Dedicated Server Hosting - Frequently Asked Questions
Dedicated servers give you 24x7 control and guaranteed uptime. Our low cost Windows dedicated server hosting is ideal for mission-critical ASP, Ecommerce, application hosting, and dedicated SQL Server database needs. Whether you need a fully customized dedicated MOSS hosting plan, or a simple database - dedicated servers from Fpweb.net get the job done.
Q. What if my server hardware fails?
A. Fpweb.net staffs our datacenters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year with NOC engineers capable of handling any software or hardware failure. Fpweb.net stands behind every dedicated server we lease. We keep inventory on hand for every machine we build including completely built "hot-swap" machines in case of a complete system failure. We will replace any of the following parts should they break at any time during your dedicated server lease.
Q. Do I have to sign a long term contract?
A. No. Fpweb.net prices are some of the lowest in the industry. All of our advertised prices are based on a 3-month commitment. You pay in advance and are committed to keeping a server with Fpweb.net for 3 consecutive months.
Q. Can I upgrade my server?
A. Yes. If we ever upgrade our plans, or you require a server with more extensive resources, we will upgrade your server for a small fee. We build every server so that it is very easy to scale, grow and expand your machine at any given time. You will then be charged for the new monthly fee of the new plan you choose.
Q. What tape backup solutions do you offer?
A. Fpweb.net offers various types of backup solutions as additional options to each of our dedicated server packages. We can install RAID-1, RAID-5, RAID-10, drive-to-drive backups, NAS/SAN storage solutions and individual tape drives in your servers. Please contact your Fpweb.net sales representative for current pricing information.
Q. Does Fpweb.net provide DNS service?
A. Yes. We provide complete DNS service for all current hosting customers.
Q. Will I have administrator control?
A. Yes, you will have full "administrator" access on your server. You may install any software you like on your server without restriction and can resell services at any rate you like.
Q. What's host header hosting?
A. Host headers allows you to serve multiple virtual domains from a single IP address. Host header hosting does not affect the performance or appearance of the domains hosted. The advantage of using host header hosting is that it is much easier to administer a single IP address. It also means that number of sites you host is not limited by the number of IPs you have available.
Q. Can anyone run a dedicated server?
A. Yes. Local Area Network administrators who are comfortable with servers should be fine managing a Fpweb.net dedicated server. We have support engineers and managed services available for projects or emergency assistance.
Q. What type of support can I expect on a dedicated server?
A. We monitor the machines 24/7 to make sure your machine stays up and running. Any system operation questions may be directed to support. Individual domain support for your customers and other things that may arise will be your responsibility. You also get unlimited toll free technical support in our dedicated server call center. We have a dedicated server coordinator to help you with upgrades, sales and quality assurance questions during normal business hours. Our technical support center is available 24x7x365 for your dedicated server support needs.
Q. How long does it take to get my server after ordering?
A. Generally 3-5 days. All our systems are custom built by Dell, IBM or HP and are pre-tested for 24 hours before releasing the machine to you. If you are in a hurry we have some pre-configured, pre-tested machines that can be ready-to-use within 48 hours of ordering!
Q. What software is included with Windows 2003 servers?
A. Windows 2000 servers come with IIS6.0 and Terminal Services. You will have full control of your server. Although you may install any software you like on your server without restriction, we only support software that we have tested to our satisfaction. If you need assistance with software installation we can provide the service at our posted support engineer rates.
Q. What is RAID10?
A. RAID 10 is implemented as a striped array whose segments are RAID 1 arrays. RAID 10 has the same fault tolerance as RAID level 1. RAID 10 has the same overhead for fault-tolerance as mirroring alone. High I/O rates are achieved by striping RAID 1 segments. Under certain circumstances, RAID 10 array can sustain multiple simultaneous drive failures. RAID10 requires 4 drives but you will lose half of the total disk space. Excellent solution for sites that would have otherwise gone with RAID 1 but need some additional performance boost - database servers.
Q. What is RAID1?
A. Raid Level 1 means that one drive mirrors the other. In the event that one of your drives fails, the other will immediately continue to serve data. An additional feature with Raid is that, if one drive is overtaxed, the overflow requests will be handled by the second drive. RAID1 requires two drives, but you will lose the disk space of one of the drives.
Q. What is RAID5?
A. RAID Level 5 distributes the parity among the drives. This can speed small writes in multiprocessing systems, since the parity disk does not become a bottleneck. Because parity data must be skipped on each drive during reads, however, the performance for reads tends to be considerably lower. RAID Level 5 is n-1 meaning you lose the disk space of one drive in order to stripe data across the drives. A minimum of three drives is required for RAID5.
Q. What is the difference between SCSI and EIDE?
A. The primary difference is that SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) has a processor built into the drive which allows for faster read / writes. The EIDE (Enhanced IDE) drives rely on the CPU. SCSI is a good option if you are planning to run a database. EIDE is suitable for standard web serving.
Q. Should I choose Unix or Windows 2003?
A. Unix is a very versatile and stable platform that serves a number of Internet functions well. It is great for email, live or canned streaming of audio and video, web page servicing and as a test-bed or scripts, programs or security measures. Windows 2003 GUI makes it the most user-friendly as it provides a familiar feel and operation like that of your desktop office machine. It integrates well with other Microsoft applications and there are tons of commercial applications available for this platform such as MS SQL, Exchange, Access and Microsoft Office.
The following system components will be replaced free of charge anytime during your dedicated server lease:
- Ethernet Adapters / Network Cards
- Case / System Enclosure
- Video Card
- Sound Card
- Floppy Drive
- IDE / SCSI Hard Disk Drives
- Surge Protector
- CPU
- RAM Modules
- Motherboard
- Device Controllers / Adapters (floppy / hard disk controllers)
- CD ROM Drive
- UPS Device
- Any Cable (Network / Power etc.)
- 300W Power Supply
- CPU Fans / Cooling Device