Chris Allen

HA Hosting Mirror Server Now Live

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HA Hosting Mirror Server Now Live

 

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new mirror service for you to use. It is located at https://mirror.hahosting.com

 

We are currently supporting mirrors or the following Operating Systems:

  • Debian versions 10, 9 and 8
  • Ubuntu versions 20.04, 18.04 and 16.04
  • CentOS version 7 and Stream
  • AlmaLinux RC1 (please see the post on CentOS alternatives)

 

Ok so what is the point? The key, as we all know, to anyone running a Server online is security. One of the simplest places to start is by keeping up to date with your OS and installed packages. Our mirror server is inline with all upstream servers so not only will you have access to the latest updates you will be using our internal platform and saving both bandwidth and time!

 

It takes about 30 seconds to setup and all the instructions can be found on the main mirror page.

You will notice the mirror also contains various OS Images and you are welcome to use these freely (Obviously subject to licensing).

 

If you have a version not listed above please get in touch @ [email protected] with what version you are running and we will do our best to get this added.

 

If you’re interested in keeping up to date with HA Hosting, you can find our other technical blogs here. There is new posts added regularly.

 

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Server Performance: Time and Slow DNS?

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Your Server Performance Could Be Affected by an Incorrect Time and Slow DNS

 

Server Performance – Incorrect Time & DNS

Server performance is key for many businesses’ infrastructure. It’s a little known fact that your servers time being out by just a few milliseconds can cause nothing but issues for your customers accessing the server and accessing upstream resources. Not to mention if you run a cluster you will get bogged down in nothing but clock skew errors.

Furthermore slow upstream DNS servers can cause slow or dropped connections both for you and your customers. Needless to say, finding a solution that helps maintain server performance is key!

 

Well, you’re in luck!

There is a solution! We have dedicated DNS and time servers for all of our customers.

 

What’s The Solution?

For time servers the best remedy is to use the nearest time servers, yes its as easy as that! We currently have two active time servers with a third on the way for our customers to use they are as follows:

 

ntp.hahosting.com

ntp1.hahosting.com

 

For DNS we provide the following servers currently and are looking to implement a third in the near future:

 

188.94.72.241

188.94.72.242

 

Implementing the above will help ensure your server’s performance is what it should be.

If you are unsure of the best way to implement the above please let us know by contacting [email protected], we have plenty of guides for different Operating Systems.

For more technical blogs and any other updates from HA Hosting – click here.

 

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CentOS is No More – What’s Next?

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CentOS is No More – What’s Next?

 

So as most of us know, CentOS is no longer being maintained, at least not as we know it. It is now being developed as CentOS Stream. The announcement—which clearly stated “CentOS Stream is not a replacement for CentOS Linux” leaves a lot of us in a “what to do know” situation. With CentOS 8 we were expecting support till 2029 according to the roadmap but is now suddenly “2021”! CentOS 7’s support ending in 2024.

Whilst this seems like bad news for CentOS users, there is some good news: CentOS might be dead, but it’s far from your only option for a “rebuild” distro that’s binary-compatible with RHEL. From a High Availability Hosting point of view, you have three choices for a new install or upgrading an old CentOS 6 platform.

 

  1. CentOS Stream

Many now-former CentOS users are much too mad at Red Hat to consider migrating to CentOS Linux’s “not-replacement,” CentOS Stream. But despite Red Hat CTO Chris Wright’s bald-faced declaration that Stream is not a replacement for CentOS Linux it appears that for many users it actually could be.

I guess we need to clear up the difference between CentOS and Red Hat Enterprise. Effectively, “it’s the same thing, but without the branding and the enterprise support.” In a lot of ways, that relationship will continue to be true. CentOS Stream and Red Hat Enterprise Linux will still track very closely to one another. The new relationship works something like this:

  • RHEL version x.0 forks from Fedora
  • CentOS Stream version x forks from RHEL version x.0
  • Development work for RHEL x.1 is done in CentOS Stream version x repos
  • RHEL x.1 forks from CentOS Stream version x

 

So, in more depth

  • RHEL version y.0 forks from Fedora
  • CentOS Stream version y forks from RHEL y.0
  • Development work for RHEL x.2 is done in CentOS Stream version x repos
  • Development work for RHEL y.1 is done in CentOS Stream version y repos
  • RHEL x.2 forks from CentOS Stream x
  • RHEL y.1 forks from CentOS Stream y

 

So, while CentOS Stream is something of a rolling release, it is a limited one. It rolls from one minor version to the next, but its major version is stable and tracks Fedora’s.  So what’s the catch you say?

Well, what’s lost here is the ability to control when you perform a minor version upgrade on your system. A user on RHEL 8.x can decide when they’re ready to upgrade to RHEL 8.y, whereas a CentOS Stream 8 user will seamlessly and automatically flow through the builds that are to become Red Hat minor releases.

If your system would normally run the latest software and you would happily roll through a release like a Debian user would then CentOS Stream would be a viable replacement. As you update you will just roll through the release versions without notice.

If, however you need that fine control over release versions then one of our next solutions might be more suitable for you. If you can get past the annoyance of the changes, I do believe Stream is an option for most of us.

 

  1. Red Hat Enterprise Linux

I don’t think RHEL needs much of an intro it’s been going that long! And unless you fall under the new 16 machine developer license (basically non-production) from what we read into it albeit free, there is a cost.

Red Hat what’s you to purchase enterprise support and will provide access to all its update streams.

Now as all our other options spin-off from Red Hat it seems only fair, we include this as an option, and let’s face it if your Bank Balance allows it then why not! It’s a great product.

I guess we could include Fedora at this point but with it being the upstream of Red Hat it’s not really a “Production OS” in our opinion.

 

  1. AlmaLinux

Now I must state this is currently a BETA OS as such I wouldn’t use it in a production environment quite yet.

However, this project has more than just promise. Here is what they say about it “Welcome to AlmaLinux, a new RHEL fork from the team at CloudLinux. A free Linux OS for the community, developed in close co-operation with the community.”

In all terms and purposes, the team over @ CloudLinux have started a replacement for CentOS. Its currently running on the Red Hat 8.3 revision and from testing so far, it’s a great OS.

 

From our point of view, once stable, it’s a no brainer for those who

  1. Don’t want the cost of RHEL
  2. Don’t like the quick release format of Stream.

We will be adding AlmaLinux to the mirror list shortly over @ https://mirror.hahosting.com and the ISO’s / Templates for the Beta release will be available to build over the coming weeks.

 

We must stress this is still a BETA and HA Hosting cannot be held responsible for use in a production environment.

Backup Utility | More Than Just Recovery

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Online Backup Utility – More Than Just Recovery

 

Online Backup. Nowadays I think almost everybody knows what it is (whether they have it or not is a different question…). Most people also know that it can be used to restore data when data loss is suffered. Correct, this is its core purpose after all. But what about if you never experience data loss and never have to restore? Are you wasting your money on something you’ve never used? How about we tell you how to get some extra backup utility?

If you’ve never had to back up even once after a long period of time then consider yourself lucky! And just to clarify, just because you haven’t had to back up yet – it doesn’t mean you won’t have to! We ALWAYS recommend having some sort of backup solution in place.

But on the days/months/years you aren’t restoring from your online backup, here are a few ways you can gain some extra online backup utility.

 

Extra Backup Utility – Data That’s Convenient

The primary feature of backup is to be able to restore from a previously saved version of your data. We all know this. What you might not have thought of is that is using that same functionality to your advantage when you DON’T need to restore.

This essentially works like any other cloud storage, upload your file at one place – then you can download it from anywhere else. While this seems obvious, a lot of people get in their mind is ‘backup is for recovery’. There is nothing stopping you from getting a bit of extra utility out of it. A bit more ‘bang for your buck’ as it were. And because of versioning, you will have access to your data from different dates, should you need it.

 

The Benefit of Digital Storage Over Physical

This is another one that when you stop to think about it, seems like an obvious benefit! If all your data is backed up online, then that means you don’t have to invest in physical storage which you then have to look after and keep track of.

It’s easy to put some documents you need on a USB drive and then either damaged or misplaced it. We’ve all done it. Or even the to the more extremes of theft. And while we recommend keeping copies of your data in 3 places (the original and two copies), having your first copy of your data online means:

  • You’re not having to buy hardware, saving you money
  • You’re not having to look after multiple drives etc
  • You can access your data from anywhere with an internet connection

 

It’s a Lot Easier to Manage

A big bonus to having an online backup is that often a lot of software for it these days can be automated. This obviously means once set up a daily backup, for example, will just do itself. Sounds like an obvious feature, right?

But what about managing versions of backups? Trying to do this yourself across multiple physical disks or drives would be tedious and a nightmare to keep them all up to date. Again, most online backup software will version and keep a record of them. This makes sorting and storing your versions easy – leaving the only thing for you to do choose what version you want to restore from.

 

Peace of Mind

Backup is a type of insurance for your data. Even if you never have to use it (consider yourself lucky!) it’s always a good idea to have it in case you need it. With that said, as soon as you have a working backup system in place, you can rest easy knowing your data is safe.

Even if you never have to restore from it, isn’t the comfort of knowing your business with never be significantly impacted by data loss worth it? Nobody likes to live worrying about the ‘but what-ifs.’

 

Your Data in Safe Hands

Another bonus in addition to having the security of a backup is the fact that you’ll have a copy of your data offsite.

The reason this is good is that it means in the unfortunate case of a fire, flood, theft etc. you’ll still have a copy of your data available. This helps to reduce the likelihood of you losing all your data and potential facing the ruin of your business! We find it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

 

Keep Updated

There is our list of just a few of the additional benefits of having an online backup. We hope you found some the extra backup utility you can use interesting. If you would like to find more about backup you can visit our series of blogs on backup here.

The best way to stay up to date with what we’re doing is to follow us on social media:

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Lockdown Data Centre Access

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Lockdown Data Centre Access

First off, let us wish you a Happy New Year and we hope that you had a nice festive break!

 

As I’m sure you are aware, as of yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister, we are to enter a new ‘Lockdown’. We can confirm off the back of this that we will still have members of our team operating from our Data Centre, to ensure that things run as smoothly as normal.

 

However, until further notice, we ask that if you plan on visiting the Data Centre for any reason, that you please call ahead of time so that we can make sure that there will be enough space for you to work safely. This is so we can maintain Social Distancing rules and make sure that both you and our staff stay safe.

We’d also like to remind you that if you are to visit the Data Centre, that you please wear a mask or some other form of protective face-covering during your visit. Again, this so we can try and keep everyone as safe as possible.

 

Thanks for your understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us.

 

Kind regards,

 

Rory and The HA Hosting Team

Rack Colocation Hosting | Is It Right for You?

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What Sized Rack Colocation is Right for You?

Thinking about getting started with Rack Colocation Hosting? It can be a little daunting with so many options available, especially if you’re in the ‘in-between’ rack sizes stage.

We’ve put together a quick guide to Colocation sizes, based off our own Colo racks. Bear in mind that different Data Centres will use different Racks, which can come in slightly different sizes! However, the general thought process will be the same across the board!

 

1U Single Server Colocation

As the name implies, this is based around giving a Data Centre a single server to store. A standard server will be 1U in size. Typically, these are stored in shared racks – so you and other customer’s servers will be kept together. This is one of the reasons that single server colocation is often fairly cheap.

You can usually have any number of single servers stored in this way, and up to a certain point, this is the cheapest and best option. This changes when you start to approach the point where it would be better to get a rack.

Features

  • Easy to scale up, keep adding more servers are you need them
  • At a smaller scale, this is the cheapest and best option
  • Shared server housing
  • Up to 2 Amps of Power
  • Free office hours access – available out of hours at a charge
  • £40/server

Recommendation

For those who have anywhere between 1 – 6 servers. Any more than that and it could be time to consider upgrading to a Quarter Rack to support future growth.

 

10U Quarter Rack Colocation

This, unsurprisingly, is a quarter of a full rack. Ours can fit in the equivalent of 10 single servers.

The ‘breakpoint’ of where it is more expensive to have single servers than a Quarter Rack, at least for us, is 8 Servers. At this point, you’d be paying more for the same space. Besides, you also wouldn’t be experiencing any of the additional benefits of Quarter Rack Colocation Hosting. One of the biggest being your own, separated, lockable rack.

Features

  • Can fit in 10 single servers for the price of 8
  • Your individual, lockable rack
  • 24/7 access to your rack
  • Up to 8 Amps of power
  • Remote hands support
  • Customise your rack, add your switches or anything else you need
  • £325

Recommendation

For those with 7 -10 servers or those with slightly less (6/7) but are anticipating growth for the future.

 

21U Half Rack Colocation

Half Racks work in the same way as the Quarter Racks, just on a larger scale! As with most things, when you buy at a larger scale, you experience cheaper prices – Colo is no exception. A half rack is cheaper than 2 quarter racks.

In our half racks, you can fit in the equivalent of 21 single servers (which would cost you £215 more to do individually)! As with the other racked colo, you get 24/7 access, remote support and your rack.

Features

  • Fit in 21 single servers for the price of 15
  • Your individual, lockable rack
  • 24/7 access to your rack
  • Up to 16 Amps of Power
  • Remote hands support
  • Customise your rack, add in any switches or anything you need
  • £625

Recommendation

For those with a larger number of servers (10 -21), or potentially slightly less (8/9) if you have plans of upgrading/future growth. Even with the lower end of around 10, you could also use the room for incorporating your switches to create local networks between servers.

 

45U Full Rack Colocation

A full-sized rack, which can fit in the equivalent of 45 single servers in! Full Rack Colocation works out cheaper than any other option – if you need that sort of scale of course!

Getting the equivalent in single servers would cost you almost twice as much! The same benefits apply as the other two racked colo hosting options.

Features

  • Fit in 45 single servers for the price of 24
  • Your individual, lockable rack
  • Up to 32 Amps of Power
  • Remote hands support
  • Customise your rack, add in any switches or anything else you need
  • £950

Recommendation

For those with a lot of servers! If you currently have a half rack and are approaching the 20-server mark, and the growth looks to continue – it could be time to consider upgrading to a Full Rack. This gives you more than double the capacity, supporting your growth easy!

 

Keep to Date

The easiest way to stay up to date with what goes on at HA Hosting is to follow us on social media! If you want to find out more about Rack Colocation Hosting, click here.

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