Category Archives:
Hosting Reviews

If you're web developer, SQLite might be popular name like all other type database systems. If you never heard of it and not sure if it will work with your application, let's introduce more and compare with the popular database engines like Mysql and Ms SQL then find out if it's perfect database.

What's SQLite?

SQLite is a relational database management system contained in a small (~275 kB) C programming library. SQLite is ACID-compliant and implements most of the SQL standard, using a dynamically and weakly typed SQL syntax that does not guarantee the domain integrity. SQLite is compatible with all mainstream OS like windows/unix and works with many programming languages including C#、PHP、Java etc.

How to manage sqlite? Like most database engines, there're several management tools for sqlite, such as sqlitemanager, sqliteadmin, sqlitebrowser etc.

What's good of SQLite?

Small size and light weight would be the most outstanding feature with SQLite. All data and sql operations are stored in a single disk file. This make it easy for backup and deployment. Because it's working across platforms like an application file, we don't have to make any specific change. In case we need server migration, the database structure will save us lots of time.

Is that all? Absolutely no. Although SQLite is small and light weight, almost all sql queries supported with better speed. At the meanwhile, the sqlite comes with simple structure and very little source codes. For someone who like to be database engineer, sqlite is pretty good to start with.

Best SQLite hosting service

For fast, secure and reliable SQLite Hosting, look no further than Arvixe for all your web hosting related needs. Arvixe sqlite web hosting plan starts with $4/mo with full access support to sqlite database.

Generally speaking, sqlite should be enabled by default for every hosting provider. If you would like to use it, just call it using the proper coding. However, just like all other database engines, not every company be able to offer quality sqlite hosting support. That includes tech support, server configurations and sales policies etc. For this purpose, we still recommend our top 8 webhosts in case you're looking for quality sqlite hosting support.

SQLite vs Mysql vs Ms SQL

How is compared to Mysql and Ms Sql? From the first point of view to people, sqlite might be completely different to either of which but more similar to Ms Access because both sqlite and access database are stored in a single disk file. However they're actually completely different, Access needs Ms Office support and works under windows only. On the other hand, sqlite can be created via multiple programming languages directly and works across platforms.

Comparing to Mysql, they're both open sourced database engines. Their main difference might be the structures design. A single mysql database is composed by multiple files while sqlite has only one. Because of this, if you're doing Embedded Development and can't find a suitable DB system, sqlite might be perfect choice.

How about ms SQL? There will be too many difference comparing to sqlite. Firstly, sqlite is open sourced and free while SQL Server is licensed product and very costly. Secondly, SQL server only works under windows server while sqlite is across platforms. Thirdly, SQL server is tightly bounded to Ms products/techs such as asp.net, Visual Studio etc. But sqlite can be worked with many technologies under different environment.

Another tipical difference comparing to other database engines is sqlite will not create a dedicated process while running. Comparing all other open sourced database systems, sqlite is approved to be more fast during executing.

In web hosting, there're many technologies in the backend to serve a stable system. Load balancing is one of the most popular solutions. Because of such advanced tech development we can enjoy the outstanding web services. In this posting we'll discuss load balancing and related services.

Load balancing and hosting introduction

The wikipedia has the best definition. Load balancing is a computer networking methodology to distribute workload across multiple computers or a computer cluster, network links, central processing units, disk drives, or other resources, to achieve optimal resource utilization, maximize throughput, minimize response time, and avoid overload. So in short words, load balancing is to share the service stress on multiple servers. In this way we don't have to worry about a single server failure because the other ones will take over the job and ensure the service running.

What kind of load blancing available?

There're different concepts for load balancing, they're either software or hardware based. There're many soft methods to configure load balancing and most of them are performing good, for example the Varnish Loadbalancing. The advantage with software configuration is easy and inexpensive. But obviously it's not ideal choice when you're running a hosting business for example. In that case we have to configure hardware balancing via extra equipments.

Load balancing vs Clustering vs Clouding

From the definition and explanation we might have learnt the load balancing is actually working on clustering or cloud server system. Load balancing is just the benefit from the system configurations.

We also need to clarify that Load balancing is not clustering. Clustering is always on hardware level not on software level. While Load balancing is referring to network, clustering is all about server configurations. As for clouding, it's by far the most advanced server clustering. Via CDN technologies, cloud computing can be setup everywhere on the globe.

Best load balancing hosting

Not every hosting company be able to offer quality load balancing service because of investment and other reasons. For quality load balancing hosting service, we have to head into the big names who have both financial and will to design the system. On this point of view, we have to metion the name EIG again since many big brands have merged into their group. With EIG itself, they have advanced technologies to maintain a stable server system via limited man power. Some popular brands like iPage, Bluehost, Hostgator etc will be working together for better solutions.

Resources about load balancing:

• http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb742455.aspx
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Load_balancing_(computing)
• http://loadbalancer.org/load_balancing_methods.php

In web hosting business, there's a popular service type called DNS Hosting which is focusing on DNS solutions. Why use this service and does it cost any? If you're new to this type of service, let's introduce more from below and check out who's actually doing good in the business.

What's DNS?

DNS is short for Domain Name System, it's a hierarchical distributed naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the Internet or a private network. The system is supported by DNS name server — a server that stores the DNS records for a domain name, such as address (A) records, name server (NS) records, and mail exchanger (MX) records and many types DNS records; a DNS name server responds with answers to queries against its database.

How does DNS work?

DNS is serving all internet services. When we request for some specific online services like website, the DNS will translate the website domain name to digital IPs and find the target web server. The process is about the communication among user computer, DNS and web server. To learn about the full steps, here's a good explanation on http://www.howstuffworks.com/dns.htm

Why DNS hosting service?

When comes to DNS hosting, means the service is dedicated to DNS management where we have more control over the DNS server. Unlike the regular web hosting service, dns specialty hosting services tend to be more robust and feature rich. We can configure how to deal with the incoming and outbounding DNS requests and optimize with the specific service. Also, with a DNS hosting plan, it's always configured more reliable and secure. It's idealy choice to deal with dDOS attack on DNS server.

How to get DNS hosting? We can either use an existing service provider or configure DNS server by ourselves on dedicated server hosting. But absolutely the third party service plans come with more advantages like the Amazon and Editzone DNS hosting plans. With those service the system will smartly determine how to handle the requests efficiently.

How do we think?

Basically, if we just want to make website or email working properly, we don't have to spend extra money for the professional DNS service. The DNS management from domain registrar or web hosting provider are good enough. Take our website for instance, we manage the dns completely from hosting control panel because we just need basic website support. The external DNS Hosting is prepared for those who need more control over the system while it's not available from domain registrar or hosting provider.

DNS Hosting FAQs

What's dns web hosting?

DNS web hosting means a hosting with dns support where you can configure dns records for your domain name.

What kind of access do I get for dns hosting service?

It depends. If you configure DNS server by yourself on VPS or dedicated server, you have full access to everything, if you're with shared hosting service, you just get a web hosting control panel to add/remove dns records.

Do I need to manage dns server by myself?

No you don't have to, the dns server is managed /maintained by hosting provider and you just use the actual service directly.

Can I configure my own dns server for shared hosting?

You can do it via some providers like Arvixe (http://www.arvixe.com) but most of shared hosting does not support custom name server for any reason. A custom name server will let you create your own name servers using your personal domain.

The world is fast going as well as the IT industry. While something was popularly used yesterday, it's no longer suitable for today's requirements. Take the windows server for instance, the Microsoft group releases new generation OS very effectively recent years. In this posting let's check out the coming soon IIS8 and iis8 hosting service.

What's new in windows server 2012?

Windows 8 and windows server 2012 are currently in beta version. From official press release, it'll be available later in the year. Before the final product comes out, let's take a quick view about the new features.

• A new interface – Being the next generation OS, windows server 8 loads a very clean screen comparing to any old windows system. The biggest change is the start menu got hided and the common tasks in start menu are completely redesigned. At the first look, you would not think it's windows but some sort of Linux.
• Server manager – The windows server 2012 server manager be able to configure/manage multiple servers at the same place. More over, the layout and operations are simplified greatly.
• Task manager – There's revolutionary changes in server 8's task manager. The tasks are categorized and processes using high CPU/RAM will be highlited.

There're many more changes comparing to older windows edition such as management of programs. Simple get the beta version installed and find out more! Windows server 8 download page: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/evaluate/trial-software.aspx

What's new in IIS 8?

There's no much change from the IIS8 layouts, the main improvement is about service optimization. For example it introduced into Real CPU Throttling and dynamic IP restriction techniques. If you would like to more, the Scott's blog is a good place to check about: http://weblogs.asp.net/owscott/archive/2012/03/01/what-s-new-in-iis-8.aspx. The IIS.net official site is also good resource.

Best iis 8 Web Hosting

IIS 8 is offered by most major windows hosting today for its leading technology and management for websites.  based our editorial experience and live user comments,the following brands are working the best for IIS 8 hosting choice:

• www.Arvixe.com – Leading windows hosting with standard IIS features plus various outstanding features. Highly recommended for medium size website and especially for developers who need different tech supports. Use "mvchosting" for 20% discount when signing up!
• www.Winhost.com – High quality windows hosting provider who is dedicated for windows server. Clients always receive the latest .net technologies support with more than enough server features. Hosting plan starts as cheap as $4.95/mo
• www.Discountasp.net – Microsoft gold partner with different classes platform supports. The people behind are from asp.net official development group. It's always the first one who updates with the newest MS products

All above brands have introduced windows server 2012 with IIS 8.0 support for every clients. You can take full advantages of iis 8 hosting service via remote iis manager and powerful hosting control panels.

For fast and affordable windows server 2012 hosting, Arvixe is the best choice. Users get standard windows server support and more than expected service. No matter if you're running a small personal website or enterprise portal, arvixe have multi class hosting solutions to support your website requirements.

Visit arvixe for windows hosting plans! http://www.Arvixe.com

China has the world's largest population and also the largest potential E-market. After thirty years' open policy, China has turned from the world's factory to consumer market. With it's internet development, more and more business being set online. If you're going to make business in that area, it's pretty essential to have an China local web hosting provider to host your business website.

The limitation of China web hosting

ICP license registration would be the main problem to put your website online in China, no matter if you're enterprise or personal websites you have to apply the license and follow it's rules to operate your website content. Another effect for running live site is webmaster will have to shutdown it for license issuer review, it takes up to 7 days which is not acceptable for most ecommerce websites.

China web hosting industry Overview

Just the same as US, there're tons of hosting companies in China, however, most of them do not have their own datacenters and servers, their business is mainly reseller based. Because it's very expensive to running this business, especially the cost of bandwidth in CN. Only those big groups have financial abilities to purchase the real equipments.

Comparing to US or other popular districts' web hosting service, the China web hosting plans are relatively expensive because of the costly equipments. If you find some cheap hosting plans with similar features from US hosting, they're probably resellers of US hosting.

Top China web hosting providers

It's expensive to run hosting business in China, there're still some good service providers who have long history from the industry. To have a quick look over their service features, here's a basic table list.

Among the list, net.cn and xinnet are the largest China web hosting providers. Their market share in that area already passed 80% from general analysis, they're recognized as safe and reliable hosting provider, and of course their price is relatively high comparing to all their competitors.

Here's a graphic view of China top hosting companies by webhostinginfo site

The above web hosts share over 90% hosting business in China. They have support or servers in every popular datacenters in the country. Except for the mainland servers, they also co-operate with HongKong DCs and global CDN service. In the list, the HICHINA group is operating almost half of the total service, it's the largest hosting company in China. No matter compare it in CN or world wide, it's very huge group.

Best China Web Hosting Alternative choice?

For 100% China mainland based web hosting, the above names should be good enough. However, based the complex to host your website there, you might choose the best nearby server locations like Hongkong. If Hongkong is included then I still recommend the webweb.com service which is discoussed in our previous webhost4life new business article. If you just need Chinese support but do not want to host your website on China server, you can check out the Ixwebhosting China posting for further details.