With a dedicated server you are not competing for bandwidth or processing power with other clients' websites. Instead, your dedicated solution runs at its full potential 24/7.
Please select from the available FAQs below or select from a more specific related subject using the index on the right.
- Q. Why choose UKFast dedicated servers?
We pride ourselves on the skill of our staff, our friendly and flexible approach to business and the security and stability of our network. Moreover, you are guaranteed 24/7 connectivity and the fastest, most sophisticated network in the UK. We offer secure hosting facilities and 24/7 level 3 minimum customer support which results in an award winning hosting network. We also have "quality support" (ISPA) and "top-notch after sales service" (.net readers).
We have two operating systems on which we run our dedicated servers - Windows 2003 and Linux Fedora. These operating systems guarantee the performance, reliability and care that you need for your Internet business. We ensure your online business remains online every minute of everyday and should you need it, dedicated support is on hand. Moreover, we promise to answer your call within three rings.
- Q. What brand of servers/chassis do you use for the servers?
We use Dell hardware for all new dedicated server solutions deployed on the network.
- Q. Are fully competent engineers on site 24/7, or called out as needed?
We have expert Windows, Linux and Network engineers on site 24/7 to monitor the network and respond to customer needs.
- Q. Are there any problems with peer 2 peer and file sharing with your service?
We do not block any ports on the network or restrict access to P2P.
- Q. Can clustered servers provide zero downtime for applications?
No. Clustered servers can dramatically reduce planned and unplanned downtime. However, even with clustered servers, a server could still experience downtime from the following events:
Failover time
If a server cluster recovers from a server or application failure, or if it is used to move applications from one server to another, the application(s) will be unavailable for a non-zero period of time (typically under a minute).Failures from which clustered servers can not recover
There are types of failure that clustered servers do not protect against, such as loss of a disk not protected by RAID, loss of power when a UPS is not used, or loss of a site when there is no fast-recovery disaster recovery plan. Most of these can be survived with minimal downtime if precautions are taken in advance.Server maintenance that requires downtime
Clustered servers can keep applications and data online through many types of server maintenance, but not all (for example: installing a new version of an application which has a new on-disk data format that requires reformatting preexisting data).- Q. Can I arrange a visit to the data centre?
We can arrange for you to take a look around the facilities - simply request a visit online or call us on 0800 458 4545.
- Q. Can I buy Microsoft Windows Server Licences elsewhere and give them to you?
This is possible but thanks to our status with Microsoft, we are able to offer all Microsoft licencing at a preferential rate. The result being there is generally no cost-based reason for buying them direct.
In addition, we are able to provide super fast install times on all Microsoft Operating Systems we offer and so clients wishing to provide their own licences will cause a delay to the launch of their solution.
- Q. Can I get additional IP addresses?
Yes, additional IP addresses are available for SSL, custom application, online banking applications etc. They come in bundles of 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16.
Speak with your account manager who will talk you through the process of adding additional IPs to your solution.
- Q. Can I have root access to my dedicated server?
Yes - we provide full root access on all dedicated server solutions.
- Q. Can I save money by paying annually?
Yes. We are always happy to provide discounts for clients wishing to pay for dedicated server soilutions annually. Discounts generally include free set-up and one month free service.
If you wish to make further savings, it is worth considering commiting to a two or three year contract.
- Q. Can I SSH onto my Linux server?
Yes - we provide full root access on all server solutions and this includes SSH.
SSH is used primarily on Linux servers and is a network protocol that allows data to be exchanged using a secure channel between two networked devices.
SSH is also know as Secure Shell.
- Q. Can I upload my files at any time?
Yes. The servers have unlimited FTP access to your account 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, allowing you to set up, change or maintain your website at any time.
- Q. Can load balancing be used on services other than websites?
Yes. Any TCP/IP based service can benefit from load balancing. Imagine how you can improve on your mission critical email or news services by redirecting users to a "least worked" server and increasing your uptime.
- Q. Can you help with uploading the latest patches?
As part of PROprotection, we provide server maintenance and patch updates as standard - once relevant patches have been released by software vendors, we regression test all releases before installing the patches to reduce any potential disruptions.
Server maintenance and patch updates are included as standard in our PROproprotection managed hosting solutions. PROproprotection guarantees the ultimate in online security and performance - unmatched by any other UK provider.
- Q. Can you notify me if there is a problem with the server?
Yes, we offer proactive uptime monitoring with an additional option of providing you alerts via SMS and email should our monitoring systems detect any issues. PROprotection includes the monitoring of FTP, PING, SMTP, HTTP and POP3 as standard, plus you can add additional monitoring as necessary.
- Q. Can you provide details of data centre security including the physical/remote controls of access to staff?
Access controlled at all times - via personal electronic and photographic ID cards to enable access to UKFast locations (data centres and offices).
- All access authorised and recorded by designated management
- Visitor access justified, authorised and supervised
- 24/7 on-site security guards at all locations
- CCTV monitoring of external perimeter and external access points
- No externally facing windows for computer facility or sensitive processing areas
- Sensitive processing areas segregated with additional access controls.
- Q. Can you provide me with internet connectivity?
With massive available bandwidth aggregated from multiple Tier1 bandwidth providers, guaranteed 24/7 connectivity and the fastest, most sophisticated network in the UK, our bandwidth is dramatically faster than competing ISP's.
Whatever your usage patterns we can help with options of bandwidth by usage or bandwidth by limitation, simply call 0800 458 4545 to discuss your requirements.
- Q. Can you provide other hardware?
Yes, we have many server solutions including firewalls, load balancers and EqualLogic SANs. To discuss your requirements in greater details, please telephone the team on 0800 458 4545.
- Q. What does CTM stand for?
Capacity Threshold Monitoring, also known as CTmonitoring.
- Q. Do domains need to be tagged to UKFast for me to be able to control them using this system?
No. For a domain to be controlled by your SafeDNS control panel, the domain must be pointed to the name servers specified in your account.
- Q. Do I have to transfer my domain name to UKFast to use safeDNS?
You do not need to transfer your domain registration to UKFast, however you will need to update the nameserver settings to be the UKFast nameservers:
- ns0.ukfast.net
- ns1.ukfast.net
- Q. Do I have to use specific servers for the load balancing feature?
There are several factors which will help determine the specific server hardware required in your load balanced solution. There is not a specific requirement for any one server; however, the type of website and/or applications you run in addition to usage levels are the overriding factors.
Call our team of hosting specialists on 0800 458 4545 for advice on the best solution for your business.
- Q. Do I need a control panel and, if so, which one should I choose?
This depends entirely on your existing level of knowledge. It is difficult for a hosting company like UKFast to teach you everything you will need to know to fully administer your dedicated server.
Our experienced team of dedicated server engineers are happy to provide assistance and point you in the right direction; but we cannot act as your server administrator. If this is what you need, a control panel should be on your shopping list.
By employing either the Plesk or cPanel control panel, you have access to an easy-to-use and largely self-explanatory system which will allow you to complete the majority of simpler tasks with no prior knowledge or experience.
Plesk or cPanel - which one should I choose?
Each control panel has different advantages and disadvantages and a selection of these are listed below:
The advantages of Plesk
- Provides better automation support
- Lots of plug-ins available
- Plesk is cheaper than cPanel for unlimited domain licenses
- Windows is supported.
The disadvantages of Plesk
- Users generally consider that the interface is harder to use and harder to customise than cPanel.
The advantages of cPanel
- Easier to use and customise than Plesk
- More standard features than Plesk
- More software available for full integration
- Cheaper to use than Plesk for small number of domains.
The disadvantages of cPanel
- Windows is not supported.
To help with your decision, there are demo versions of both Plesk and cPanel available.
- Q. Do UKFast offer anti-virus protection?
Yes - McAfee anti-virus protection is a standard feature of PROprotection.
As is frequently reported in the media, now is not the time to leave your business exposed to online threats. To show our commitment to security, PROprotection is offered as standard on all dedicated servers.
To ensure you have a high level of security in place, we install McAfee anti-virus and keep your server's software up-to-date in addition to assisting you with the configuration of your Cisco firewall.
Call us today on 0800 458 4545 and ask about the benefits of PROprotection.
- Q. Do UKFast offer business continuity solutions?
Every mission critical organisation needs strong IT business continuity planning. It facilitates full disaster recovery, delivering zero fuss and zero downtime, providing a better online experience for your customers.
Our proactive disaster recovery techniques come in the form of a plug-in-and-go solution for your server package that ensures your business remains up and running at all times.
Why do you need business continuity planning?
- For enhanced reliability and customer satisfaction
Our Business Continuity Platform delivers guaranteed 100% uptime, a seamless online experience and a lightening fast response rate. For mission critical applications, a strong business continuity plan guarantees your customers won't be disappointed.
Data loss puts you at risk of hundreds of foreseeable problems from loss of earnings to breaches in data protection. Our Business Continuity Platform drastically reduces the risk of data loss due to its inbuilt failover resource and guarantees 100% uptime. When you plug into the Business Continuity Platform you'll never go down.
Advanced options for IT business continuity planning
Whether your online organisation is large or small, we tailor solutions to be ready and online in hours. Options for advanced business continuity management include:
- Load balancing
- Clustering
- Database replication
- Q. Do you accept major credit cards?
Yes we accept Switch/Maestro, Visa, MasterCard and you can also pay by Direct Debit.
- Q. Do you offer 24 hour support?
Yes and, unlike many of our competitors, its totally free and unlimited - you can contact us by phone, email and pss.
When choosing a hosting partner, it's important not to be seduced by low prices. You should always check whether they charge for 24-hour support, because otherwise you could be left with a hefty, unexpected bill next time your server crashes. With UKFast you can enjoy the total confidence that whatever the time, night or day, if your system goes down our skilled technicians will be on-site to resolve problems - and at no extra cost to your business.
Simply ring 0800 230 0032 and our support team will answer your questions 24 hours per day.
- Q. Do you offer a network uptime guarantee as part of your SLA?
Yes.
We have built the network to safeguard all our clients. We guarantee network infrastructure availability 100% of the time.
Network availability means all infrastructure including routers, switches and cabling is working. The Network infrastructure is defined as the portion of the network extending from the outbound port on your cabinet switch to the outbound port on the border router. Services or software running on your servers are not counted as part of the network.
To ensure 100% network availability we employ a number of systems. In every regional POP each circuit is connected to a different Juniper M7i router to ensure continuous unaffected service, even in the event of a total loss of a router and/or circuit. In addition each POP has a redundant UPS system, so should either UPS fail (or be taken out of service for maintenance) connectivity will not be affected.
Furthermore, we operate on the main hub between Manchester and London to maximise performance and reliability. Our network also benefits from extensive duplication of connectivity. This provision ensures that our network stays connected in any eventuality because we always have an uninterrupted route available.
And we run comprehensive round the clock monitoring of our network routers, circuits and power, so if there is a network issue we can act immediately.
We guarantee that when not undergoing scheduled maintenance, the network infrastructure will be available 100% of the time. In the event of unplanned network failure we will refund 24 hours service for every 60 minutes loss of connection up to a maximum value equal to your monthly subscription charge. Any credits offered under the SLA will be allocated against your UKFast.net Ltd account.
- Q. Do you offer a Service Level Agreement and if so what's included?
Our Service Level Agreement is a demonstration of our continuing commitment to the very highest standards of customer service, support and care - to learn more about what features are included in our SLA click here.
- Q. Do you offer Load balancing?
We offer Layer 4 and Layer 7 load balancing solutions to our dedicated server customers - please see the load balancing page for information.
- Q. Do you provide firewall options?
Yes. with the different firewall options available, there's sure to be one to meet your needs: Shared Cisco ASA 5505 Firewall, Dedicated Cisco ASA 5505 Firewall and Cisco ASA 5510 Firewall are the most common. Each firewall has the options of being deployed in a redundant pair in addition to adding additional IPS/IDS protection.
For further information on Firewalls click here.
- Q. Do you provide replication for windows MSSQL?
We provide replicated MSSQL solutions for a large number of our customers to increase their solution uptime and resilience. In an age where downtime cannot be tolerated, we understand that uptime is a key component of any solution.
Call the team on 0800 458 4545 and ask what options are available.
- Q. Do you support Secure FTP?
Secure FTP is not configured as standard on your dedicated server but is something our engineers are able to help you with, if required.
- Q. Do your prices include VAT?
Our advertised prices exclude VAT.
- Q. Does UKFast offer data backup?
With our shared hosting packages you can have peace of mind of knowing that your data will be backed up on a weekly basis as part of the hosting package.
- Q. Does UKFast offer Firewall protection?
With our corporate hosting package you can have complete firewall protection through the Cisco ASA Firewall. All firewall options can be purchased to go with our other hosting packages.
- Q. Does UKFast provide any database solutions?
Our Linux and Windows platforms are deployed with MySQL already employed. In addition, Windows solutions can have SQL installed for an additional Licence fee.
- Q. Does UKFast provide support for databases?
We provide support for all databases that we will install as part of our standard server deployment (SQL, MySQL and Access). Our technical department can be contacted on 0800 230 0032 and will be happy to help with any questions you have.
- Q. Does UKFast support Microsoft Access, ASP, SQL Server and FrontPage?
All are specific to Microsoft Windows and are supported through our Windows Web hosting options. We can also install the necessary server extensions for you to use FrontPage.
- Q. What is a dedicated server?
In the web hosting business, a dedicated server refers to the exclusive use of a computer that includes a web server, related software and connection to the Internet, housed in the Internet Service Provider's (ISP's) data centre. Our servers are called GraphiteRack and guarantee optimum performance as you are not sharing the memory, processor, or bandwidth of your dedicated server with anyone else, the server or servers are devoted solely to your website.
- Q. What are the advantages of dedicated server hosting?
With a UKFast dedicated server you do not have to purchase or maintain your own equipment. Most importantly you will see improved website performance and you have no chance of your website being affected by another website on the same box, as in shared hosting.
With dedicated servers higher start up and maintenance costs are involved, but users benefit from greater uptime, increased security, scalability, greater server access, exclusive bandwidth and the ability to use custom applications.
- Q. What are the advantages of a managed server?
As a managed hosting client you benefit from better performance and security. You have the ability to host many sites on one server and install custom and specialised software, you also have full control and can re-sell virtual hosting to your clients. Plus as we managed the server administration for you, you need less technical know-how to maintain it, our engineers are onhand 24/7/365 for your needs.
- Q. Dedicated Windows Server
The Microsoft Windows platform is synonymous with high performance and usability. A dedicated Windows server hosted on our network is the optimum environment to experience Windows feature rich functionality.
Windows hosting guarantees a dependable platform from which to grow your online business. The majority of the western world is well acquainted with its interface, resulting in non-daunting, easy-to-use operating systems for your dedicated server.
With a team of Microsoft accredited technicians monitoring your dedicated Windows server solution on a second-by-second basis, you ensure the highest level of uptime and a solution which constantly works at its optimum.
Why choose UKFast for your Windows hosting?
- Support - with our industry-leading Windows hosting solutions and dedicated servers you benefit from a 100% network uptime guarantee and an expert technical team 24 hours a day.
- Speed - we ensure your Windows hosting resides on the UK's fastest network delivering quality performance for customers and search engines alike.
- Security - with UKFast, the winner of the ISPA's best hosting provider, you and your internet customers are in the safest hands. PROprotection is industry-leading protection available with every one of our dedicated servers.
- Q. Dedicated Server definition
In the web hosting business, a dedicated server refers to the exclusive use of a computer that includes a web server, related software, and connection to the internet, housed in the ISP's data centre.
A dedicated server is usually needed for a website (or set of related company sites) that may develop a considerable amount of traffic.
A dedicated server can usually be configured and operated remotely from the client company, giving the client exclusive use and command over your website's server - unlike shared hosting.
- Q. What software is installed as standard on a UKFast Linux server?
With world-class infrastructure and support for your Linux dedicated server, you can be confident that all your applications are secure, reliable and running exceptionally quickly.
We offer a variety of software as standard on each of our Linux dedicated servers including:
- Apache web server 2.2.x
- MySQL server 5.x
- PHP and PHP modules 5.1.6
- Perl 5
- SSH server
Optional Linux server software includes:
- Plesk control panel 8.x
- SpamAssassin
- ClamAV
- AWStats
- Qmail or Sendmail
- Q. What software is installed as standard on a UKFast Windows server?
Every Windows dedicated server comes fully loaded with a range of applications for successful online business, including:
- NET - Net framework V1.1 and v2.0
- Active Perl - Perl
- ASP - ASP Extensions
- IIS - web server (server 2003 IIS 6 - Server 2008 IIS 7)
- MySQL - MySQL Database Server (version 5 and Gui 1.1)
- PHP - PHP Extensions (current version 5.2.6)
With world-class infrastructure and support for your dedicated server, be confident that your applications are fast, secure and reliable.
- Q. Why choose a dedicated server from UKFast?
Our clients are guaranteed the safest, fastest managed hosting solution. Our network is consistently rated as the UK's fastest allowing our managed hosting clients to provide the best customer experience and build their brands through effective search engine marketing.
- 100% network uptime - your website is always available.
- Top spec Dell hardware - tried and tested by our team of experts.
- Dual and Quadcore dedicated server solutions - for the ultimate in power and speed.
- Business continuity platform - plug in and go solution for disaster recovery.
- Windows or Linux hosting - dedicated servers with a choice of operating systems.
- Robust security options - managed hosting services that keep your dedicated server safe.
- State-of-the-art data centres - rack space in the UK's most prestigious data centres.
- Dynamic support™ available 24/7 - a dedicated support team every step of the way.
- Q. What type of Hard Drives do UKFast use?
Our dedicated servers utilise either SATA or SAS servers depending on the requirement of the client. In addition, the servers can be supplied with either 7,200rpm, 10,000rpm or 15,000 rpm drives.
- Q. Why choose UKFast for dedicated SQL Servers?
The increasing volume of online data, heightened public awareness of security issues, and regulations for storage, means implementing a secure data solution is a necessity for today's organisations.
Good SQL management is essential for any online company or e-commerce organisation seeking to create scalable, high-performance, database-driven web applications.
Our range of cost effective SQL server solutions suit the needs of any business.
Increased performance for data-intensive organisations
Microsoft SQL software facilitates complex database management which is unachievable via other methods. SQL is the online database of choice for today's demanding internet applications and is easily the most widely used database management software on the web.
An easy to manage, scalable hosting platform
Our SQL solutions are designed to fuel your online growth increasing their capacity as your business flourishes. That means at UKFast, it's easy to upgrade your hosting by simply calling your account manager to move your operations seamlessly to the next level of hosting.
- Q. How long will it take from order to deployment on my dedicated server solution?
Standalone servers are generally deployed in less than one working day from receipt of order. However, it does depend on the size and the complexitiy of the solution you order.
- Q. Can you provide Microsoft Exchange?
We can provide both dedicated and shared hosted Microsoft Exchange solutions. Dedicated Microsoft Exchange solutions can be configured to exactly meet your requirements and our expert team of support engineers will support you through the configuration of all your mailboxes. On shared hosted Microsoft Exchange, single or multiple mailboxes can be provided with a capacity starting from 1GB.
- Q. Managed Server
A managed server offers all the benefits of a dedicated server - i.e. complete autonomy over your web service - but eliminates much of the time-consuming backend work involved in maintaining it. The provision of additional systems administration and technical support is carried out by your ISP.
- Q. Do you provide a firewall as standard with all server solutions?
As a sign of our commitment to security, we will not allow a dedicated server solution to be deployed without the protection of a Cisco firewall.
As a minimum, servers will be deployed behind a redundant pair of Cisco ASA 5505 managed firewalls.
- Q. Do UKFast offer database replication?
Yes, UKFast offers both MySQL and Microsoft SQL replication.
By combining the benefits of database replication with load balanced web servers, UKFast are able to provide truly resilient solutions.
Take a look at the Server Replication page and give our team a call on 0800 458 4545
