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Cobalt customer migration to DVS FAQs
Important Information regarding Demon Server Hosting Migration This page covers general questions that may be asked about the Demon Virtual Server.
What is the DVS platform and what does it offer?
The Demon Virtual Server (DVS) platform is a virtualized hosting platform that offers a full suite of Internet services with remote administration capabilities. The DVS platform is an entry/mid-level solution that is very popular with a range of end users including web designers, small companies, and ISPs. The array of solutions available for a Linux based appliance makes it an ideal platform for high-traffic web portals, databases and application hosting.
What is a virtualized hosting platform?Virtual Private Servers (also called "Virtual Dedicated Servers") are servers which do not interface directly with the hardware which they are running on and cannot interface directly with each other. The server is virtual as it is independent of actual hardware and private in the sense that other VPS servers on the node cannot interact with its file system or processes.
Instead of allowing the kernel or operating system to interface directly with hardware components, virtualization software intercepts requests, queues them, and manages their interpretation
Where will my DVS platform be located?
Your server will be located at one of our purpose built secure Demon data centres.
What Internet services does the DVS platform provide?
The DVS platform comes pre-configured with Apache web server, FrontPage™ Extensions, MajorDomo, MySQL, PHP, Perl , ProFTPd FTP server, Exim mail transfer agent and DNS server.
What software is included with the DVS distribution?
Demon Virtual Servers come with a customised Linux distribution that among other applications includes Apache, Exim, Perl and PHP.
Do I need to be a Linux guru to administer my Demon Virtual Server Hosting product?
You don't have to know Linux at all
The main benefit of the DVS platform is that you get Linux stability and functionality with a simple web-based user interface that allows for point and click administration. Customers are able to mail, use FTP, add domains, run DNS and perform administrative tasks all through an easy to use web-based interface.
What's the catch?
There is no catch. We have a low monthly cost. All the items required for an immediate web presence are included in our packages, and for a small additional fee, additional services are available to DVS customers. For example, advanced firewall, unique nameserver, additional IP addresses and domain name registration.
What do I need before I can have a DVS?
Initially you need very little, we can deal with the technical issues of registering your domain name, if you do not already have one, and set up your DVS platform. To administer your DVS you will need Internet access, however if you do not already have Internet access this can be arranged by taking one of our Demon internet access products. This will provide HTTP access (to see your pages and use the administration interface) and FTP access to upload your information to your Web site disk space.
Are there any special requirements for administering a DVS?
You will need to be able to access your DVS on a variety of ports for administrative purposes. Any proxies or firewalls between the hosts you will use for management and the Internet should be capable of allowing connections on ports 21, 22, 80, and 443.
How long does it take to set up a new server?
If you are paying by credit card or invoice, orders for a new DVS5000 this will be provisioned within 2 working days from acceptance of the application and 10 working days for a D2VS Pro
If you choose to pay by either cheque or standing order we will activate your DVS5000 or D2VS Pro when we receive your cheque or confirmation that the standing order has been activated.
Why should I choose Demon Virtual Server over the thousands of hosting products available?
Our prices are highly competitive and we provide excellent ongoing customer support.
Your DVS5000 and D2VS Pro comes with 24 x 7 technical support - during business hours you also have available, as a resource, a Linux solutions design team who can provide professional services tailored to your needs. This allows you to focus on building your business and brand on-line.
Advantages of choosing Demon Dedicated Hosting include:
- 24x7 technical support
- Fast server set up
- First class service from one of Europe's leading ISPs
- Years of web hosting experience from the largest provider of web hosting services in the UK
- Unparalleled latency thanks to our LINX peering matrix
- State of the art, secure, Internet data centres.
Who do I contact for technical support?
We hope you have found this FAQ useful. DVS customers have a dedicated technical support team available on 0871 425 4441(Calls cost 10p a minute from a standard BT line; other networks may vary and from mobiles may cost considerably more). Alternatively you can send an electronic online ticket through your Control Centre and they will be happy to help resolve your problems.
Do you offer a reseller package?
No, we do not offer a specific reseller package. However the DVS allows the creation of virtual web sites and allows you to give others administrative access to manage those sites, without allowing them to manage the entire appliance (these users are known as site admins).
Are there any restrictions upon the type of site I can host?
We won't allow our customers to run sites that jeopardise the quality of our other customers' accounts. Please see the Terms and Conditions and AUP for further details.
What measures do you take to prevent "Internet abuse"?
The Network Abuse Team is dedicated to handling such issues. The team deals with enforcing the Demon Acceptable Use Policies, handling any abuse of services and complaints from third parties about our
I want to use my DVS platform for running a mailing list. Is this allowed?
Customers are advised to read, understand and implement the LINX Best Current Practice document for Operating Mailing Lists;
https://www.linx.net/good/bcp/mailinglist-bcp-v1_0.html
What restrictions are in place to prevent other Internet users using my DVS platform to relay Unsolicited Commercial Emails to third parties?
By default, your DVS appliance will reject any mail which does not either originate or terminate on the local host or domain that is defined on the DVS server.
Can I visit the data centre in which my server is located?
Access to the secure Demon data centre facilities is restricted to authorised staff in keeping with our strict security procedures.
How long is the standard contract?
The minimum contract length is 12 months.
What are the DVS platform hardware specifications?
DVS5000 – Demon Virtual Server
Dell Power Edge 860;
Dual Core Xeon 2.4GHZ;
2x80GB HDD (RAID 1); and
1GB RAM.
D2VS Pro – Demon Dedicated Virtual Server
Dell Power Edge 860;
Dual Core Xeon 2.4GHZ;
2x80GB HDD (RAID 1); and
1GB RAM.
Does the DVS platform support drive mirroring?
No.
Is there a guarantee on hardware components?
We are 100% responsible for the functioning of all hardware components. In the event of a hardware-related failure, we will replace any failed component at no cost to you.
Please note that for software problems, it will be your responsibility to make the necessary repairs. If you do not have available resource professional services are available to carry out the necessary repairs, for an additional cost, on your behalf.
What OS does the machine run?
Currently the DVS runs a customised distribution of LINUX based on Red Hat.
Is the kernel source available for recompiling?
The kernel source is not included on the machine.
What web server runs on the DVS server?
The DVS runs Apache, version 1.3.37 at the time of publishing.
How do I transfer files to my web site?
Files may be transferred to the web server via File Transport Protocol (FTP) or Secure Copy (SCP).
Where do I put my web files for the DVS main domain?
There is no main domain. You can specify the directory e.g. www/vhtdocs/domain name where you wish to put your web files.
What version of Exim does the DVS have installed?
EXIM version 4.62 is installed on the DVS server at the time of publishing.
Can the machine run a Majordomo mailing list server?
Yes it can. The files that you require are on the VS /contrib. for you to install.
What FTP server does the DVS run?
ProFTPd server version 1.3.0. This is the most recent secure version at the time of release.
Can I run CGI-bin scripts on this machine?
Yes. Please note that there is no specific CGI-bin directory for the RaQ. CGI scripts can be located and run from anywhere within the web server documents directory.
What version of Perl is installed?
Currently Perl version 5.6.1, and the Perl binary is /usr/bin/perl
Can I compile other programs on the machine for my users to use?
You can compile and run almost any software so long as you can get the source, and the Makefile does not rely on the kernel source being present. You are welcome to install any software you like on your server providing that you comply with the terms and conditions included in your contract for the Demon Virtual Service product. Please note that any changes made to the configuration files may affect the level of support you receive. Please see your user agreement for further details.
Does the DVS support FrontPage extensions?
FrontPage extensions are installed by default on DVS servers. FrontPage extensions can be enabled with a single click via the web interface.
What databases can be run on the DVS?
If you want to run a database on your DVS server we suggest that you use MySQL. You are free to install this or any other database that will run on the platform but please note that we will not support these except under the conditions of a Professional Services contract.
How do I access my DVS?
You can access your DVS via the web browser or by Secure Shell (SSH)
Will I have “root” access?
No, you will not have complete “root” access on your server. Instead you will be provided with administrator functionality that allows you to perform the majority of tasks that you would if you had “root” access. The advantage being that you cannot make your files non-operational.
Can I give out FTP accounts?
Yes, and you can specify the number of simultaneous FTP users you want.
How is Bandwidth measured?
Demon network facilities will measure and throttle your bandwidth in and out of the DVS on a second by second basis, restricting the maximum flow of traffic at your configured limit.
What does the company do to ensure physical security?
We take security very seriously. Logical access to your server can only be achieved by you (or your administrators) and the Demon System Administration team for troubleshooting and backing up your server. Our staff must follow strict security procedures to access your server. The data centre where your server is housed is a secure site that only authorised staff have access to.
What security issues are there with Linux?
Our Linux implementation is considered to be very secure. Linux was developed with a publicly revisable source code, and as such, has been subjected to a tremendous amount of security testing.
What security features are provided?
Both Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) are installed on the DVS and provide a high level of security at host level.
DVS provides security at host level rather than network level. This allows you direct control of what enters and leaves your server without the need for unnecessary firewalling.
Can the machine run as a secure server?
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is required for secure transactions over the web. SSL installations are server-wide and can be used for any domain hosted on the server.
Will SSL (Secure Socket Layer) be installed on my Server?
SSL comes installed by default with the DVS. However, you must provide the certificate.
Can I run OpenSSH on the DVS?
Yes. OpenSSH has been installed on the DVS and it is recommended that you take advantage of the added security that this provides.
Does the DVS support server authentication?
It is very easy to configure the Apache web server to require passwords for directory and user authentication.
What happens to my backup if I stop it?
Your DVS will not be backed up and we require you to contact customer support and sign a legal declaration stating that you do not want us to backup your DVS. This means if the hardware ever fails, if you delete files, your server is hacked or your configuration becomes corrupted, we will have no backup of the server and can only restore it to its original provisioned state.
All DVSs are backed-up weekly. A daily backup facility is available but it is chargeable.
How do I get my own domain name?
When you sign up for the DVS service, all you need to do is decide on the domain name you want. Providing that your chosen domain name is available we will take care of all the details for you.
You can order your additional domain names via the Control Centre that you will have access to when signing up to DVS.
What characters can I use in my domain name and how long can the name be?
Domain names can be up to 64 characters long, including the top level domain suffix, such as ".com", at the end. A domain name is not case sensitive and must start and end with a letter or a number and may be composed of letters, numbers, or the dash, "-", character. Underscores, and other punctuation characters, are not allowed.
Can I view my site with and without the "www"?
Yes, you will be able to access the site either with or without the "www" in front of the domain name. Either http://www.yourname.com or http://yourname.com will access your site.
Can my domain name be registered for me?
Your current domain’s registered with the Cobalt Service can be repointed to DVS by the Hostmaster Team (please see further down for details). Should you wish to order further domains from Demon, you can do via the DVS Control Panel at a preferential rate for DVS users. However we do not register for you.
How long will my domain name registration take?
Once your domain name registration has been approved, it can take up to 24 hours before it is active.
If you bring a domain name to us from another hosting provider, it requires a modification of the domain record. Domain modifications take longer than registering a new domain, due to the fact that the current administrative or technical contact for the domain must acknowledge the modification request, and cached DNS around the globe needs time to expire before the records Demon serve are picked up.
Note: This does not mean it takes this long before you can access your site. We can allocate an IP address as soon as your application is processed which will allow you to access your server.
How much does a domain name cost?
Additional domain names can be registered at the normal DVS rate which is available to DVS customers via the online Control Centre.
How do I transfer an existing domain name to your servers?
If you hold a domain ending in .uk, you will need to fax your current provider asking them to change the tag to "DSVR". We can then carry out any further required changes.
If you hold a .com, .net or .org domain ending, please fax your existing provider asking them to acknowledge the transfer request we will send them on your behalf. Please be aware that transfer procedures differ from one registrar to another and that some transfers take longer than others.
Once we receive delegation of the domain, there will be a delay while cached information expires before the records Demon serve will become visible.
If you have a domain other than the above, please seek information about what you need to do to facilitate the transfer from your sales person or account manager.
What is "Name Based Hosting"? Do I need an IP for each domain on my server?
Each DVS server comes with one IP address. With name based hosting you can use one IP to host multiple domains on your DVS. Name based hosting does not affect the performance or appearance of the domains hosted and is a good way to economise on IP usage. You can purchase additional IP addresses if required.
Can I add additional IP addresses?
Yes, this is offered as an additional service to all DVS customers.
Are Demon DNS services available?
We will run the DNS on your behalf, and we suggest that you take advantage of this service. Within the DVS control centre you are able to have full control to access the zone files.
Can I direct my email to somewhere other than the DVS?
You are free to point (or have us point) your MX record(s) at a mail server of your choosing (i.e. on your own leased line, or with another ISP, subject to their approval).
Can I transfer my Cobalt IP address to my new DVS product?
No, due to the complexities in the network we will decommission the old IP blocks that are in use by the Cobalt hosting platform.
How do I transfer my data over from my Cobalt to my new DVS?
The recommended methodology would be to FTP your website from your Cobalt Server to your local machine and then transfer this via FTP to your DVS server.
We recommend that you keep a copy of your website.
Should you require any assistance you can contact DVS support for this.
How do I transfer my domain name from my Cobalt Server to DVS?
An email will need to go to hostmasters@demon.net requesting the NS record to be updated.
In ‘Subject’ please specify ‘Cobalt Migration’.
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