HCSuperStores

I recommend that you open a Help Desk ticket to the Billing department. They will help you.

Hi TCH-Robert, I have a secret that I've just discovered for being right: Only open your mouth when you know the answer! I've been working on my "forum addiction" and have found that answering 100 posts a day was a problem. I'm seeking help. Seriously, I've been doing much more reading than responding lately. I'll keep to my levels of expertise and thus keep me out of trouble and remember the 12 steps! Always nice to have someone look at your answers though. The brain stalls now and then. Good day!

Personally, I read all new posts that hit topic areas or titles that are something that might pertain to my business. Thus, I"m glad to see this kind of stuff in the forum and not in a HDT. Thank you!

I think you're on the right road ... but your "text" should be "varchar". Text doesn't receive a length. I'm doing some remote teaching with MySQL ... my first suggest is to envision a simple project and try to complete it. If you have questions as you make it work, they will be specific and more easy to handle. Let me know. I'm always around!

Karma? Predestination? Free will? Actually I think this may fall under the famously quoted phrase of "What goes around comes around".

I think this is an interesting topic where you can have few sides to it. However, software developers (me included) seem to enjoy a certain priviledge that other industry counterparts don't. Imagine if someone built a car where if you put too much gas in the tank it would cause the brakes to fail in certain circumstances. But the manufacture realized it later and posted signs around town telling you about the defect, and that placing a piece of duct tape over the brake line would fix the problem. Even more, the manufacture still sold the same car after knowing about the defect, and expected that all of their car owners wold apply the same piece of duct tape, and additional ones as the manufacture found issues that affected the brake system. To me, it all goes back to how accountable do we want to make sotware developers. This is a scarey topic for me. I develop e-commerce stores. So far, no problems. But there could be. I have a liability clause in all of my contracts to protect me because I know how complicated software can get. I think Microsoft IS accountable for these issues as much as car manufacture would be as described above, because the issues are constant and were preventable given the resources available to them. But applying that same standard to me scares me a little ... and I'm being honest. Does anyone else share that viewpoint? :Nerd: (Bellringer ... am curious your take on Romans chapeter 9 ... all in good discussion of course :heart )

Hey Bell Ringer ... Couldn't help reading in the lines of "free will". But aren't we all predestined!?!?!

I've noticed that your questions are never a "Yes" or "No" answer ... and you've probably noticed that I don't usually write small responses either! In any case, I'll do my best to explain as much as possible. If you still have questions, or I missed something, either I or someone else can fill in the gaps. Ok, first Perl and PHP. These are, in a way, one in the same. They are both programming languages. More finely put, they are interpretive types of languages, which means the computer has to translate them first and then it can run the code. This is opposed to languges like C, C++, Cobol, Pascal and many, many others that are compilied languages. Compiled languages take less work because they are already in a code that the computers under stand. Interpretive code requires a compile and then it can be run. PHP is more popular on the web than Perl for script writing. There is also Visual Basic, shell/scripts (corn, born, bash), Python, and also many more here too. Personally I've noticed over the last 10 years a migration from compiled languages to interpretive languages as interpretive languages are easier to write code in (usually) so it allows you to write more in less time. Maybe this is really just because of the web. Another reason is that compiled languages, which perform better with the CPU, are not as necessary because machines are just so much faster than they were 10 years ago. There are more technical details about the way interpretive languages do compiles which can afford huge processing efficiencies ... but I'm just not going to get into that much detail. BTW - I don't think that Perl is more secure than PHP, or likewise for PHP, but you can write very insecure code. Just a couple of resources: Perl Resource PHP Resource CGI is not a language, but rather an interface, thus the name of Common Gateway Interface. For instance, when you go to buy a car, generally you're not worried about IF you can drive a car. You expect things to be in certain places like the gas and break pedals, steering wheel, etc. These things are the way you interface with the car. In the same way, CGI is an interface. There is a standard way that information travels from the server to a person's web page and back again. When you use CGI as the interface, you will know exactly how to send and receive this information no matter what machine the server is or what machine your customer is using. It's all expected to work the same way. So, when you make a form on a web page and send that form to a script, via "action=yourscript.pl" then you automatically know how to retrieve the information in your script. MySQL is a relational database structure, although you don't have to use it that way, but it is meant to work this way. It's just a convenient way to store and retrieve information in an organized fashion. You could store everthing you need in plain old data files, but then you would have to build programming tools and figure out how to access your data. Even then, you would never be as efficient as a true database, designed to receive, update, and send data quicly and easily. You usually communicate with MySQL using SQL statements. These are simple statements that allows you to communicate with this, and many other databases. So if you want to add a "white Corvette" to your database it might look something like "INSERT make, color INTO cardatase VALUES 'Corvet','white'"; My syntax may be off just a little here, but it's the basic idea. You retrieve records by using a SELECT statement and you specifiy something like "SELECT * FROM cardatabase WHERE color='whie'"; The language is pretty simple, but with knowledge comes efficiency. The more you know the faster you can make it go. See MySQL Information With all this I just wrote, it's just an overview. There's so much more to know and learn. Pick up some good books and prepare to do some research. If this is your first stab at writing programs, instead of HTMLish code then things might take a little longer, but it's never impossible. We all started where you are at one point. If you really get into this and need someone who's been down the road for years, PM me and we can talk. Maybe we can work out some OJT (on the job training) if this is an area where you really want to learn. I've always learned best by doing myself and I could help you with that. In any case ... good luck to you!!!

Thanks Rob ... we're just looking to share the load. Sometimes we just end up spreading the crap! Glad it was actually helpful this time!

Hi Bill, Thank you for your incredibly eliquent response! I see age is taking its toll on you. (I know ... I'm gonna pay for that one!) My question is not a plug for AMD or any other server for that matter. God knows I've been extremely happy with the performance of TCH servers. I was just curious if you, in your business thoughts, had ever entertained the possiblity of trying a dual or quad AMD box. I'm sure there's much to balance in the equation of what servers to run. I also understand that cheaper is not better, and that new is not all that sometimes either. But I personally follow AMD in their plight and have been impressed by their performance over the past year more than ever. If you had reasons for being an "Intel Only" server shop I was interested in hearing your thought process. Glenn did have a couple of points. Maybe you had something more to add? Just discussion ... not plug!

Hi, I'm a customer but I think I can answer your questions: 1) You can configure your .htaccess files if you wish. 2) You can execute scripts from any directory if you wish, cgi-bin included. 3) You have access to your "home/user" directory, which is at the same level as your "www" directory, to keep files out of the www file. I do this too. 4) For regular accounts, a shared SSL is usually available. It is not avaiable for reseller accounts. But it sounds like you're not going in the reseller account direction. You should be all set. If I'm wrong on any of these points, a TCH tech person will be along shortly to gently correct me. But I'm pretty sure about these answers. When you do sign up, make a stop at the "introductions" area so we can give you a formal welcome. TCH has been an absolute rock-stable, true service oriented web hosting company. I KNOW you will be happy. If you're not, you have 30 days to decide and cancel. You've got nothing to lose really. I hope you enjoy your stay hear as much as I have! Good luck! Thumbs Up

I found it exciting ... but only minutely because of the "Windows Only" requirement. Oh well. There's probably something similar for the Linux crowd. At least my machne stays up to read e-mail now! I'll keep a look out for this type of product. It sounds like this onemight be a good product for my Win clients.

I've noticed the same thing on my end. Spammers are getting more creative in their ability to get through SA. Hey, TCH-BRUCE, what's K9??????

Hi Again, I had a client back about 3 years ago use a router for dial-up. So I know it exists. My definition of a router, by the way, is like a power strip to electricity. It just makes more plugs out of the one you have. Usually one router gives you 4-5 plugs for the same connection. I haven't set up a router with a dial-up connection, but I'm sure they exisit. Good luck!

Hey there Spider, Personally, I recommend a router. I've found that routing via software can be troubing at times. I'm not wirless, but I do have my own network and it's been stable as a rock. I operate my internet connections and my phone system over this little guy. It's been up 24/7 for months and months. Never caused me an issue. Compare that to my software routing of sometimes working and sometimes not, tinkering with settings, a computer that needs rebooting brings down the entire network for about 5 minutes. Prices have come down too. Just my Opinion ...... said the fly to the spider.

Hey there fellow TCH Family, From what I have gathered most, if not all TCH servers, are now operating on quad Xenon servers. My last hosting company was touting dual (older) P4 systems as if that was something to be drooled over. Maybe to replace MY personal server, but to do what TCH does ... yawn ... Anyway, I've been looking into and following the history of the Opteron chip development. It seems to do well with the new Linux core and has always scored well in general. In addition, I read an article that might peak someone's interest here on the subject. I am curious if TCH (Bill) shows any interest in this area to explore what AMD/IBM offers for servers and how you feel about any performance/cost numbers if you have done them. One benefit I do keep reading about is the amount of heat generated by the Intel chips v.s. AMD. You might call me an "AMD Hopeful". I'm always one for free market and when I see one company dominate a particular market I just can't help myself by cheering on the underdog. In the end it makes life better for all to have things a little more balanced. Any opinion is welcome if you have more to add to the debate on this technology.

I agree with Lisa (Hi Lisa ... ) on the bandwidth. I've heard a few whine about that some but if you look at your bandwith v.s. space ratio, you'd have to use every available byte to make an impact on your bandwith. They offer additional bandwith on a per GB basis that, if things were that close, that you could use for one month. But just to answer your question, everything about your account goes against bandwith (FTP ... downloads and uploads, e-mail and anything else I can't think of) On your domain name ... I'm afraid that things don't look good. In my little research, there were many countries listed but CA was not one of them. I find that a little odd. This doesn't need to be a show stopper ... but it would be rather convenient. You would just need to point your DNS information to TCH for resolution. I hope you like this place as much as I do!

I'm a customer, but I can help you with most of your questions. 1) I'm 90% sure that they do .ca extensions. 2) It's possible to renew before your domain name expires, but there is a cut-off time where your current registrar will not let you transfer if you are too close to the expiration date. I'm not sure what the timeframe is, but it should be less than 14 days and may be as little as 7 days. After that, your domain name locks until it is renewed. 3) You will have FTP access to your account area after your account is set-up. That information is usually contained in the "welcome" e-mail. 4) I'm pretty sure you can pro-rate whole months when upgrading. I believe that you would pay the difference of whole months up-front. However, partial months are not done because of the paperwork involved. It is truly a pain! 5) Every included script usually has some measure of flexibility. Some BBs are more flexible than others. My advice would be to research them according to their own sites and find out what one offers the flexibility you desire. However, I'm pretty confident that you can match colors on most every BB out there. 6) I've never received an e-mail note on usage. However, there are several different on-line packages that allow you to analyze your account any time you want. The detail is just overwhelming!!!! Basically I can't imagine a need that is not offered for this kind of function. Just a final note from me to you ... I wish I paid up front!!!! A free month and this level of service is just unspeakable. There's nothing that makes TCH shine more than when they handle problems that occur with every hosting provider, whether they want to admit it or not. These guys are absolutely top-notch. From the techs to the owner himself (it's his birthday today). What they do for what you give to them as payment is just the bargain of the century. So get the year and the free month! You won't regret it!!!! If you do sign up, don't forget to formally introduce yourself in the "introductions" area. Good luck!

There's always one in every bunch! We'll I'm not on a $4 a month plan, so I expect 99.99% uptime! And a free mug too ... you know, the one that changes colors when there's hot and cold stuff in it? And I don't want one of those tiny mugs either ... I want a good size 20+ oz ... with my initials engraved in it and signed by some sports major sports player, or Nascar race car driver. THEN we're talking about a really good hosting company!!! (I guess it's late and I'm getting a little punchy )

My memory was geared toward the remaining days. I think I read something about someone who was paying monthly and upgrading a month-to-month plan. For those who pay advance for a year, I bet that is a different story. I would assume that they would pay the rest of the plan for the year up front. i.e. if someone upgradded from a $4 plan to a $5 plan with 6 months left, and had already paid up for a year, then we would want them to submit a payment of $6 to pay for the remaining 6 months of their new plan. Just my estimation/translation. I don't prorate for my clients either. It is a major pain!!!

Hi, I know that some people have encountered cookie issues, especially if you are using phpMyAdmin on 2 different hosting accounts during a transfer. The problem seemed to go away when they deleted their cookies. Good luck. If this doesn't work, just add to this post and I'm sure others will comment.

Hey there TCH-Glenn, I don't mean to point out any flaw in your info, but I think I read something about pro-rating somewhere and that they don't do it. In a nutshell I think they said "plan it close to the end of the month'. Now would be a good time! Maybe I am wrong or what I remember was talking about something else. But I am sure that I read that somewhere .... Now, if I can just find my socks ....

Hi Webgrl, I haven't set up a whole bunch of networks, but I have my own LAN at home on normal CAT5, LinkSys router and LinkSys cards running a 100Mb/s. There's nothing fancy about it, and you probably don't have to do anything fancy either. If you have at least 2 computers in your own home, you could do some testing at home. Hooking up 2 is like hooking up 20 (almost). So once you get the first 2 on-line, I believe the rest will follow behind easily. For a wired solution, you will need your DSL Modem, a single router with at least 5 switches (think of growth and maybe 2 - 4 port routers leaving 3 open slots), and NICs for all (Network Interface Cards). The CAT5 cable is what my clients refer to as the "fat phone like" cable. It can reach as far as 100 meters between stops. You may want to consider wireless. The CAT5 cable can add to the cost very quickly, so if the computers are more than, say 20 ft. away, wireless would be the way to go. As long as security isn't the most top priority. Wireless is, in my view, inherently more insecure than a physical line. For a wireless set-up you'll need your DSL modem, a wireless router, and a wireless NIC for each computer. The range varies from one version to another, but I believe that 300ft. is achievable by most. The number of ports available per wireless router varies too. As far as hook-up, it's just a little threatening to do it the first time. Most provide a picture that does a very good job at giving you an idea on how things go together. I went into my first LAN setup job not ever doing it before and setting up my first one with the client over my shoulder the whole way. Everthing came together without a hitch with the picture on the box telling me 90% of what I needed to know. I do recommed trying it out at home if this is a paid job, just to be sure. If not, and your client is comfortable with a little trial and error, do it on-site. Check out Tom's Hardware Guide for lots of great hardware type links. Somewhere in there he talks about setting up a LAN. Tom's my hero of the hardware world! Good luck and have fun learning!

Kudos Robert ... Now .... about my server .. Congrats to you!

Hi. It sounds like you have a lot of sub systems that don't talk to each other. I can understand the isues you are having because of it. I'll assume that there's no way to merge the sign-in processes between these systems. Given that, you could write another Perl script "ID/Password" manager. Make the system that you admistrate require a new password every 30-60 days (the smallest common denominator of all the sites) and create an ID management system that will take the passwords and syncronize them. So, every 30 days the system would prompt the user for a new password. Your ID management system would then go to all the other systems that are managed and change the password there as well, keeping them all syncronized. Sounds like an interesting challenge. Good luck!