:42), He sent a clear message through the ages that confidence in Him surpasses confidence in anything made by man.

Whether a businessman is using the Linux dedicated web hosting system or another kind, there are some questions that should be asked of the web hosting company, and they are: (1) Do you offer 24/7 phone and e-mail support? (2) What is your recorded uptime? (3) Do you provide a range of service to accommodate a client's growing business needs? (4) Do you have customer testimonials a client can read? and (5) How long has your company been in the hosting business? Answers to these questions will tell a client quite a lot about the company, and the software it is using. Hosting services alone should be relatively inexpensive, i.e., $7.00-$10.00 per month, and if there is more than one domain owned by a business, the host company should provide a break in cost, rather than doubling the fee.

There are some good reasons for choosing Linux dedicated web hosting. It is a stable and reliable system, with high uptime. Since the source code for Linux is readily available to anyone who wants it, developers all over the world contribute to improve the system. Therefore, security patches and other improvements come out quickly, ensuring a very stable operation.

Software for dedicated Linux hosting can be downloaded for free from the Internet, and local mirror or CDs can be purchased from vendors for as little as $40.00. Unlike some other systems, Linux can run on PC-based hardware, which means disk space or memory are added easily. Linux is several times faster than Windows NT on equal hardware, according to some studies. With the above-mentioned attributes in place, dedicated Linux hosting seems to be a good choice for someone needing to manage his business web site himself, or by having a web host company do it for him.

In today's business environment, a business's web page is as important for attracting customers as window dressing was fifty years ago. Then, color and arrangement of items was done in a way that would attract the eye of the passing shopper. Today's web sites are designed to attract the attention of the web browser, and adding to that a convenient way to get to the business they seek makes for good customer relations from the very start. Dedicated Linux hosting is one way to achieve the goal of boosting business in an efficient and positive way.

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Affordable Dedicated Hosting Servers

Cheap dedicated web hosting is more possible than the service used to be for those who need the broad capabilities of exclusive servers for their business needs. It pays, however, to be discriminating when choosing an affordable dedicated hosting server since cheap is not always best when it comes to supporting an online business. Many websites that experience a large amount of visitors need the functionality and dependability that dedicated services can provide. Those who need more bandwidth and memory capabilities for traffic or graphic intensive sites may want to explore the options that an exclusive server can offer them.

Dedicated or exclusive servers are only one of the ways that anyone with a website can receive reasonably good web hosting for ecommerce sites, informational sites or other websites that experience huge amounts of traffic. The other option for many webmasters is shared web host accounts that can be purchased through many online web companies. The difference in shared and cheap dedicated web hosting services is not only the money. Shared web hosting is provided through many companies that operate their web services from a server that stores and distributes information for more than one site per server.

Many small business websites, personal websites and informational websites purchase shared accounts from various hosting companies rather than purchasing cheap dedicated web hosting. Purchasing an account from a website host company that provides a shared server for its clientele is usually cheaper. The prices are very reasonable and a customer can pay as little as a few dollars a month to have an account through a company that provides shared web hosting. Hosts that use shared servers to provide web services to its customers usually allot a certain amount of bandwidth and memory to each account.

This insures that each customer account has enough to operate their website with and that any over extension of bandwidth can be monitored. If one is using the services of a host company that provides shared hosting and he goes over his monthly bandwidth amount, he will need to pay a fee for more bandwidth allotment and more memory for the site. Some problems can occur with shared servers that do not occur with affordable dedicated hosting servers. Shared servers provide services for many websites and if there is a problem in maxing out bandwidth and memory allotments, it can cause functionality problems with the server.

A website could experience temporary shut down or other problems that a cheap dedicated web hosting solution could solve. Common sense tells us that anytime something is shared, there is obviously going to be a problem from time to time with overlapping uses and memory functions. However, choosing a reputable host company that has been in business for years is a good rule of thumb when searching for a dependable host. The benefits of shared servers are also positive especially for small companies and personal sites that may only use a minimum of bandwidth and experience a moderation in traffic.

A website that uses many other media features rather than just text always use a larger amount of bandwidth each month as information is accessed by visitors to a site. In these cases, it is generally wise to choose affordable dedicated hosting servers that can provide all the bandwidth and memory capabilities the site needs to service the many visitors that come to the website. Cheap dedicated web hosting is available for a reasonable amount that may pay off in less hassles and more business to a site. Because a business has its own exclusive server, it can bypass the problems with shared servers altogether.

Exclusive host services can be purchased through many companies that specialize in providing customers with the best in quality and performance. For those who want to purchase a stock server, it is not unusual to find one that can meet basic needs for a few hundred dollars. Of course, this is generally very inexpensive and basic service, and will only meet the needs of certain types of websites. Many companies offer customizable services for their dedicated servers and software, making it easy to find the right server. One can find affordable dedicated hosting servers for a moderate range of prices that run up to a few thousand dollars.

Then, of course, there are servers that may 'break the bank', but for companies that do a large scale Internet business and require cutting edge functions, a fully customized server may be the only way to go. Many companies that specialize in exclusive servers also offer payment plans that allow consumers to pay off the purchase through monthly payments. If affordable dedicated hosting servers are the way to go, be sure to compare prices and customer services before making the final decision. "For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteousness; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12)

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Business Data Backup Solutions

The need for business data backup solutions is often discovered only after a crisis occurs and it is too late to save important records. Vital and irreplaceable information can be lost forever when safeguards to prevent these loses are not in place. These defenses might include software support, various external data storage devices such as removable disks, DVDs, CDs or external hard drives, or remote data backup systems that are offered by a variety of online services. When a computer crashes, crucial data in the form of written work, vital records, family photos, significant correspondence, or valuable creative work are swept away in the blink of an eye. Anyone who owns and stores information on a computer, whether that information represents the essential records of a thriving business, or the private memories of a family, should plan for the worst case scenario by backing up system information. Wise planning for hard drive recovery is one of the realties of living in this computer age.

The need to back up business data is great since the loss of just a few hours worth of information can be devastating. The current options in business data backup solutions are vast compared to technology that was available just a few years time ago. In times past, the task of backing up information in the event of a system crash was much more difficult. Old fashioned floppy disks provided a tedious solution since they could only hold a little over a megabyte of data. Backing up just one computer, let alone all of the records pertaining to even the smallest business was a daunting prospect when using these old tools. The options currently available make the poor floppy disk pale by comparison. Relatively simple options such as zip drives, CD-Rs and CD-RWs, or DVD-Rs and DVD-RWs offer the capability of storing all the records on one system. These tools help restore a system to normal after a hard drive crash or other loss. Services that offer remote data backup systems can also be a good and effective solution.

Anyone who owns and uses a personal computer is in danger of a hard drive crash. Knowing the signs of a possible impending hard drive crash can be beneficial. It should come as no surprise that funny noises emanating from any piece of machinery is not good news. High pitched whirring sounds, grinding sounds or clicks coming from the hard drive are always cause for concern and generally indicates an ailing system. The presence of a blue screen indicates that a computer is experiencing issues with either its software or its hardware. When a system is in the habit of frequent freeze ups, this could be indicative of an impending crash as is a system that reboots without being asked to. Error messages such as "operating system not found" or "drive cannot be accessed" are also signs of imminent trouble. Other signs could include vanishing files or folders, a system that has a tendency to lock up during boots, changing file or folder names, a system that keeps the user waiting when files and programs are opened, problems uncovered when the system is scanned, or a hard drive that feels hot to the touch. Immediate action should be taken when these signs appear. But long before such a crisis should occur, investigating and implementing business data backup solutions is of key importance.

A hard drive crash is not the only danger that a computer owner faces. Viruses, natural disasters or the loss of a system through theft can also put important data at risk. Signing up for remote data backup systems could provide a source of solid protection as well as peace of mind. These programs store information online, away from the system, and can be retrieved in the event of anything that might endanger important information such as hard drive crashes, or virus attacks. Often these services will automatically update the information on a system and continually preserve it online. In the event of a system crash or other crisis, the stored information can be accessed immediately. These remote services also offer the convenience of accessing information when away from home. A consumer can select which files should be backed up, or can have all of the information on the system preserved. The Bible talks about the hope that is stored up for Christians in heaven. "But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (Hebrews 3:6)

In addition to remote data backup systems, there are a wide variety of business data backup solutions available to preserve crucial computer data. An array of software products are available that offer an alternative to online services. Hard disk imaging saves all of the information on a system and is a relatively simple way to back up a hard drive. Virtual tape libraries store information on a tape compatible format and can be less expensive than online storage. External hard drives and memory sticks provide another simple way to store data and protect it from loss. Most computers come with CD-R and CD-RW burners and many are equipped with DVD-RW burners as well. Both of these devices offer a quick and simple backup option for anything from word documents, financial records, movies, music or photographs. Whichever method is chosen, it would be wise for holders of large scale information storage, such as that used for business, to make sure to back up their systems on a frequent basis.

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