NetShop ISP Makes Waves at Forex Expo Dubai 2024: Showcasing Cutting-Edge Hosting for the Financial Services Industry

NetShop ISP participated with great success in the 2024 Forex Expo in Dubai, one of the largest and most prestigious gatherings in the forex trading world. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this two-day event drew over 10,000 forex professionals, including brokers, investors, and technology providers. With hundreds of exhibitors and attendees from diverse sectors, the expo served as an excellent platform for networking, innovation, and showcasing cutting-edge technologies designed for the fast-paced forex industry​.

The company also showcased its low-latency connectivity and cross-connect services, emphasizing their importance in reducing trade execution times. NetShop ISP’s infrastructure ensures that traders can access liquidity providers and trading platforms with minimal delays, optimizing overall trading performance—especially in high-frequency trading environments.

Another key highlight was the introduction of their revamped White-label Forex VPS Program. This program is specifically designed for brokers who want to offer their own branded Virtual Private Server (VPS) solutions to their clients. With scalable infrastructure and tailored configurations, the white-label solution allows brokers to enhance their service offerings without having to manage the technical backend.

Stefano Sordini, CEO of NetShop ISP, was actively engaged throughout the event. He met with existing partners and clients, gaining valuable feedback on the company’s services. These interactions also provided an opportunity for him to update attendees on NetShop ISP’s recent developments, including their expanding global data center footprint and the enhanced performance features of their new server offerings.

Overall, NetShop ISP’s presence at the Forex Expo 2024 demonstrated the company’s commitment to serving the evolving needs of the forex trading community. With their cutting-edge server infrastructure and innovative hosting solutions, NetShop ISP continues to lead the way in providing reliable, high-performance hosting for the fintech and trading industries​.

Learn more about NetShop ISP’s trading infrastructure hosting solutions: https://netshop-isp.com.cy/solutions/forex/.

This article will explore the various risks associated with not having adequate backups, and the importance of implementing multiple layers of backup solutions to safeguard your business.

In today’s digital age, data is the lifeblood of any business. Whether you’re running a small online store or a complex CRM system, the data stored on your servers is invaluable.

This is especially true for companies relying on forex trading platforms like MT5, where even a minor disruption can lead to significant financial losses. However, while servers are designed to be reliable, they are not infallible. Hardware failures, software corruption, and cyber-attacks can happen, potentially resulting in data loss or downtime that could cripple your operations.

As a leading hosting provider offering both VPS and dedicated servers, NetShop ISP understands the critical nature of server reliability. However, it’s important to note that our policy stipulates that clients are responsible for their own data backups.

While we provide robust infrastructure, ensuring data integrity through regular and comprehensive backups is the client’s responsibility. This article will explore the various risks associated with not having adequate backups, and the importance of implementing multiple layers of backup solutions to safeguard your business.

Understanding the Risks: Single Points of Failure

To highlight the importance of backups, let’s consider a typical server setup for hosting a CRM solution:

• Windows System and MySQL on Drive C
• Client Files/Documents on Drive D

This configuration is quite common, but it also presents several potential single points of failure:

1. MySQL Issues (e.g., Corrupted Tables): MySQL databases can become corrupted due to various factors, such as hardware failures, software bugs, or abrupt shutdowns. If your database becomes corrupted, you could lose crucial customer data, transaction records, or other vital information.
   
2. Drive C Fails: The drive hosting your Windows Operating System and MySQL database is critical. If this drive fails, not only will your operating system become inaccessible, but your database could be lost as well.
   
3. Drive D Fails: This drive typically contains client files and documents. If this drive fails, all stored documents could be lost, potentially leading to significant disruptions.
   
4. Total Server Failure (Hardware or Network Outage): A complete server failure, whether due to hardware malfunction or network issues, could render all your data and applications inaccessible.

Given these potential risks, having a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery (DR) plan is essential.

Let’s dive into the backup solutions that NetShop ISP offers and how they can mitigate these risks.

Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions: Multi-Layered Protection

To ensure that your data remains secure and your business operations can continue uninterrupted, we recommend implementing multiple layers of backup solutions. Here are the primary options we offer:

1. Acronis Cloud Backup: Offsite Backup for Compliance and Continuity

Acronis Cloud Backup is one of the most reliable solutions for offsite backups. This service is ideal for both virtual and dedicated servers and can be used to back up files, operating systems, and entire disk snapshots.

• Why Offsite Backup? Offsite backups are crucial because they protect your data against local disasters, such as fires, floods, or theft. By storing backups in a separate location, you ensure that your data remains safe even if your primary server is compromised.
  
• Compliance and Business Continuity: For businesses that must adhere to specific compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), offsite backups are often required. Additionally, offsite backups are an integral part of any robust business continuity plan, ensuring that your data can be restored quickly in the event of a disaster.

2. VM Snapshots: Seamless Recovery for Virtual Servers

For virtual servers, VM Snapshots offer a quick and efficient way to restore your system to a previous state. Snapshots capture the entire state of your virtual machine, including the operating system, applications, and data at a specific point in time.

• 1-Click Recovery: In the event of a disaster, such as a software glitch or configuration error, you can use VM Snapshots to restore your server with just one click. This minimizes downtime and allows your operations to resume almost immediately.
  
• Flexibility: Snapshots can be taken at any time, enabling you to create backup points before making significant changes to your system. This flexibility allows for safe experimentation and easy rollback if something goes wrong.

3. DB Replication: Real-Time Data Protection

Database replication is another critical component of a comprehensive backup strategy. With DB Replication, NetShop ISP can set up real-time data replication for your databases, including MongoDB, MySQL/MariaDB, and MSSQL, on a secondary replication server.

• Real-Time Replication: This setup ensures that any changes made to your primary database are immediately reflected on the secondary server. In the event of a failure, the secondary server can take over, providing almost zero data loss.
  
• Redundancy: By replicating your database in real-time, you create redundancy, which is essential for high availability and disaster recovery. If your primary database server encounters an issue, the replicated server can seamlessly step in, ensuring continuous operations.

Mitigating Risks: A Layered Approach to Backups

Given the various risks associated with server failures, it’s crucial to implement a layered approach to backups. Here’s how you can mitigate each of the single points of failure mentioned earlier:

1. MySQL Issues (Corrupted Tables)

The most effective way to protect against MySQL issues, such as corrupted tables, is through real-time DB replication on a secondary server. This ensures that even if your primary database becomes corrupted, a near-identical copy exists on the secondary server. This approach minimizes downtime and data loss, allowing you to quickly switch to the backup database if necessary.

2 & 3. Drive Failures (C and D)

Even if your drives are configured with RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), which offers some level of data protection, it’s still essential to have offsite backups and a well-thought-out partitioning strategy:

• Partitioning Strategy: We recommend partitioning your server as follows:
  
  • Drive C: System (Windows OS) on two disks in RAID1.
  
  
  • Drive B: MySQL database on two disks in RAID1.
  
  
  • Drive D: Client files on two disks in RAID1.
  
  By spreading each component across different disk sets, you reduce the risk of simultaneous failures affecting multiple critical components.
  
• Offsite Backups: Regularly back up the data on Drives C, B, and D to offsite storage using Acronis Cloud Backup. This provides an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if both your primary and RAID-protected disks fail, your data remains safe and recoverable.

4. Total Server Failure

In the event of a complete server failure, you need a robust disaster recovery plan:

• Server Snapshots: Take regular server snapshots and store them offsite. This allows you to quickly restore a live copy of your entire server to a new machine, minimizing downtime.
  
• Offsite File Backup: Ensure that files on Drive D are backed up daily to offsite cloud storage, such as Acronis. This ensures that the most recent versions of your critical documents and data are always available, even if your primary server fails.

Conclusion: Taking Responsibility for Your Data

As a hosting provider, NetShop ISP is committed to providing you with the infrastructure and tools you need to keep your servers running smoothly. However, the responsibility for ensuring that your data is backed up and protected lies with you, the client. By implementing the backup and disaster recovery solutions outlined in this article, you can safeguard your business against potential data loss and ensure that your operations can continue uninterrupted, no matter what challenges arise.

Remember, data loss can happen at any time, and the consequences can be devastating. Don’t wait until it’s too late—invest in a multi-layered backup strategy today. For more information about our backup solutions, please visit our Acronis Cloud Backup page or contact our support team for personalized assistance.

Your business’s future depends on the actions you take now. Secure your data, secure your business.

In this article we will highlight the importance of clock & time settings within an MT5 cluster, how to set it up and the time inconsistency impact to a Forex broker’s trading activities.

In the highly competitive and fast-moving world of forex trading, where even milliseconds can make the difference between profit and loss, precise time management within the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) server cluster is crucial.

An MT5 server cluster usually includes several key components: the main trade and history server, access servers, backup servers, and SQL export servers. Each of these components is essential for maintaining the smooth operation of a broker’s trading system.

However, a frequently overlooked yet crucial aspect that can disrupt this system is the synchronization of time across these servers. Any inconsistency in clock settings among these servers can cause major operational issues, impacting both the broker and their clients.

In this article we will highlight the importance of clock & time settings within an MT5 cluster and the consequences it can cause in a forex trading environment should it’s not setup correctly.

The Role of Each Server in the MT5 Cluster

Before going into the implications of time discrepancies, it’s essential to understand the role each server plays within a MetaTrader 5 Platform cluster:

Main Trade & History Server
This is the core server responsible for processing all trading operations. It manages order execution, trade history, and price feeds.

Access Servers
These servers act as intermediaries between the MT5 platform and clients, handling client connections, order placements, and trade requests.

Read more information about the MT5 Access Server here.

Backup Servers
These servers mirror the main trade server’s data, ensuring redundancy and continuity in case of a failure.

SQL Export Servers
These servers are responsible for exporting trading data to external databases, which can be used for reporting, CRM systems, and regulatory compliance.

The Consequences of Time Discrepancies in MT5 Environment

The importance of synchronized time across these servers cannot be overstated. Even minor time differences can cascade into significant issues, disrupting the trading experience and potentially leading to financial losses.

1. Order Execution and Trade Processing Delays

The most immediate impact of non-synchronized clocks is on order execution and trade processing. If the main trade server and the access servers are not perfectly aligned in time, clients may experience delays in opening or closing positions. For example, if the access server’s clock is ahead of the trade server, orders might be rejected or executed at incorrect prices, leading to client dissatisfaction and possible financial disputes.

2. Inaccurate Trade History and Reporting

The trade and history server maintains records of all executed trades, which are then used for client statements, auditing, and regulatory reporting. If there is a time mismatch between the trade server and the SQL export server, the trade data exported to external databases could be timestamped incorrectly. This discrepancy can result in inaccurate trade history, leading to issues with client reports, compliance checks, and even legal challenges if discrepancies are significant.

3. CRM and Client Data Issues

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems often rely on data exported from the MT5 platform to manage client interactions, track trading activity, and generate performance reports. If the SQL export server’s clock is out of sync with the trade server, the CRM system may display incorrect or outdated information. This can severely impact the broker’s ability to provide timely and accurate support to clients, potentially damaging the broker-client relationship.

4. Gateway and Liquidity Provider Communication Failures

In a typical forex brokerage setup, MT5 gateways are used to connect to liquidity providers, allowing brokers to access the broader financial markets for trade execution. Time synchronization issues between the trade server and the gateways can lead to failures in processing trades with liquidity providers. Orders might not be routed correctly, leading to rejected trades, incorrect pricing, or even exposure to market risks due to delayed executions.

5. Backup and Disaster Recovery Complications

Backup servers are designed to take over in case of a failure in the main trade server. However, if the backup server’s clock is not synchronized with the main server, the transition can result in data corruption or loss. This misalignment can also complicate disaster recovery efforts, as the broker may be unable to restore trading operations to their exact state before the failure, leading to potential discrepancies in client accounts.

Ensuring Time Synchronization Across the MT5 Cluster

Given the potential for serious operational disruptions, it’s imperative that brokers implement robust time synchronization protocols across their MT5 server clusters. This typically involves the use of Network Time Protocol (NTP) to ensure all servers are synchronized to a precise and reliable time source.

Regular monitoring and audits should be conducted to ensure that all components of the MT5 cluster remain in sync.

Fully Managed Server Hosting Solutions for MT5 Trading Platform by NetShop ISP

Hosting an MT5 Trading Server with NetShop ISP gives you a worry-free time to focus on running the most important aspects of your brokerage, such as dealing and risk management.

Trading servers under our Premium SLA enjoy full server administration as well as around-the-clock assistance for any technical-related queries or issues with the MT5 Platform.

NetShop ISP is a multi-award winning hosting provider, established in 2004, providing bespoke infrastructure and hosting services for leading companies in the Financial and Fintech sectors; Forex brokers, Liquidity Providers, Bridge and CRM platforms, and other Technology providers.

Disclaimer: All trademarks, references to MetaTrader 5 (MT5), MetaQuotes, MainTrade, History Server, Access Servers, logos and screenshots taken by the MT5 Platform, and any other related materials are the property and copyright of MetaQuotes Software Corp. All rights reserved. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by MetaQuotes Software Corp.

NetShop ISP reinforces its commitment to global expansion by offering top-tier Virtual Private Server (VPS) services in Brazil, enhancing its presence in the rapidly growing Latin American (LatAm) market. August 30, 2024 — NetShop ISP, a leading provider of data center services and cloud solutions, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest Virtual […]

NetShop ISP reinforces its commitment to global expansion by offering top-tier Virtual Private Server (VPS) services in Brazil, enhancing its presence in the rapidly growing Latin American (LatAm) market.

August 30, 2024 — NetShop ISP, a leading provider of data center services and cloud solutions, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest Virtual Private Server (VPS) offerings in São Paulo, Brazil. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in NetShop ISP’s ongoing mission to deliver high-performance, reliable, and scalable cloud solutions to businesses across the globe, with a particular focus on the emerging Latin American (LatAm) market.

A Strategic Move into the LatAm Market

Brazil, as the largest economy in Latin America, has witnessed a surge in demand for robust digital infrastructure to support its growing online industries. Recognizing the immense potential and the increasing demand for cloud services in the region, NetShop ISP has strategically expanded its services to São Paulo, a major technology hub in Brazil. This expansion allows businesses in LatAm to leverage world-class VPS solutions that cater to their specific needs, from trading infrastructure hosting to geotargeted, SEO-boosted Ad campaigns and website hosting.

NetShop ISP’s new VPS plans in Brazil are designed to meet the diverse requirements of businesses in LatAm, ranging from small startups to large enterprises. By establishing a local presence in São Paulo, NetShop ISP is better positioned to provide low-latency, high-availability VPS hosting that ensures optimal performance and reliability for businesses operating in or targeting the Latin American market.

Brazil has emerged as one of the most sought-after hosting regions in 2024, driven by the growing demand from iGaming companies and Forex brokers seeking to establish a strong presence in the LatAm market. Additionally, e-commerce businesses and digital marketing agencies are increasingly turning to locally hosted servers within Latin America to achieve optimal SEO results and execute geo-targeted ad campaigns with precision.

About NetShop ISP

NetShop ISP is a globally recognized provider of premium data center services, cloud solutions, and managed hosting. With a presence in key markets across Europe, Asia, and now Latin America, NetShop ISP offers a comprehensive range of hosting solutions, including dedicated servers, VPS, cloud hosting, and colocation services. The company is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, exceptional customer support, and commitment to delivering tailored hosting solutions to Forex, iGaming, Fintech and ICT companies around the world.

For more information about NetShop ISP’s new VPS plans in Brazil and other global offerings, visit NetShop ISP’s Brazil VPS page.

Important information and Suggested Actions regarding the zero-click IPv6 vulnerability CVE-2024-38063

Microsoft has recently issued a critical security advisory concerning a newly discovered vulnerability affecting all Windows systems with IPv6 enabled. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-38063, allows remote code execution (RCE) without user interaction, posing a significant risk to servers and endpoints running on Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server.

Understanding the IPv6 Threat

The flaw, discovered by XiaoWei from Kunlun Lab, stems from an integer underflow weakness in the TCP/IP stack when processing IPv6 packets. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited in a “zero-click” attack, meaning no user interaction is required for an attacker to gain control of a system. The potential impact is severe, as the flaw can be exploited remotely, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code by simply sending specially crafted IPv6 packets to the target system.

Exploitation and Mitigation

Microsoft has labeled this vulnerability as “exploitation more likely,” emphasizing the urgency for organizations to apply the necessary patches. Due to the ease of exploitation and the critical nature of the flaw, it has been identified as a high-priority issue by cybersecurity experts.

To mitigate the risk for systems that cannot be immediately patched, Microsoft suggests disabling IPv6. However, they caution that even disabling IPv6 may cause disruptions, as it is an integral part of the Windows network protocol stack since Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

This is not the first time Windows’ IPv6 implementation has been under scrutiny. Previous vulnerabilities, such as the “Ping of Death” (CVE-2020-16898) and an IPv6 fragmentation bug (CVE-2021-24086), have exposed similar weaknesses in the protocol, underlining the ongoing challenge of securing IPv6 implementations on Windows systems.

Immediate Action Required

Given the critical nature of CVE-2024-38063 and its potential for exploitation, immediate action is required from IT administrators and security teams. Patching systems should be prioritized to prevent potential breaches. In environments where patching is not immediately feasible, disabling IPv6 temporarily, while being mindful of the potential disruptions, could serve as a short-term mitigation strategy.

We strongly recommend that you install the latest Windows updats immediately. This is crucial, as the details of the vulnerability have become publicly available and can now be exploited by other attackers.

Emergency Support Services Available by NetShop ISP Support Team

In light of the critical IPv6 vulnerability affecting Windows systems, NetShop ISP’s 24×7 Support department is actively assisting customers with the necessary Windows updates to secure their systems.

Due to increased demand, customers under our Premium SLA are being prioritized. We encourage all other customers without a Premium SLA to submit a ticket via our portal to ensure their request is queued for support. Our team is committed to helping you protect your infrastructure during this urgent time.

For more details and updates, please refer to the original article on BleepingComputer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a straightforward process (two ways) to seamlessly connect to a Windows Server 2022 instance from Ubuntu, allowing you to manage your server from anywhere, anytime.

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, remote access to servers is a necessity for, not just IT professionals and developers, but also for individuals who require accessing remotely-hosted Windows machines.

Typical use cases for utilizing RDP connections to Windows servers include:

• Forex traders: Accessing a Windows Forex VPS for executing trades and managing trading platforms.
• HR professionals and accountants: Remotely accessing payroll and accounting systems hosted on Windows servers.
• Business owners: Connecting to their office-based Windows Server from home to manage business operations and access essential files.0

Ubuntu workstations have gained popularity among non-IT users in recent years due to their user-friendly interface, stability, security and cost-effectiveness (free OS versus Windows which requires a paid license). Knowing how to establish a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection from a Linux Ubuntu PC can save you time and streamline your workflow.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a straightforward process (two ways) to seamlessly connect to a Windows Server 2022 instance from Ubuntu, allowing you to manage your server from anywhere, anytime.

Two Ways to RDP on Windows Server from Linux Ubuntu

Method 1: RDP Using Terminal with ‘rdesktop’

This method is quicker than the second, yet requires to feel a bit comfortable with using linux commands. For a fully command-less, GUI-based method please check Method 2 below.

Step 1: Open your terminal (Cltr + Alt + T)

Step 2: Install ‘rdesktop’ by executing the following commands:

root@ss-netshopisp:~$ apt update -y
root@ss-netshopisp:~$ apt install rdesktop -y

Step 3: Use the ‘rdesktop’ utility to connect remotely on your Windows machine:

root@ss-netshopisp:~$ rdesktop -u username -p password -g 1024x768 windows_server_ip_address

Notes for Step 3:
a. Replace username with your Windows account username.
b. Replace password with your Windows account password.
c. Replace 1024×768 with your desired screen resolution.
d. Replace windows_server_ip with the IP address of your Windows Server.

Step 4: Trust the Certificate Exception warning – if prompted

It is probable that upon your attempt to connect on a Windows Server, you will be prompted with a Certificate Exception warning. Type “Yes” to continue, as shown below.

Method 2: RDP Using Remmina Application

This method is considered easier than the first as all you need is to install the Remmina application from Ubuntu Software.

Step 1: Search for Ubuntu Software and click to launch as shown below.

Step 2: Search and Install Remmina.

a. Use the search icon at the top left corner and type Remmina.
b. One or more options may appear depending on your Ubuntu version. Choose one of them and click the Install button.
c. You should be prompted to enter your ubuntu’s account logins – these are the credentials you are using to login on your Ubuntu machine. Do it so you can authorize the system to proceed with the installation.

Step 3: Launch Remmina and Connect to Windows Server

a. Click the the icon at the top left corner to add a new server in the connections list, as below:

b. Click “Save and Connect” and you are good to go!

Method 2b: Install Remmina using Terminal

If you fancy working with linux commands, here is an alternative, command-based way to install Remmina on your Ubuntu workstation.

Step 1: Open your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
Step 2: Run command: sudo apt update
Step 3: Run command: sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp -y

Once the above steps are completed, you may continue to launch remmina and add your first server (see Step 3: Launch Remmina and Connect to Windows Server above).

Deploy Windows and Linux machines Globally with NetShop ISP

All NetShop ISP customers enjoy the privilege of virtual machines deployment worldwide. Spin up within seconds a virtual server (VPS) with your desired set of specifications and any operating system (linux or windows).

Create a Free Account Today to Get Started at https://my.netshop-isp.com.cy/signup

In this article, we will take a look at the key factors that web or software development companies need to consider when choosing a hosting provider. 

As the foundation of any web or software development company, selecting the right hosting provider is a huge decision. A dependable hosting provider is crucial for developers as it directly impacts the overall success and functionality of their web or software solutions.

In this article, we will take a look at the key factors that web or software development companies need to consider when choosing a hosting provider. 

Best Hosting Provider for Web/ Software Development Companies 

Web/software development companies are businesses specialized in creating websites, applications, and software solutions. These companies heavily rely on hosting providers to serve their developed products so it’s important that the following criteria is met.

High Performance 

Hosting directly impacts the speed and performance of web and software solutions. It is crucial to ensure that the server (virtual or dedicated) you will be given has new generation CPU, enterprise-grade SSDs or NVMe storage and a high-speed network.

These three resources are vital to the overall performance of the websites and applications you will be hosting on the server.

Seamless Scalability 

For most web development companies, scalability options such as flexible resources, easy upgrades, and load balancing are essential. Make sure to opt for a hosting provider that allows developers to easily upgrade or scale resources based on demand without affecting performance, or compromising speed and stability.

A great hosting type choice that enables scalability for your applications is a virtual or cloud server. Check out a great blog article where we explain the differences (pros and cons) between a bare-metal dedicated and a virtual server.

Security 

A secure hosting environment is essential for web and software development companies as it plays a vital role in protecting their data and applications. It is important to choose a hosting provider that can assist with implementation of pro-active security measures as well as mitigation of issues that may occur.

A typical customer at NetShop ISP with a Premium SLA subscription benefits of the following:

• Security hardening prior provisioning of the server to the customer
• Firewall installation and basic configuration
• Backup configuration as per customer’s RTO objectives
• Pro-active monitoring setup & real-time alert for incidents when occur

Expert DevOps Support 

Web and software development companies may not have an in-house hosting specialist so it is important to opt for a hosting provider that offers comprehensive support through multiple communication channels.

The dedicated DevOps team at NetShop ISP is frequently requested to hop on cases where a web development studio (customer) needs assistance with database optimization, file permission issues on server, malware scanning and removal, etc.

Competitive Pricing 

Although not at the top of the list, consideration must still be given to your potential hosting provider’s costs and overall value for money. Investing in a reliable hosting provider that offers value for money and the necessary features is a wise decision, ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness and service quality.

NetShop ISP offers a wide range of hosting services for all budgets and requirements. cPanel Web hosting plans start from €5 per month whereas a much more powerful VPS server starts from just €4.90 per month!

One Provider Benefit

Opting for a hosting provider that offers a full suite of services – including server hosting, email hosting, domain registration, backup services, server management, etc – can significantly streamline operations and allow your company to focus on its core competencies.

Since 2004 NetShop ISP have been hosting and managing infrastructure for web & software development companies around the world. Check out our wide-range of hosting services or talk to us for a custom project consultation.

Hosting for Web and Software Development Companies 

At NetShop ISP, we’re committed to providing our clients with the optimal servers and web hosting environments. Our cutting-edge infrastructure, comprehensive range of services and hands-on support guarantee the performance required for web and software development companies.

If you are currently hosted somewhere else, then you are entitled to a FREE Migration offered by team of experts.

For more information on how we can help you get started drop us a message today or find us on Skype (netshopisp).

In this tech tutorial we provide a working solution to fix the error “Could not retrieve mirrorlist” in CentOS 7.

As of June 30, 2024 CentOS Linux 7 reached end of life (EOL) as RedHat decides to shift full investment to the CentOS Stream Project.

CentOS 7 reaching EOL means that no further security updates, patches and new features will be available and therefore developers and system admins would need to migrate to a new operating system.

The CentOS 7 distribution has been a very popular OS over the last years which makes it difficult to fade out from one day to another. According to Lansweeper, a Belgian corporate network scanner vendor, more than 25% of all Linux machines are CentOS 7.

One of the major errors that sysadmins experience during the post-EOL era of CentOS 7 is on attempts to install a software package.

The error is Could not retrieve mirrorlist http://mirrorlist.centos.org/?release=7&arch=x86_64&repo=os&infra=container [closed]

How To Fix “Could not retrieve mirrorlist” Error in CentOS 7

The problem occurs due to the repository URLs found in /etc/yum.repos.d/ folder. The repositories are automatically configured to lookup on mirror.centos.org and since CentOS 7 has gone EOL, mirrors are also gone.

The fix is to replace the mirror.centos.org baseurl with vault.centos.org. You can do this by executing the following commands as root:

root@localhost:~$ sed -i 's/mirrorlist/#mirrorlist/g' /etc/yum.repos.d/CentOS-*

root@localhost:~$ sed -i 's|#baseurl=http://mirror.centos.org|baseurl=http://vault.centos.org|g' /etc/yum.repos.d/CentOS-*

Upon successful execution of the above replace (sed) commands, you should be able to install any software package using yum or even update your CentOS 7 server (yum update).

If you are looking for the next best alternative to Linux CentOS 7 considering migrating to AlmaLinux 9, an Operating System that is available on all Cloud and Dedicated Server plans.

This article guides you through changing the Document Root Path of cPanel’s Main Domain.

Often webmasters and cPanel server admins need to change the document root of the domain which is associated with the main cPanel account. Whilst changing the document root of an addon or sub-domain is a straightforward process, there is no official guideline from cPanel on how to change the document root of an account’s main domain.

NetShop ISP’s Support team have helped numerous customers who requested to change the document root of their main cPanel account, and so we have decided to publish in this article a 100% working solution.

Steps to Change Document Root of Main cPanel Domain

Just follow the next steps for a successful document root change of your account’s main domain name.

Step 1: Take Backup

It’s crucial that before you proceed to the next steps you take a full backup of your cPanel account.

You may do so by copying your home directory somewhere safe within the same server (assuming you have root access) as follows:

root@cpanel:~$ cp -r /home/myuserdir /root/

The above command will copy the entire “myuserdir” directory under /root/ folder.

Alternatively, you can you a reliable, off-site cloud backup software to backup your home directory, such as Acronis.

Step 2: Edit files under /var/cpanel/userdata/$USERNAME

The second step requires to edit two files under /var/cpanel/userdata/$username , where $username is the username of your account in concern. In our example the username is wwwcolocy.

There are two files to edit; the base domain and the SSL one. In our example, the domain in concern is cypruscolo.com so we will edit the two files as follows (we use “vi” as our text editor, you may use your own preferred editor):

root@localhost:~$ vi /var/cpanel/userdata/wwwcolocy/cypruscolo.com

Change the paths as indicated in the screenshot below, then save and exit the file.

Then follow the same process by editing the “documentroot” variable in the corresponding SSL file:

root@localhost:~$ vi /var/cpanel/userdata/wwwcolocy/cypruscolo.com_SSL

Step 3: Delete cache files

As you are in the same directory, there are two cache files as indicated by the screenshot below.

Delete them using the following command:

root@localhost:~$ rm -f /var/cpanel/userdata/wwwcolocy/cypruscolo.com.cache && rm -f /var/cpanel/userdata/wwwcolocy/cypruscolo.com_SSL.cache

Step 4: Update userdatacache and re-build httpd config

You are almost ready. At this point we need to execute the following commands so our changes are applied in the system.

root@localhost:~$ /scripts/updateuserdatacache

Then, execute the following command to re-build apache’s configuration:

root@localhost:~$ /scripts/rebuildhttpdconf

Step 5: Restart Apache

The final step is to restart Apache. Do so by executing the following command:

root@localhost:~$ service httpd restart

You are all set! Congratulations, you have edited the document root of your cPanel’s primary domain name!

In this article we will demonstrate how you can create OpenVPN users using the pfSense® User Interface.

OpenVPN is a service which allows you to setup remote access for mobile clients through the VPN service protocol. The pfSense® software offers a super convenient way of installing OpenVPN and further create accounts for your organization’s users.

In a previous article we discussed about the pros and cons of installing pfSense on a virtual or dedicated server. Read the article >>

About pfSense®

pfSense is a popular software which comes with advanced capabilities compared to a typical router, and less complexity than other common firewalls. Through an intuitive GUI, pfSense® makes it easy to configure and manage firewall rules, NAT, Site-to-site tunnel, OpenVPN and many more.

In this article we will demonstrate how you can create OpenVPN users using the pfSense® User Interface.

Guide to Setup OpenVPN Users in pfSense®

Check out the following easy steps on how to create an OpenVPN user in pfSense® software.

Pre-requisites

1. Admin-level access in pfSense® GUI
2. OpenVPN software installed and running

Step 1: Create User

From pfSense top menu go to “System” > “User Manager“

Then click “Add” to create a new user

Enter a Username, Password, and password confirmation

Then check “Click to create a user certificate”, which will open the certificate options panel

• Enter the user’s name or some other pertinent information into the Descriptive Name field
• Choose the same Certificate Authority used on the OpenVPN server
• Choose a Key Length (may be left at the default)
• Enter a Lifetime (may be left at the default)
• Click “Save”

Step 2: Export OpenVPN Certificate

After creating a new user, go to the following path: “VPN” > “OpenVPN” > “Client Export”
Go to the bottom of the page in this section, if you have done the steps of creating a new user correctly, you will find the user you created here. Then you can find the VPN profile of the user you want.

After downloading the profile, import it into OpenVPN Client and voila! If you did everything as per this guide, you have successfully connected to OpenVPN from your computer.

In this article we will take a closer look at Dedicated and Virtual servers, and which one should be preferred for hosting an MT5 Access server.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is a popular multi-asset trading platform that helps traders automate Forex and stock trades. Whilst MetaTrader 4 (MT4) was designed solely for Forex trading, MT5 was developed with extended functionality, offering traders the ability to trade in almost all financial markets, including cryptocurrencies. 

With that being said, in order for MT5 to run efficiently a reliable server with robust infrastructure is crucial. For Forex Brokers, choosing the right server is essential for seamless trading operations.

In this article we will take a closer look at Dedicated and Virtual servers, and which one should be preferred for hosting an MT5 Access server.

What is MT5 

Developed by MetaQuotes, MT5 is a trading platform used by traders and brokers in the financial markets. The platform provides advanced trading tools and technical analysis, and is popular due to its user-friendly interface and ease of implementing automated trading strategies.

In a previous article we explained what an MT5 Access (or Proxy) Server is doing and why it is a crucial component of a Broker’s MT5 infrastructure.

Read more about MT5 Access Servers and why they are needed >>

What is a Dedicated Server 

A dedicated server is a type of hosting solution where a client leases an entire physical server, and its resources are not shared with anyone else. A dedicated server offers enhanced performance and security, as well as complete control over resources and configurations. 

What is a Virtual Server 

A virtual private server (VPS) is a hosting method where one physical server is partitioned to create multiple virtual machines. Each virtual server replicates the same functionality as a dedicated server, and operates as an independent, virtualized system. 

Dedicated server vs. Virtual server 

For FX brokers operating MT5 access servers, choosing between dedicated and virtual servers requires some consideration. Whilst both are viable options, the decision ultimately comes down to the broker’s specific needs regarding deployment time, performance, security, and scalability.

Faster Deployment Time

When it comes to deployment time, virtual server is the winner. A good strategy Brokers should use is to deploy several MT5 Access Servers, in different regions around the world, so they cover as many locations where their traders reside.

That being said, a virtual server is usually preferred due to its very short (even instant) deployment time versus a longer deployment time that a dedicated server will need.

Performance 

A dedicated server provides FX Brokers with complete control over its resources and exclusive access to its hardware. All things being equal, a dedicated server will always outperform a virtual server, but that doesn’t go to say that a virtual server isn’t a highly efficient solution for FX Brokers. 

Security 

In terms of security, both dedicated and virtual servers have their advantages. Since dedicated servers offer exclusive access to hardware, the risk of security breaches caused by shared resources is diminished.

On the other hand, virtual servers come with extensive security features and can be protected through proper configuration. Both are secure choices for FX Brokers, as long as they are maintained with stringent security practices. 

Scalability 

Virtual servers often allow for easier scalability since they’re designed to allow the instantaneous adjustment of resources. This in itself is a huge advantage for FX Brokers who experience fluctuating trading volumes or wish to expand their operations, as physical hardware upgrades are not necessary.

Of course, dedicated servers can still be scaled up, although it will take a lot longer to do so when compared to a virtual server. 

NetShop ISP MT5 Access Servers 

Whether you’re considering a dedicated server or a virtual server, NetShop ISP can provide you with low-latency network infrastructure, so that you can deliver uninterrupted financial services to your customers.

If you’re still unsure on which server to opt for, speak to one of our Forex specialists here for some extra advice based on your requirements. 

After popular demand by existing customers using CentOS 7 servers, we have prepared this tutorial on how to resize root partition after deleting the default /home partition.

After popular demand by existing customers using CentOS 7 servers, we have prepared this tutorial on how to resize root partition after deleting the default /home partition.

In graphical installation of CentOS 7, unless specified otherwise, the installer will create the following partitions: /centos-root , /centos-home and /swap.

This happens usually when system admins forget to customize the partitioning layout during the installation process. There is a solution though which does not require you to re-install the server.

Steps to Resize Root Partition in CentOS and Deleting Home Partition

Pre-requisites:

• SSH Access on CentOS 7 Server with root or sudo privileged user
• XFS Filesystem with LVM
• Ensure you have taken all necessary backups – any disk related operations are high risk!

Step 1: Copy contents of /home directory

Regardless if you already took backup of your entire server, do another quick backup of the /home directory in a location within the server. After the completion of the resize operation, you will be able to quickly transfer back the contents to the /home directory.

root@localhost:~$ mkdir /temp && cp -a /home /temp/

Step 2: Unmount /home

The following command will unmount /home directory. This is a crucial step as without unmounting you cannot proceed to the next steps.

root@localhost:~$ umount -fl /home

Once done, execute the lvs command to display the attributes of the LVM volumes (you will need these in Step 3).

root@localhost:~$ lvs

Step 3: Remove the Home LVM Volume

Run the following command to remove the LVM volume for home.

root@localhost:~$ lvremove /dev/centos/home

Important: We used …/centos/… because of the “VG” attribute from Step 2. If yours is different please adjust your command in Step 3 accordingly.

Step 4: Resize/Extend the Root LVM Volume

From Step 2, we see (in our example) that the LSize of home volume is ~2,13T. Therefore, it is safe to extend our root LVM by 2 TB.

root@localhost:~$ lvextend -L+2T /dev/centos/root

Then run the following command to finalize the resizing of root partition:

root@localhost:~$ xfs_growfs /dev/mapper/centos-root

Step 5: Copy contents of /home back to original directory

root@localhost:~$ cp -a /temp/home /

Confirm that you see all of your directories and files in /home by executing the command ls /home/.

If you are happy with what you see, proceed and delete the temporary directory you created in Step 1 as follows:

root@localhost:~$ rm -rf /temp

Step 6: Update /etc/fstab and Sync systemd with all changes

At this point we have resized the root partition successfully but we need to ensure that the system will not look to mount the /home partition on its next boot. For this reason you need to remove the line for /dev/mapper/centos-home from file /etc/fstab. Do so using your favorite editor (nano, vi, etc).

Finally, run the following command to sync systems with all changes above.

root@localhost:~$ dracut --regenerate-all --force

You are all set! Enjoy your newly resized Root partition in CentOS!