Understanding Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Technology

Websites that provide online shopping services often have the SSL logo displayed prominently on their webpage. SSL is actually the acronym for Secure Sockets Layer, a cryptographic protocol that provides communication security over the Internet. SSL encrypts segments of network connections using asymmetric cryptography for privacy. A keyed message authentication code is needed to ensure the reliability of the message. Several versions of SSL protocol are used in various online applications such as web browsing, email, instant messaging and voice-over-IP (VoIP).

Secure Sockets Layer was initially developed by Netscape in order to safely transmit private data through the Internet. The SSL system needs two keys to encrypt data − the first is a public key that is known to everyone; and the second is a private key known only to the message recipient. Both Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer support SSL technology. Websites that use the SSL protocol can be identified by checking the URL address: Sites with SSL connections start with https: instead of just http.

Web sites that regularly deal with confidential client information, such as credit card numbers, phone numbers and addresses, should ensure that the host provider that they are subscribe to can provide SSL solutions. The best way to check the reliability or capacity of a host to provide SSL protocol is by reading web hosting reviews.

Web hosting reviews, such as Host Gator Review, are independently run sites that provide unbiased ratings on a host’s services. Web host reviews can be used to determine if a particular host can meet the security requirements of websites, or not.

4 Steps To A Dedicated Server

1) Reliability

This is not of moment you can fully distinguish by just looking at their website, in consequence you’ll have to obtain a works of research. It’s always a applicable idea to finish a search about the host to find any reviews from past or current clients. To do this, simply search using Google for keyword phrases using the company name. For example, Rackspace review or EV1Servers review, or you can even take a step further, by reviewing the support forums of the host if they have one. There you can easily find as much information as you need. How does this help with regards to reliability? Simple, it can show how fast they respond to complaints and issues by reviewing what past or current clients have said, and postings in the forums can show how they handle customer feedback.

2) Cost

We are all looking for a value hyped up deal. It’s wanted that we influence in style now market price when election a fired server host. Selecting a $29/month server may not be the top option if it’s backed with poor support and perhaps your server built with recycled hardware. Take note, this is not saying that cheap dedicated server hosts produce low quality service, but I’m saying that in 8 times out of 10 you do get what you pay for. Do price shopping and take note of each host’s price along with their server specs, bandwidth, network, and support guarantees. Review each and then you’ll be able to figure, which one is truly the most cost effective. Is it really worth it to have a $29/month server with only 256 MB RAM which may be slow and unresponsive if hit with a spike in traffic? It’s going to be up to you to weigh those options.

3) Support

This is toilsome for issues agnate as downtime, ddos attacks and characteristic issues dealing with your server. It is foremost that you express with the help team before purchasing a server. Why? Simply for you yearning to demur their response before investing any funds. If you would rather not send an email or call before making your purchase, if the site you’re thinking about has a support forum, you can register and post your technical question there or review the questions asked prior to get a better idea of how solid their support technicians are with regards to answering questions.

4) Longevity

This is usually not listed as a bearing as manifold startup fired server companies are solid, but it’s usually a elite risk to lane the twist of cut that a transaction has been in business. You can seal a whois of the host’s domain name to see how long a host has been in business. It can be a good indication that they’re in for the long haul if they’ve been around for awhile. This is not to discredit choosing a new company, as many solid server hosts are started regularly who go on to be huge successes. Simply use your best judgment when reviewing if to go with a host that’s been around for years instead of one that’s now getting started. I should point out here, that in some cases newer hosts will fight harder for your business and give you an overall better support in the beginning in some cases as they really treasure your business. It’s really a toss up here, that’s where your natural instincts for decision making will have to be the deciding factor.