NOTICE: I am currently working full-time as a web application developer at Remote Learner in Waterloo and am no longer taking on outside client projects. If you would still like to contact me, please fill in my contact form. Thank-you!

Welcome!

My name is Marko Vidberg and I am a freelance Linux and open-source software consultant.

 

I provide PHP/MySQL web development services as well as assistance to small businesses requiring help with the administration of their Linux servers and installation / configuration of server software.

I have been involved with computers since 1985 and the Internet since 1995. I have a wide breadth of knowledge in the computer field. I have a university degree in computer science and have numerous years of work experience in Linux server administration, programming, web development, database administration, networking, hardware solutions, technical support, support team management and consultation.

 

My rate ranges between CAD $40/hour to $100/hour depending on the type of work and timeframe required. Most software installations only take between 15 and 30 minutes while web site development projects could take months. Time estimates for jobs will be provided beforehand. Repeat clients gain access to my support ticket system.

 

CONTACT ME!

 

My Resume

 

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Clients

Partial list of current or past repeat clients:

 

 

My current personal projects:

 

 

Examples Of Problems And Solutions

 

Problem: My server is responding very slowly and my hosting provider is telling me there is an unusual amount of traffic to my server. Do I have a hacker in the system?

My solution: After gaining appropriate access to your server, I check all currently running processes and logs for suspicious activity. I then download and run the latest versions of root-kit detection software and inspect the usual places for hacker droppings. Depending on results of testing, clean up actions and further recommendations will be made.

Problem: The file upload functionality on my PHP web site is not accepting files larger than 2MB but I don't see an option in my Plesk control panel for adjusting this!

My solution: After gaining appropriate access to your server, I go and make modifications in the php system configuration file. If this change is required on one site only, changes will need to be made to the php configuration file for that site only.

Problem: I need to get a blog up and running but I am unfamiliar with using the command line to set it up. Can you help?

My solution: After gaining appropriate access to your server, I download and install the requested version of the software. After some initial configuration and testing of the system, I show you how to get started with the rest of the configuration and personalization.

Problem: I have a secondary server to which I would like to send automated backups to but I don't have a clue on how to go about setting that up.

My solution: If you do not have any backup software in mind, I would write custom scripts that create compressed incremental backups of your data and then transfers them to your secondary server. Finally, I would show you how to retrieve and uncompress archived data when needed.

Problem: I need to move a website from one server to another with a minimal amount of down time. What is the best way to do this?

My solution: After analyzing the difficulties that may arise when your particular site is moved, I make a plan of action which would involve getting the site completely copied and only then making changes to the DNS settings so that site visitors will not see any errors. After DNS changes have propagated and all traffic is flowing to the new server, the old site can be safely turned off.

 

Need help similiar to the examples above? Contact me!

 

Note that all assistance will require appropriate access to your server. This usually means SSH shell access or FTP access. The account that I log in with will also need the appropriate permissions to make changes as required to complete the job. I recommend that a temporary account be made which you can later delete... this protects both you and me.

Services

 

Web Development

  • Web application programming (PHP/SQL/AJAX)
  • Apache configuration and trouble-shooting
  • Assistance with domain registration, website setup and SSL certificates
  • Hosting at KWWebHost

 

Linux Administration

  • Support for Redhat Enterprise, CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu
  • Hacker attack detection and recovery
  • Security audits, port scanning and firewall management
  • Automated backup configuration
  • MySQL or PostgreSQL database management
  • Email management (postfix, sendmail, qmail, spamassassin)

 

Software Installation and Configuration

  • Installation of open-source software such as Joomla, osCommerce, Wordpress, phpBB, Drupal, DotProject, SquirrelMail, Horde and Moodle
  • Installation of commercial software such as vBulletin and Modernbill
  • Assistance with control panels such as CPanel, Plesk, Ensim and Webmin

 

Don't see your need listed? Just ask me.

 

My Recommendations

 

I am often asked for recommendations about services which I do not provide directly myself. The services listed on this page are, in my opinion, some of the best there are. I have used or had experience with each of them.

 

Domain Registration

 

 

Website Hosting

 

  • My hosting (for average or smaller sites) available at KWWebHost
  • Recommended EXPENSIVE hosting (with all the features and absolutely the best support) available at Rackspace Hosting
  • Recommended virtual server hosting (for those that like having root access) available at VPS Ville
  • Recommended CHEAP hosting (while providing high bandwidth and ample harddrive space) available at Servage Hosting
  • Recommended reseller hosting (while still being low priced) available at HostGator Web Hosting

 

Website Development

 

 

Anything else you would like recommendations on? Contact me!

 

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