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 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 like in 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.