Frequently Asked Questions

Hosting

What OS do you use on the servers?
We use a version of Linux called Red Hat.

Can I buy an account and split it into smaller segments?
No, you cannot split the account into smaller segments, however you are able to host multiple domains on one account.
If you require a Reseller Account then please go to reseller.lastinghost.co.uk

Do your hosting accounts support SSI?
Yes this is turned on by default.

Do you provide any cgi-scripts with your hosting packages?
Yes, however we do not support these scripts and are used at your own risk.

Do you support ASP/ASP.NET?
Unfortunately we only support ASP.net via Mono, we do not support Classic ASP, however we are constantly reviewing the situation and may soon.

I have published my site and it is still not visible. Why not?
There are a number of reasons for this.

1) You have published it to the wrong location. Your files must be published to /Public_html. you have published them to your root directory (the first area you see when you ftp in)

2) Your main file is not called index.html/htm/php. Please note %nix servers are case sensitive so Index.html is not the same file as index.html

3) Your browser is caching the old pages. Press the CTRL key and click refresh.

What extensions do my files need to have?
perl scripts for cgi need to end in either .pl or .cgi
php scripts need to end in .php.
SSI scripts need to end in .shtml
HTML files should end in .html with the main file being called index.html (all lower case)

Frontpage

Do you support Frontpage 2000 server extensions?
Yes, This is available free for all hosting accounts.

I have Frontpage extensions installed on my site. I no longer use them. How can I get them removed?
Send an email to support@lastinghost.co.uk who will remove the extensions for you.
Please send an email from your domain name, to include your username and password that was initially set when opening your account.

FTP

What FTP software do you recommend?
This is mainly a matter of personal taste but a quick vote in our offices rated FileZilla as the easiest. You can download this from http://www.filezilla.org

Prices

Why are your hosting prices so cheap?
We believe in good value for money, and think that people are being overcharged for hosting. We like to think that we can change that, and by charging a fair price, it will go a little way to our goal.

Email

How do I configure MS-Outlook express to receive email from my hosting account in your control panel?
Click Manage Accounts then Outlook (Express) AutoConfig .

How do I forward email to another email account?
In your control panel you will see forwarders and default address in the Mail section

Forwarders are for specific email to be forwarded
default address is for all mail to be forwarded

CGI

Where is perl located on the server?
Perl can be found at
/usr/bin/perl

Where is sendmail located?
Sendmail can be found here
/usr/sbin/sendmail

What version of Perl is installed?
Version 5.8.6 is installed on all servers, however we always use the latest stable version

Why do you not support CGI
We try to give the best possible service to customers, and as such we cannot support CGI based queries as our support team need to be free to answer server based queries. If you think your CGI query is a problem with the server setup please contact us and our support team will be happy to help

Support
I have a problem and need some assistance. What is the best way to contact support?
The quickest response is usually received if you email us directly using support@lastinghost.co.uk
You can also reach our support dept on 01582 872352 or via our MSN Service support@lastinghost.co.uk

Support opening times are provided on http://support.lastinghost.co.uk/

MySQL

How do I connect to MySQL?
You can connect to the MySQL server via the mysql program in your control panel, using your own software written in either PHP, ASP.Net or Perl.


How do I connect to my database using PHP?
Use this connection string
$db=mysql_connect("$host","$username","$password");

Where can I find documentation on MySQL?
The MySQL main website is at www.mysql.com documentation can be found at http://www.mysql.com/doc/
A beginners tutorial can be found at http://www.mysql.com/doc/T/u/Tutorial.html.
For PHP please see www.php.net/mysql

Is there an easy way to administer my Database?
Yes, phpMyAdmin is a very easy to use mysql management system, it is available through your control panel.

Other Services

When will you be launching XYZ facility?
We have an ongoing development schedule of new services to launch, these will be launched as soon as they are ready and fully tested. Unfortunately due to the technical nature of these services and the need to integrate them into our automation routines, setting a schedule for launch is tricky at best. However should you like to see something installed, then let us know, and we will consider it

When will you be launching SSL facilities?
Bearing in mind the previous question, SSL is not the highest priority due to limited demand for this facility as other services are being requested more often. We develop new services based on demand.

Payment & Billing

How safe is it for me to place my order via your website?
There are a number of reasons why it is safe to purchase from us via our online payment system.

1> We use a 128Bit super cert for encryption. This is the strongest available commercial encryption and protects your card details between your computer and our payment server.

2> We do NOT store credit card details. Even if our security was breached hackers will not get your card details.

3> Because we do not store your card details it is necessary for you to enter them for each order. This is not as convenient as some sites with one click ordering systems but we feel security comes first.

How do I get an invoice?
Invoices are available at the end of each order. Simply email us with your details and we will send an invoice to your domain name.

I want to pay by cheque. Is this allowed and if so how do I do it?
Yes. contact sales@lastinghost.co.uk

I am still not happy about giving my card details over the net. Can I place my order over the phone please?
No, please pay by cheque in the instance

SPAM

I am receiving a lot of spam, what can I do?
You control panel comes with Spam Assassin enable this, and your spam will be greatly reduced.

I receive email with Undisclosed.Recipients@servXXXX.lastinghost.com why are you sending me spam?
This is not us. If the spammer sends the offending mail without a To: field or a Cc: field our server inserts this for logging and delivery purposes. It means the email was sent via a list server or was Bcc'd to you (Blind Carbon Copied). View the headers to see who actually sent it and again complain to their ISP.

I am receiving a lot of spam on the account I bought off you. Why did you sell my email address?
We NEVER have nor will we ever give, lend, sell or otherwise release ANY of your details to other companies, organisations or other third parties. Your privacy is as important to us as it is to you.
We use the details you give us when you order for only 2 things. Accountancy reasons,renewals billings support messages and product information inside Lasting - which you can opt out of at any time, please contact the support desk

I am getting spam from one of Lastinghost's clients, what should I do?
Please send the full email including headers to abuse@lastinghost.co.uk. We take spam extremely seriously and do not tolerate this one our network.