podcast about web hosts and web hosting topics
Sub-domains (such as mitchisawesome.mitchkeeler.com) gives you an entirely new way to view your Online creations. Lets say you wanted to add something new, like a blog or forum script to your hosting account but didn’t want to change domains a sub-domain would be a good way to go. Video now fixed, thanks for the e-mails!
Have any other interesting hosting videos to share? Sent ‘em to me at mitch@mitchkeeler.com and I’ll share them with the web hosting world.
Previously I told you about an awesome web site status tool that could help you tell if your web site was up or not. Down for everyone or just me looks to have become a real success. I have one better though, thanks to a suggestion from a Web Hosting Show listener named John.
I’ve been using DFEOJM a long time, and have found it to be a great tool. You’re right that the URL is a tad long. I came across this web site:
http://www.checksite.us
It’s almost identical, except it’s a shorter URL, easier to remember. It doesn’t have the instant site checking, but at least the URL is shorter.
All you have to do is type in the domain you want to check into the text box on the site, and hit the “Enter” key on your keyboard. Then the web site tells you if the web site is up or down for them. A very nice alternative to use if you want to check to see if others can see your web site.
From time to time it is handy to know what your IP address is. Now it is no secret that there are a hundred and one different ways of getting this done. From looking in your PC, to putting a widget on your desktop to even visiting a web site.
WhatsMyIP.us is the newest of those Online resources that will let you know what your IP address is. The difference here is that they do so without any annoying interface or loopholes to jump through. You just have your IP address there and you are done. If you’d like to share this functionality with others, it is easy to do with their embeddable JavaScript code. Just copy and paste it to give your own visitors their IP address back at them.
Now back on the notion of why this is handy to have? Well with some remote workers out there in the hosting arena, you may need to pass your IP address along to your boss to gain access to their technical support center. For others, it might help you troubleshoot a home networking issue. Your IP address is what could be likened to your “home address” on the Internet.
So add WhatsMyIP.us to your own hosting tools bookmark folder. You might not need it today or tomorrow, but when you do need it you’ll be happy you saved it to the side.
Feel like some of the other hosting news sites are getting a little long in the tooth? Now I read all types of hosting news and information resources from all around the Web. I really have high hopes for a new one that just broke onto the scene. Gawkwire.com wants to be your new web hosting and Internet news resource.
From industry news, to domain stories. From big business to the little guy. Gawkwire is already providing news from all corners of the hosting world and doing well at it. Here is how Robert Lang, Gawkwire managing editor describes this new hosting resource:
“We designed Gawkwire to build on the strengths of other hosting news portals and magazines. Unlike many sites, our content is updated continuously, not once a day or even once a week. We take it a step further, by creating a dialogue with our readers that enhances the overall experience of our site. And we don’t stop with just news articles. Gawkwire’s rich content covers a wide spectrum, with everything from video blog posts to executive interviews.”
I am very excited to see the launch of something new out there in the hosting news bubble. Too long has the field grown more than a little stagnite, and the hopes for Gawkwire is to add a little ‘bit more spice, interest and information to the world of Internet and hosting news.
Don’t get me wrong, I love WordPress – and use it in a lot of places but there are a lot of nice alternatives to WordPress too when you start looking around at scripts and services others are developing. Marie writes in with this CMS controversy.
“I am looking to setup another web site but I want to stay away from WordPress. Do you have any suggestions for other content management system or blogging scripts to try? Thanks!”
Just in case WordPress rubs you the wrong way or your just not happy with it – here are some of my favorite content management systems that are not WordPress.
I used to suggest MovableType to people but over the past few years it just hasn’t been able to keep up with WordPress. Plus it is a ‘bit resource hungry and their license agreements are way too confusing for normal users.
To check and more and to get some demos of both the output and admin interfaces be sure to check out OpenSourceCMS.com. They have tons of examples from every corner of the blogging, CMS and forum world. One of the best database out there if you are looking for a better alternative to WordPress.
As many of you know I work my “day job” I guess you could call it, at Lunarpages and I often get asked questions about if somebody’s web site is up or not. Now more times than not it is often something to do with the web site owner’s side of things. Either their ISP is being a ‘bit wonky, they need to refresh their DNS or some other solution. One quick and easy way to tell if your (or any other) web site is down is downforeveryoneorjustme.com.
I know the URL might be a little long, but this tool is an awesome one to keep in your web hosting tool belt. The simple interface just has “Is ‘text box here’ down for everyone or just me?”. You put your domain name in the text box and hit the linked “or just me?” text and it will spit back a yes or no answer.
If you want an even easier way of using it, just type in their domain name, put a slash in there and then your domain name, such as:
http://downforeveryoneorjustme.com/mitchkeeler.com
There you have it, instant site checking. Some people have reported problems with false positives – but with a little fine tuning I am sure this web site will become an instant classic for those of use who need to keep tabs on if a web site is up or not.
Spotlight this week for the most innovative and fun to use web hosting tool goes to YouGetSignal.com. This site is not only visually appealing – but it also delivers you some awesome tools to boot. The most impressive of them all would be the visual trace routes.
As you can see the Visual Trace route tool is where the most fun is. It goes from hop to hop showing you how it goes and where it goes. Other tools they provide include:
All in all a great resource for any web hoster, network freak or regular interested person should have in their networking toolbelt.
Last week I gave you five quality blogging tools and scripts and this week I am going to finish the job by giving you the second half of my favorite blogging scripts list.
Previously, WordPress was leading the charge as the best of the best, but how do these solutions stack up to that titan of the digital publishing world?
b2evolution – An old one, but still a good one – and can hold it’s own weight still with the other selections out there. Dated, but still works.
Serendipity – This is a PHP-powered weblog application which gives the user an easy way to maintain a weblog or even a complete homepage.
Joomla – Like Drupal, might be too feature rich for the casual blogging fan – but a good engine for in depth web sites or basic blogs.
Sblog – Another one similar to WordPress, looks like it is playing catchup too. Once it gets there though, might be worthy competition.
Simplog – Simple, yet powerful – the name says it all here. You want basics without the fluff – go with Simplog.
No matter which of these selections you decide to choose, you should be well off in your own content producing ways. All of them have their benefits and their drawbacks so best thing to do would be to try them all out and see which does the best job for you.
Where is hosting latest hot spot to hang out? Well if fate and luck have anything to do with it – HostingBookmarks.com might be the place to keep your eyes on. If that doesn’t entice you to listen – what if I said this was Sean Connery’s favorite podcast on and about the web hosting world? Of course I don’t know if that is true or not but rumors have to get started somewhere, right?!
Download the Web Hosting Show, Episode 133!
Running Time: 14 minutes | File Size: 6.61 MB
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Here are just a few topics from this week’s episode of the Web Hosting Show.
Did I ever mention that Sean Connery was my favorite James Bond? Then again – Sean Connery could do a voice over for a mupet and I’d probably like him in that too. There’s no doubt though if Sean Connery was a Web hosting company – there would be no others on the block.
On a day to day basis I get a lot of hosting related links sent my way to review and check out. Here are some of the latest hosting related web sites that have caught my eye and got my attention.
TheWebHostBiz.com
This web site wants to be your guide to starting and running a successful web hosting business. Whether you are just starting out, or you have been around for some time, TheWebHostBiz.com features the tools, applications, service providers and resources that will make your web host business a success.
ServerADay.com
Well the short story for this web site given on the web site itself is “We think all those ‘deal-a-day’ websites out there are cool so we thought what the heck. We have something to sell, so why not give it a shot.” Also being a division of OLM means you don’t have to worry about any shady deals coming forth.
iWeb’s Server Warehouse Clearance Deals
This is another server deal finder that will allow you to hunt for a server of your own. You can list by price and “time of posting” for your deals. The inclusion of an RSS feed for the deals is also a winner. This looks like a great new way for the iWeb people to market themselves to the bargain hunters.
Remember you can always send me your hosting related links at mitch@mitchkeeler.com. New or old, I always love to check them all out.
Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.
Mitch Keeler is nothing more than your average Joe trying to leave his mark on the world though both his professional work and his online projects, articles, podcasts and more.
