Web Hosting Choice Criteria for Software Development Companies

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).

How To Fix Error Could not retrieve mirrorlist http://mirrorlist.centos.org/ in CentOS 7 Server

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.

How To Change Document Root of Main Domain in cPanel

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.

Edit Document Root of cPanel Main Domain (1)

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.

Edit Document Root of cPanel Main Domain (2)

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
Edit Document Root of cPanel Main Domain (3)

Step 3: Delete cache files

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

Edit Document Root of cPanel Main Domain (4)

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!

How To Create OpenVPN User in pfSense

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.

MT5 Access Server for Forex Brokers: Virtual vs. Dedicated

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. 

How To Extend Root Partition using Home Partition space in CentOS

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!

NetShop ISP to Attend iFX EXPO International 2024 and Announce Global Infrastructure Expansion

NetShop ISP to Attend iFX EXPO International 2024 and Announce Global Infrastructure Expansion.

NetShop ISP, a leading server hosting provider, is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming iFX EXPO International 2024. The event, scheduled to take place from June 18-20 at the City of Dreams Mediterranean Integrated Resort in Limassol, Cyprus, is one of the most prestigious gatherings in the financial services sector, bringing together industry professionals from around the globe.

NetShop ISP’s presence at the iFX EXPO International 2024 will highlight its commitment to delivering top-tier hosting solutions tailored to the needs of the forex and fintech sectors. A key highlight of NetShop ISP’s participation will be the announcement of its significant global infrastructure expansion.

Book a Meeting - NetShop ISP @ iFX EXPO 2024
Book a Meeting with NetShop ISP @ iFX EXPO International 2024

In a strategic move to enhance its service offerings and meet growing demand, NetShop ISP is expanding its infrastructure within the Equinix data centers located in London and Singapore. This expansion aims to provide customers with even lower latency, improved connectivity, and enhanced reliability, crucial for high-frequency trading and other latency-sensitive applications.

In addition to the infrastructure expansion, NetShop ISP will showcase its diverse portfolio of services, including:

  • Forex VPS Hosting: An API-enabled service that enables Forex brokers to integrate and offer ultra-low latency VPS servers to traders.
  • Dedicated Servers: Offering high-performance dedicated servers and customizable configurations to meet specific requires for their trading platform, liquidity bridge and CRM software.
  • Low-Latency Connectivity Services: Ensuring minimal latency and fast execution speeds, critical for high-frequency trading environments.

For more information about NetShop ISP’s participation in iFX EXPO International 2024 and to book a meeting, visit https://netshop-isp.com.cy/events/ifx-expo-international-2024/ or contact the company’s representatives on Skype (netshopisp).

TNFX Broker Partners with NetShop ISP to Offer Low-Latency Forex VPS to Traders

TNFX, a leading Forex broker, is proud to announce its partnership with NetShop ISP, a top-rated provider of server hosting and Forex VPS solutions.

TNFX, a leading Forex broker, is proud to announce its partnership with NetShop ISP, a top-rated provider of server hosting and Forex VPS solutions. This collaboration brings forth an innovative offering: low-latency Forex VPS services tailored exclusively for TNFX traders.

In the fast-paced world of forex trading, every second counts. Traders need lightning-fast execution and stable connectivity to capitalize on market opportunities. With an API integration of NetShop ISP’s Forex Broker VPS, TNFX traders can now enjoy enhanced performance and reliability like never before.

What is Forex VPS, and Why is it Important?

Forex VPS is a specialized hosting solution designed for forex traders. It provides traders with a virtual server environment optimized for running trading platforms and applications. The key advantage of Forex VPS lies in its low-latency connectivity, ensuring that trade orders are executed swiftly and accurately.

By hosting their trading platforms on NetShop ISP’s high-performance servers, TNFX traders benefit from:

  1. Low-Latency Execution: Trades are executed with minimal delay, giving TNFX traders a competitive edge in fast-moving markets.
  2. Reliable Connectivity: NetShop ISP’s VPS solutions offer high uptime rates, ensuring uninterrupted access to trading accounts.
  3. Security and Stability: With state-of-the-art security measures and redundant infrastructure, NetShop ISP’s VPS services provide a secure and stable trading environment.
  4. 24/7 Support: TNFX traders receive round-the-clock customer support from NetShop ISP, ensuring assistance whenever needed.

“We are excited to partner with NetShop ISP to offer low-latency Forex VPS to our traders. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing the best possible trading experience for our clients.”

said Toufic M, Head of Business Development at TNFX

Stefano Sordini (CEO NetShop ISP)

Stefano Sordini, CEO at NetShop ISP, adds “We are excited to partner with TNFX to offer our high-performance VPS solutions to their traders. By combining our expertise in hosting with TNFX’s reputation in forex trading, we aim to empower traders with the tools they need to succeed.”

About TNFX:

TNFX is a leading Forex broker, offering a wide range of trading products and services to clients worldwide. With a focus on transparency, reliability, and innovation, TNFX strives to provide traders with the best possible trading experience. Learn more about TNFX VPS Service.

About NetShop ISP:

NetShop ISP is a leading provider of hosting and infrastructure solutions, specializing in VPS, dedicated servers, and cloud hosting services. With a global presence and a commitment to excellence, NetShop ISP empowers businesses with reliable and scalable hosting solutions. Learn more about NetShop ISP’s Forex VPS solution.

How to Install Nginx, MySQL, PHP on Ubuntu 22.04 (LEMP)

In this article we will provide a step-by-step guide to installing LEMP Stack (Linux, Nginx, MariaDB, PHP-FPM) on a Ubuntu 22.04 Server.

The LEMP stack is a popular web development stack consisting of four key components: Linux, Nginx, MySQL and PHP, each of which play a crucial role in web application development and hosting. In this article we will provide a step-by-step guide to installing LEMP on your Ubuntu 22.04 Server.

Prerequisites

  • Server with Ubuntu 22.04 OS installed
  • SSH Access with root or sudo-privileged user

Steps to Install LEMP on Ubuntu Server

Step 1. Switch to Root user

First, switch to the root user using the following command. Unless stated otherwise, all subsequent commands must be executed as the root user.

john@localhost:~$ sudo –i

Step 2. Install Nginx

Nginx is a powerful web server software designed to handle a high volume of simultaneous requests. It offers faster loading times and better performance than most of other webservers.

root@localhost:~$ apt update -y

Once updates are installed run the following command:

root@localhost:~$ apt install nginx -y

Step 3. Start Nginx and Enable Autostart

Start nginx using the following command:

root@localhost:~$ systemctl start nginx

Now, lets make Nginx to automatically start on boot.

root@localhost:~$ systemctl enable --now nginx

If everything is okay, Nginx should be running. Check this by executing the following command:

root@localhost:~$ systemctl status nginx

Sample Output:

● nginx.service - A high performance web server and a reverse proxy server
      Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/nginx.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)
     Active: active (running) since Sun 2023-09-10 16:27:18 UTC; 23s ago
       Docs: man:nginx(8)
   Main PID: 2079 (nginx)
      Tasks: 3 (limit: 1588)
     Memory: 5.2M
        CPU: 30ms
     CGroup: /system.slice/nginx.service
             ├─2079 "nginx: master process /usr/sbin/nginx -g daemon on; master_process on;"
             ├─2082 "nginx: worker process" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" ""
             └─2083 "nginx: worker process" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" ""

Sep 10 16:27:18 ubuntu systemd[1]: Starting A high performance web server and a reverse proxy server...
Sep 10 16:27:18 ubuntu systemd[1]: Started A high performance web server and a reverse proxy server.

Step 5. Install MariaDB Server

MariaDB Server is one of the most popular open source relational databases. It’s made by the original developers of MySQL and guaranteed to stay open source. It is part of most cloud offerings and the default in most Linux distributions.

root@localhost:~$ apt install mariadb-server -y

Step 6. Start MariaDB and Enable Autostart

Similar to the procedure we followed with Nginx, we need to ensure it will automatically start on server boot.

root@localhost:~$ systemctl enable –now mariadb

Now, check the status of MariaDB to ensure it’s running properly:

root@localhost:~$ systemctl status mariadb

The previous command should output something that resembles the following.

Sample Output:

● mariadb.service - MariaDB 10.6.12 database server
  Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/mariadb.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)
  Active: active (running) since Sun 2023-09-10 16:29:46 UTC; 18s ago
  Docs: man:mariadbd(8)
  Main PID: 3405 (mariadbd)
  Status: "Taking your SQL requests now..."
  Tasks: 14 (limit: 1588)
  Memory: 62.6M
     CPU: 268ms
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu mariadbd[3405]: Version: '10.6.12-MariaDB-0ubuntu0.22.04.1'  socket: '/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock'  port: 3306  Ubunt>
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu systemd[1]: Started MariaDB 10.6.12 database server.
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu /etc/mysql/debian-start[3422]: Upgrading MySQL tables if necessary.
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu /etc/mysql/debian-start[3425]: Looking for 'mariadb' as: /usr/bin/mariadb
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu /etc/mysql/debian-start[3425]: Looking for 'mariadb-check' as: /usr/bin/mariadb-check
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu /etc/mysql/debian-start[3425]: This installation of MariaDB is already upgraded to 10.6.12-MariaDB.
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu /etc/mysql/debian-start[3425]: There is no need to run mysql_upgrade again for 10.6.12-MariaDB.
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu /etc/mysql/debian-start[3425]: You can use --force if you still want to run mysql_upgrade
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu /etc/mysql/debian-start[3433]: Checking for insecure root accounts.
Sep 10 16:29:46 ubuntu /etc/mysql/debian-start[3437]: Triggering myisam-recover for all MyISAM tables and aria-recover for all Aria tabl>

Step 8. Finalize & Secure MariaDB Installation

When installing MariaDB, it is recommended that you run the mysql_secure_installation script.

The script can increase the security of the MariaDB server depending on the answers given to a few yes/no questions. The exact answers to the questions will vary depending on your exact needs.

For the purposes of this tutorial, we show you the script’s output alongside our answers to the questions. Please note that if this is your first time running the script, for the first question (current password for root), you just need to press Enter. The rest of the answers are shown in bold.

root@localhost:~$ mysql_secure_installation

Sample Output (letters in bold are user inputs upon prompt):

NOTE: RUNNING ALL PARTS OF THIS SCRIPT IS RECOMMENDED FOR ALL MariaDB
      SERVERS IN PRODUCTION USE!  PLEASE READ EACH STEP CAREFULLY!

In order to log into MariaDB to secure it, we'll need the current
password for the root user. If you've just installed MariaDB, and
haven't set the root password yet, you should just press enter here.

Enter current password for root (enter for none):
OK, successfully used password, moving on...

Setting the root password or using the unix_socket ensures that nobody
can log into the MariaDB root user without the proper authorisation.

You already have your root account protected, so you can safely answer 'n'.

Switch to unix_socket authentication [Y/n] y
Enabled successfully!
Reloading privilege tables..
 ... Success!


You already have your root account protected, so you can safely answer 'n'.

Change the root password? [Y/n] n
 ... skipping.

By default, a MariaDB installation has an anonymous user, allowing anyone
to log into MariaDB without having to have a user account created for
them.  This is intended only for testing, and to make the installation
go a bit smoother.  You should remove them before moving into a
production environment.

Remove anonymous users? [Y/n] y
 ... Success!

Normally, root should only be allowed to connect from 'localhost'.  This
ensures that someone cannot guess at the root password from the network.

Disallow root login remotely? [Y/n] y
 ... Success!

By default, MariaDB comes with a database named 'test' that anyone can
access.  This is also intended only for testing, and should be removed
before moving into a production environment.

Remove test database and access to it? [Y/n] y
 - Dropping test database...
 ... Success!
 - Removing privileges on test database...
 ... Success!

Reloading the privilege tables will ensure that all changes made so far
will take effect immediately.

Reload privilege tables now? [Y/n] y
 ... Success!

Cleaning up...

All done!  If you've completed all of the above steps, your MariaDB
installation should now be secure.

Thanks for using MariaDB!

Step 9. Next Install PHP FastCGI Process Manager (PHP-FPM)

root@localhost:~$ apt install php-fpm

Step 10. Enable PHP-FPM to Autostart

Ensure that PHP FastCGI Process Manager is automatically started on server boot by executing the following command:

root@localhost:~$ systemctl enable --now php8.1-fpm

Now, check the status of PHP-FPM to ensure it’s running properly:

root@localhost:~$ systemctl status php8.1-fpm

The above command should output something that resembles the following.

Sample Output:

● php8.1-fpm.service - The PHP 8.1 FastCGI Process Manager
     Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/php8.1-fpm.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)
     Active: active (running) since Sun 2023-09-10 16:33:51 UTC; 47s ago
       Docs: man:php-fpm8.1(8)
   Main PID: 10452 (php-fpm8.1)
      Status: "Processes active: 0, idle: 2, Requests: 0, slow: 0, Traffic: 0req/sec"
      Tasks: 3 (limit: 1588)
     Memory: 7.0M
        CPU: 27ms
     CGroup: /system.slice/php8.1-fpm.service
             ├─10452 "php-fpm: master process (/etc/php/8.1/fpm/php-fpm.conf)" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" >
             ├─10453 "php-fpm: pool www" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "">
             └─10454 "php-fpm: pool www" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "">

Sep 10 16:33:51 ubuntu systemd[1]: Starting The PHP 8.1 FastCGI Process Manager...
Sep 10 16:33:51 ubuntu systemd[1]: Started The PHP 8.1 FastCGI Process Manager.

Step 12. Enable FastCGI within Nginx Config

Now that PHP-FPM is installed along with Nginx, we need to modify Nginx’s configuration file and do some adjustments.

Edit the following file using your favourite editor. In this example we are using the ‘vi’ editor.

root@localhost:~$ vi /etc/nginx/sites-available/default

Scroll down until you find the following:

# pass PHP scripts to FastCGI server
#
#location ~ \.php$ {
#       include snippets/fastcgi-php.conf;
#
#       # With php-fpm (or other unix sockets):
#       fastcgi_pass unix:/run/php/php7.4-fpm.sock;
#       # With php-cgi (or other tcp sockets):
#       fastcgi_pass 127.0.0.1:9000;
#}

That section is inactive in its current state as the directives are commented out.

Delete it and replace with the following block of code:

location ~ \.php$ {
  include snippets/fastcgi-php.conf;
  fastcgi_pass unix:/run/php/php8.1-fpm.sock;
}

Save the file and exit.

Step 13. Verify Nginx Syntax and Apply Changes

Before restarting the Nginx server after making configuration changes, it is a good idea to test the Nginx configuration for syntax errors. To do that, run nginx -t which should give you output similar to the following:

root@localhost:~$ nginx -t
nginx: the configuration file /etc/nginx/nginx.conf syntax is ok
nginx: configuration file /etc/nginx/nginx.conf test is successful

If any errors are reported, you need to go back to the previous step and correct them by editing the Nginx configuration file.

You are now ready to restart the nginx server, using the following command:

root@localhost:~$ systemctl restart nginx

All set! You can verify a successful Nginx installation by browsing to your server’s IP Address. You should be seeing Nginx’s default welcome page as per the following screenshot.

Nginx Default Welcome Page

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How To Migrate from MongoDB Atlas to self-hosted Ubuntu 22.04 Server

In this article we will demonstrate how to install latest MongoDB on Ubuntu 22.04 server, migrate databases from MongoDB Atlas and further secure your MongoDB environment.

MongoDB is a popular open-source NoSQL database management system. It is designed for flexibility, scalability, and performance in handling a variety of data types; structured and unstructured.

The same people who built and manage MongoDB have launched MongoDB Atlas in 2016. Atlas is a fully-managed cloud database that can run on the cloud service provider of a user’s choice (AWS , Azure, and Google Cloud). It offers a convenient way to deploy, manage, and scale MongoDB databases in the cloud without the operational overhead of managing database infrastructure.

Despite the many advantages MongoDB has to offer, maintaining such service in AWS or Azure is expensive. Therefore developers and DBA’s turn to alternative, cheaper yet reliable hosting providers for their MongoDB hosting needs.

In this article we will demonstrate how to install latest MongoDB on Ubuntu 22.04 server, migrate databases from MongoDB Atlas and further secure your MongoDB environment.

Prerequisites

  • SSH access with root privileges on destination ubuntu server
  • Access to the source Mongodb Atlas Database

Step 1: Update system & Install Mongodb

Execute the following command to update you Ubuntu system with the latest packages:

root@localhost:~$ apt update -y

Then, install mongodb with the following command:

root@localhost:~$ apt install mongodb -y

Step 2: Create MongoDB user on Destination Server

This step is important as we will create a user which will be used for the migration process.

Use the following command to enter the mongo shell.

root@localhost:~$ mongo

Now use the following commands within the mongo shell:

use admin
db.createUser(
  {
    user: "migrationUser",
    pwd: "migrationPassword",
    roles: [ { role: "readAnyDatabase", db: "admin" }, "readWriteAnyDatabase" ]
  }
)

Step 3: Backup mongodb database on source server

When handling database migration tasks, you must always have a fresh copy of the working database. Migrating an database from an old backup is not a good idea as you will be missing, probably, a lot of new data!

So, use the following command to take a full backup of the database in source mongodb server:

root@localhost:~$ mongodump --host <source_host> --username migrationUser --password migrationPassword --authenticationDatabase admin --db <source_db>

Replace <source_host> with the IP or hostname of the source mongodb server, migrationUser and migrationPassword with the credentials used in Step 2, and <source_db> with the database name you are about to migrate.

Step 4: Transfer mongodb database to new server

We use the popular “scp” utility to transfer our database copy from the old server to the new one. Always remember that the first part of rsync syntax refers to the path on the source server and the last one to the path of the destination server.

Assuming we execute this command from our new server, the first part of the command should include the connection details to the source server. We will transfer the database to the root folder of our new Ubuntu server.

root@localhost:~$ scp root@source_server_ip:/path/to/mongodb_dump /root/

In case you will be using the source server to transfer the database, then the scp command changes as follows:

root@localhost:~$ scp /path/to/mongodb_dump/ root@destination_server_ip:/root/

Important: If your database is on MongoDB Atlas, then you can use the mongodump command from Step 3 directly on your new Ubuntu server. In this case, you can skip the entire Step 4.

Step 5: Restore MondoDB Database

Now that you have your database on your destination server, use the following command to restore it:

root@localhost:~$ mongorestore --db <db_name> /root/<source_db>

Make sure to replace <db_name> with the name of your database and <source_db> with the name as transferred from the source server. In our example we transferred it in /root/ folder so in your case this may also need to be changed.

Step 6: Create User with Privileges on New Database

Use mongo command to enter the mongo shell:

root@localhost:~$ mongod

Create the user with the appropriate privileges for the database you just migrated:

use <destination_db>
db.createUser(
  {
    user: "newUser",
    pwd: "newUserPassword",
    roles: [ { role: "readWrite", db: "<destination_db>" } ]
  }
)

Make sure to replace <destination_db> with the name of your newly migrated database.

Type exit to leave the mongo shell.

That’s it! We hope that this article helped you to migrate your MongoDB Atlas to your new self-hosted Ubuntu Server.

How NetShop ISP Improves Trading Infrastructure Resilience through Equinix LD7 Data Center Hosting

NetShop ISP launches purpose-built cloud & dedicated servers infrastructure within Equinix’s LD7 Data center for improving trading infrastructure resilience for Fintech companies and Forex brokers.

In the fast-paced world of forex trading, having reliable and high-performance servers is essential for success. Equinix LD7 Data Center stands out as a premier choice for businesses operating in these industries, offering a range of benefits that can significantly enhance performance, security, and scalability.

Check out how Equinix LD7 Data Center, combined with virtual or dedicated servers, can empower customers in the forex and fintech sectors.

Introduction to Equinix LD7 Data Center

Equinix LD7 Data Center, located in London, UK, is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and unparalleled connectivity. As one of the leading data center providers globally, Equinix ensures optimal reliability, security, and performance for businesses of all sizes.

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Virtual vs. Dedicated Servers: Choosing the Right Solution

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Virtual Servers – VPS

Virtual servers, also known as virtual private servers (VPS), offer cost-effective and scalable hosting solutions. By leveraging virtualization technology, NetShop ISP provides Virtual servers which are deployed on a multi-node infrastructure for greater redundancy and scalability purposes.

Through NetShop ISP’s infrastructure in LD7, London we provide Virtual Servers for Forex brokers which are ideal for CRM hosting, Trading platform cloud instances and Access/Proxy servers.

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Dedicated Servers

Dedicated servers provide maximum performance, security, and control for mission-critical applications and high-traffic websites. With a dedicated server hosted in Equinix LD7 Data Center, you have exclusive access to the entire physical server, eliminating resource contention and ensuring consistent performance.

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Empowering Success with Equinix LD7 Data Center

In conclusion, Equinix LD7 Data Center serves as a strategic partner for businesses operating in the forex and fintech industries, offering a robust infrastructure platform and a wide range of hosting solutions tailored to their specific needs. Whether you choose virtual servers or dedicated servers, Equinix LD7 Data Center provides the reliability, performance, and scalability required to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Contact a hosting specialist today for a free consultation or view more details about our Equinix LD7 Data Center here.

Introducing New Cutting-Edge VPS Plans: OKTAPLUS, HYPER, and TITAN Enhanced with NVMe Technology

NetShop ISP Announce New, NVMe-powered VPS Plans: OKTAPLUS, HYPER, and TITAN, offering increased performance and greater scalability.

In the dynamic realm of the e-commerce sector and digital ventures, the significance of high-performing virtual server hosting solutions cannot be overstated. As demands soar and technology evolves, NetShop ISP is thrilled to announce the launch of three new VPS plans: OKTAPLUS, HYPER, and TITAN.

These plans are designed to cater to the evolving needs of businesses, providing increased performance and greater scalability.

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