DNS issues are common, but they can still make your work harder and your day more challenging. The good thing is there are many options you can choose to fix these DNS server issues. Let’s begin with some basics first.

What is a DNS?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is a directory used to convert domain names or hostnames into an IP (Internet Protocol) address. The DNS allows users to access any website almost immediately and browse the internet.

However, systems that face issues with their DNS server cannot run web pages or access the internet.

“DNS Server Not Responding” is still the most common error. It means that the system cannot connect to the web pages because it fails to correctly map the hostname and domain names.

Users may see this error for various reasons, including simple ones like misconfigured internet adapters and wrong DNS addresses. Therefore, there is not one kind of issue you will encounter while trying to solve the problem.

However, it is not difficult to identify and resolve these issues if you know the proper methods.

What Does “DNS Server Not Responding” Mean?

The error means that the system could not access the internet because it could not connect to the domain DNS, making it unavailable for access. People use different approaches while trying to resolve this issue.

For instance, most people try restarting their internet router as it can be a simple misconfiguration issue, which they can resolve right away. In other cases, people also try to restart their computers to ensure that the system connects to the internet properly.

What Can Cause DNS Server Not Responding Error?

Here is a list of some possible reasons for a DNS Server connectivity issue:

Unavailable DNS Provider
Heavy traffic and server outage are common backend network issues that can stop your device’s internet.

Router or Modem Issues
Issues with the router or modem can also cause DNS server issues. There are many fixes, like checking the Ethernet cables and ports to determine the leading cause of the malfunction.

Hardware and Network Issues
Hardware issues can also cause DNS Network connectivity issues. For example, if the server fails to correctly transmit the information to the next server.

Antivirus Problems
Problems with Antivirus programs can also stop the network connection from operating correctly.

While these simple fixes may work for some users, not everyone can benefit from them. Let’s go over some of the best ways to fix the DNS Server Not Responding Error that might pop up on your computer systems.

9 Troubleshooting Steps for a DNS Server Not Responding Issue

1. Resolve Network Issues on Windows

As you understand, the DNS server issues are mainly because of network connectivity issues. However, resolving these network issues works differently for Mac and Windows Users. Copy the following steps to ensure you resolve all possible DNS server issues for better internet connectivity.

Resolve Network Issues on PC

Access the Control panel on your Windows, find Network and Internet, and click on Network and Sharing Center.

• Select the Troubleshoot option and access your network settings by clicking on it.
• Click on additional troubleshooters, then on Internet connections to run the troubleshooter.
• Users can also click on the internet icon on the bottom right of the screen and access the troubleshoot problems by right-clicking it.
• Wait for the system to run the troubleshooting and check if your DNS server error resolves. If not, the system displays steps to repair connectivity to help resolve the issue.

Resolve Network Issues on Mac

• Running wireless diagnostics on Mac works a bit differently than on Windows.
• Start by closing all the applications and connecting to the internet network you face the DNS server issue with.
• Click on the Options button and access the Wi-Fi Status listed on the screen. Access and choose the Open Diagnostics option listed.
• Next, check your network connection for possible issues and try to resolve them by going through the guide on the screen.
• The system will run a quick scan, and you can view the status and details of each entry on the list by clicking the Info icon on the screen and selecting Summary from it.

These steps will likely resolve your DNS server issues; if not, continue to the following method we have listed below.

2. Try Connecting on a Different Device

Often, DNS server issues can be because of a faulty device, so you need to try connecting to another. If the other device can access the internet, your primary device is faulty.

However, users that cannot access the internet still likely have a problem with their internet router.

It all depends on the kind of situation a user faces, and running this quick diagnostic method can help determine the right reason. There is a simpler alternative; users can use their mobile data to check if their internet devices are faulty.

Users who can connect to the internet on either of the options will know the actual problem they are facing with the internet connection.

3. Try another Web Browser

The issues with the DNS server can often be because of an incompatible web browser. There are chances that you may experience your browsers facing connectivity issue, which is not visible right away.

The easiest way to check if your web browser is the culprit is to try another one. You can choose between popular browsers like Google, Opera, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, etc.

Users that continue to face connectivity issues are likely having trouble with something else. If you are using Google Chrome, try switching to Mozilla Firefox and check the same web pages that you wished to access. 

The easiest way to resolve the browser issue is to make the working browser your default search engine and reinstall the faulty internet browser. It will help the software restore all the required files, which may solve the DNS Server Not Responding error.

Users can make the newly installed browser their default software and continue to use it instead.

4. Run your PC in Safe Mode

The operating system (whether Windows or Mac) plays an essential role in network connectivity, and it runs all the files required in the backend for internet browsing.

Any trouble could lead to a severe problem because the PC will have insufficient files for internet connectivity, leading to DNS server issues. 

You need to check if the DNS server problems arise because of connectivity problems from the operating system by running the PC in safe mode. For this, users need to restart the system in the safe mode, which is a simpler version of the operating system.

It will limit your system’s processes, files, and functions.

Starting in Safe Mode (for PC)

Following are some steps that users can follow to restart their systems in Safe Mode.

• Access the start menu by pressing the button on the screen or the keyboard, pressing the shift key, and restarting.
• A new Choose an Option window will popup where you need to select Advanced Options and click on the Restart to reboot the PC.
• Next, users need to access the Startup settings under the Advanced Options menu and click on Restart.
• Lastly, press F5 on the keyboard to select the Safe Mode Networking Options to view all the PC processes underway.

Once you reach the settings, check if the DNS is fully connected.

Starting in Safe Mode (for Mac)

Starting the PC in safe mode for Mac devices is different than windows. Here are some steps you need to keep in mind.

• Access the Apple menu and click on shut down. It should take up to 10 seconds to complete, after which you can proceed to the settings.
• Press and hold the shift key as your Mac device turns on and wait until the login screen pops up again.
• Check if your internet connection works once you are in safe mode on your respective system. If it is working okay, the chances are that you face the DNS server error because of a third-party application. It can be any third-party application, and you need to skim through your installed files to see which one it is.
• Delete the application once you find it; reboot the system, and your DNS server connection error should resolve. Ensure that you deleted the third-party software properly, or the issue may happen again.

5. Restart Your Modem or Router

A modem or router not working is one of the most common reasons for the DNS server not responding to the error you might face and can cause connection errors and fail to link the device properly.

Reconnecting your modem or router to the system can help resolve this issue in most cases. Once you restart the router, you may also need to clear the data cache to give the modem a fresh start.

Unplug the connection cable from the router after turning it off by pressing the power button. Wait for around 30 seconds until the modem clears out all the data. Press the power button again, turn on the modem and reconnect the internet cable.

Your DNS server connectivity error should resolve right after this. However, users may need to reset the router’s settings if this doesn’t help. The exact instructions for resetting the routers will vary for each modem.

You’ll need to check the device instructions listed in the user manual.

6. Deactivate the AntiVirus and Firewall

Antivirus is protective software designed to save your computer from harmful/unidentifiable files. However, firewalls and antivirus can also cause DNS server connectivity issues.

It is easy to check if this is the problem by temporarily turning off the firewall software.

For Windows users, you will need to access the Control Panel and find the relevant settings on the list. Access the start menu and click on Settings, following to Update Security and finally to the Virus and Threat Protection Option Listed.

You can click on the Firewall and Antivirus button and deactivate it temporarily. The system will ask for confirmation before the deactivation, so, simply confirm the choice.

Mac users need to check the System Preferences, Find Security and Privacy, and Access the Firewall Option on the list.

Users should recheck the internet diagnostic and troubleshooting options listed above once they have deactivated the Firewall and Antivirus. Access the website you have trouble with from your PC, and it should be available.

If the problem resolves, the issue is with the antivirus and firewall settings. You’ll need to update and recheck them. The operating systems usually have an auto-update option that allows choosing the firewall settings.

Users can turn on the firewall and antivirus settings once the updates are complete. You have to turn on the settings, or it could leave your system prone to cyberattacks and malicious files.

7. Disconnect Other Connections

A computer system can connect with multiple networks over a period of time. For instance, what if you take your laptop to various locations and use the WiFi?

This can also cause the DNS Server not responding problem. Users can use the following steps to disable other connections listed on the device:

Deactivate Other Connections on a PC

• Start by accessing the Control Panel and access the Network and Internet Option Listed.
• Find the Network and Sharing Center option and click on Change Adapter Settings listed on the left column on the screen.
• The settings will access the Network Connections page, where users can view the system’s different connections.
• Click on Local Area Connection and other details that you do not use. Click on Disable, and the extra connections will turn off.

Deactivate Other Connections on a Mac

• Access the Apple Menu and look for System Preferences.
• Click on Network, and a new window will pop up.
• Choose the number of unused connections on the screen on the left and click the minus (-) sign listed next to them. Pressing the minus sign will disconnect the network from the system.
• Once you have disconnected the unused connections, restart the browser and try to reaccess the website.

8. Alter Your DNS Server Address

The DNS server address can often stop the system from accessing the domain name or hostname. You can resolve this issue by changing the DNS server address listed on the menu.

The internet connections are pre-designed to grab a DNS server address from the Internet Service Provider (IPS).

However, there are times when the system will not collect this information directly. Therefore, you will need to change the DNS server address manually. In other cases, the internet service provider’s DNS server may not respond, which will cause connectivity issues again.

Users can temporarily change their current DNS server address to resolve this problem and connect to a different one. It will allow your system to load any website you want until you can resolve the ISP problem.

You will find many online tools like Google Public DNS, which you can use for the time being. However, using them for a long time can be dangerous, so it is best to resolve the ISP connectivity issues.

Change DNS Settings on a PC

You can follow these steps to set up a different DNS server on your device.

• Find the Network Connections listed by clicking on the ncpa.cpl in the search box of your operating system.
• Find the network you are using on the list and click on Properties for more information.
• Users need to look for the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option listed on the window and access the Properties.
• Check the Obtain IP Address Automatically and fill in the preferred and alternate DNS server address settings.
• Users can specify their desired DNS server address and Alternative DNS Server Address and confirm the settings.
• You need to confirm your changes by clicking on Validate the Settings upon Exit and choosing OK.
• Reboot your system, and the new DNS server address settings should apply.

Change DNS Settings on a Mac

Following are the additional steps you may need to follow for your Mac devices.

• Users need to begin by accessing the Apple Menu and looking for the System Preferences options.
• Access the Network button and click on your primary network connection. Select the Advanced Button and choose DNS.
• Click on the Plus (+) button to add the DNS server address to the list. Click on OK and then Apply the settings.
• Finally, restart your internet connection to see if the DNS Server Not Responding issue resolves.

9. Update the Network Connection Adapter

Outdated adapters on the device are another reason why the DNS server may fail to connect to your system. Users need to update their network adapted either automatically or manually.

Note that the automatic updates are ideal for new users who may not know much about DNS servers and network adapters.

However, manually updating the adapters will take more time if you are new to problem-solving network issues. You can select from various online tools or detectors to help identify the missing network adapters, install/update them as required, and manage other details.

Nonetheless, we suggest creating a system restore point that can help you bring your system back to its original setting if the network adapter updates take time.

Most auto-update programs involve checking the system for possible adapter issues and resolving them by installing/updating the required files.

Take Away

DNS Server Not Responding is a standard network connectivity issue that might appear often while using your device. It simply means that your system cannot connect to the internet, which usually happens due to server connectivity problems.

You can resolve these issues in several ways depending on the reason, but the following are the most effective and simplest ones.

· Troubleshooting Network Problems

Users should let the operating system’s in-built troubleshooting software handle the DNS server connectivity issues by running a diagnostic.

· Restarting the Router

Users can reset the modem or router by turning it off, unplugging the Ethernet, and reconnecting it after 30 seconds. Or, you can reset the modem setting by following the device manually.

· Flush DNS Cache

Clearing the cache will refresh the DNS configuration allowing the users to connect to the system again.

· Change the DNS Server Address

The ISP DNS server may not work in many cases, which can cause many problems. You need to replace the ISP DNS address with an alternative one for some time.

We are sure that the fixes we have mentioned on this blog will help you fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” error and reconnect your PC to the internet. We suggest you let an expert look at your system if you continue to have DNS server connectivity issues.

The post DNS Server Not Responding: The Complete Guide appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

A decline in performance is the most common sign that a move to a dedicated server would benefit your site. An increase in traffic may cause that performance decline, but traffic isn’t the only thing that can slow down a site.

Slowdowns are also typical on improperly managed shared hosting platforms, where another site unrelated to yours can cause problems for you.

Shared Hosting Can Be Great

I don’t want to give the impression that all shared hosting can lead to performance problems, because that’s certainly not true. But low-quality shared hosting can cause performance issues for websites.

Such problems often arise when you use a host that is inexperienced, sloppy, or doesn’t care about its customers.

But when it’s done right, high-quality shared hosting is an excellent home for the majority of websites. Most of us don’t need to accommodate millions of daily visitors, and shared hosting makes operating our sites affordable.

A VPS Can Be Better Than Shared Hosting

If you use a good host but you’ve outgrown shared hosting, a dedicated server isn’t your only option. Most sites experiencing growth first move to a Virtual Private Server or VPS.

A VPS is just what the name implies, a virtual web server. A VPS provides many of the benefits of a dedicated server at a lower cost. Several virtual servers can run on each piece of hardware, which allows for more economical pricing than a dedicated server.

However, a VPS doesn’t offer the same level of control that a dedicated server provides. And, though your server is isolated from others on the hardware, you’re still sharing resources with other VPS instances.

If you want to increase security or do more elaborate configuration, it isn’t always possible on a VPS. You can also run into IP blacklisting problems caused by other domains on the VPS.

Finally, most VPS have resource limitations, so in some cases, file storage can become an issue.

Nothing Beats a Dedicated Server

A dedicated server is all yours. No one else’s sites or services run on the hardware. That means no problems caused by “neighbors.” If you want to beef up website security, a dedicated hosting service is the only way to go.

If you want complete freedom to choose your operating system, you need a dedicated server. If you want full control of your website hosting environment, only a dedicated server can provide it.

All Dedicated Servers Are Not Created Equal

Recognizing that your site would benefit by moving to a dedicated server is the first step. The next is deciding which kind of dedicated server hosting you need. The first choice you’ll have to make is between managed or unmanaged.

Managed dedicated servers are set up and maintained (and often backed up and DDoS protected) by the hosting company. If server maintenance, updates, and security aren’t in your wheelhouse, a managed server is for you.

Managed dedicated servers don’t usually offer the same freedom when it comes to the selection of an operating system or certain server software. So your choices will be limited to what the host supports.

With an unmanaged dedicated server, you take care of set up, maintenance, and security. You get an empty server (sometimes called “bare metal”), and it’s up to you to decide how to use it. This means more responsibility, but it also means more freedom.

If a managed dedicated server is a Ferrari, an unmanaged dedicated server is the keys to the Ferrari assembly plant.

How to Set Up a Dedicated Server

Since you’re free to do whatever you’d like with a dedicated server, there isn’t one prescribed path to a successful setup. You may not be running a web server. Perhaps it’s a database server, or a file or backup server.

That being said, every server needs certain things. If you are setting up a web server, let’s take a look at a list of what you might use.

• • • An operating system
    • DNS software
    • An SSH shell
    • An FTP shell
    • Database management system (DBMS)
    • An email server
    • Statistics program
    • Backup software
    • Server monitoring software
    • DDoS protection

Operating system

At the risk of starting a holy war, I will decline to suggest an operating system for your server. 😉 If you think people are contentious when it comes to Mac vs. PC or iPhone vs. Android, let me tell you, the Linux factions are much more invested in their fight.

Suffice it to say, pretty much every web server OS that doesn’t come from Microsoft has its roots in an old OS called UNIX (your Mac runs on a version of UNIX). UNIX gave birth to Linux, and now here we all are. Pick your poison.

Spoiler alert: all operating systems do essentially the same things.

DNS software

Linux usually includes BIND. BIND works, but it’s very old, which is a concern for some people. Popular alternatives to BIND are TinyDNS and PowerDNS.

SSH

Most Linux distributions include an SSH shell. There aren’t a lot of replacements for what comes with Linux. Maybe because there isn’t much need for a replacement.

FTP

Most Linux distributions include an FTP shell, but most Linux admins install vsftpd. From a security standpoint, vsftpd is an improvement over the standard ftpd because it does not run as root.

Database management system (DBMS)

MySQL was king of open-source DBMS for a long time. But since the sale of MySQL to Oracle, MariaDB (a fork of MySQL) has become a favorite. MongoDB and PostgreSQL are also very popular.

Email server

Linux includes mail sending and receiving programs like SendMail, but a lot of people install email servers like Exim or PostFix. Mail is one of those things that is pretty simple and hasn’t changed much in the past 30 years, so any server you use will do the job.

Statistics program

Sophisticated statistics programs to analyze web server logs can be very expensive. But check out Webalizer and AWStats, two popular open-source solutions that have been around forever.

Backup software

You can custom-build a solution that backs up to cloud storage or use a cloud service to automatically transfer files. Companies like Carbonite or Backblaze can perform full server backups. Just be sure your backups are not stored on your dedicated server.

Server monitoring software

You’ll need a dashboard that shows server status and resource use. Nagios is free and widely used by dedicated server users and large companies alike. It can alert you to problems and show trends over time.

DDoS protection

DDoS protection isn’t something you’ll be able to configure or provide for yourself. I include it here because any mission-critical website that can’t afford to go down needs DDoS protection.

Cloudflare is probably the best known CDN/DNS/DDoS protection provider, but there are many to choose from. Shop around for a plan that suits your needs.

Make Your Life Easier When You Set Up a Dedicated Server

While more often associated with VPS, cPanel, and Web Host Manager (WHM) can be helpful tools for a dedicated server. cPanel works with Linux and can set up domains and subdomains, create sites, databases, email accounts, site statistics, etc.

WHM is kind of the back end for cPanel. In WHM, you can access your domain DNS zones, install SSL certificates, set up cPanel accounts, etc. It also monitors server status and resource usage.

cPanel and WHM are typically used to set up web hosting businesses, so again, they aren’t often used on dedicated servers. But to me, a tool is a tool. If you think cPanel and WHM would make your life easier, that’s all you need to know.

Dedicated Servers Use a Lot of Natural Resources

Regardless of what kind of server you’re using, electricity is needed to run the system. That includes the power to the server itself, but also the cooling system (typically massive air conditioner systems that run 24 hours a day). Needless to say, a lot of energy is required to operate the web.

We are GreenGeeks, so if server resource use is a concern for you, you’re in the right place. We match every kilowatt of power used by our dedicated servers with three times the amount in the form of renewable energy via the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (the same applies to all of our hosting plans). No other dedicated server provider can come close to that.

The post Setting Up Dedicated Server Hosting appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

What Are Dedicated Servers?

A webserver not shared between multiple users is a dedicated server. Shared hosting or Virtual Private Servers (VPS) split server resources between multiple users and sites.

All the resources of a dedicated server are dedicated (hence the name) to one user. A dedicated server can host multiple websites, but they’re all controlled by a single user or company.

There are several different kinds of dedicated server hosting, but they break down into two categories, managed and unmanaged. When you use a managed dedicated server, the hosting company takes care of maintenance and updates, and usually server security.

With an unmanaged dedicated server, the user is responsible for maintenance and security. You’re basically given an empty server and it’s up to you how it’s used.

Dedicated servers use a lot of energy, so if resource use is a concern, check out GreenGeeks dedicated servers. We match every kilowatt of power we take from the electrical grid with three times the amount in the form of renewable energy via the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. No other dedicated server provider can make that claim.

How to Secure a Dedicated Server

Before we get to tips, know that there are a lot of ways to gain access to a dedicated server. Depending on which services you run on the server, you have to be concerned with not only root server access, but also the security of your firewall, web server, web applications, database server, email server, DNS, and FTP.

Every service running on the machine has its own security concerns. A weakness in one service puts them all at risk.

If you can’t dedicate time and resources to security, consider a form of secure server hosting or a managed server. A managed dedicated server is almost always more expensive than an unmanaged one. But you’re paying for the expertise of professionals who deal with security issues every day.

This article is a high-level overview with some universal tips, not a comprehensive guide. We’re talking about Linux and other unix-based systems. But some of the things we’ll talk about (default port numbers, etc.) apply to Windows servers as well.

Number One Dedicated Server Security Tip: Stay Up to Date

Almost every service or software package that you install on a dedicated server will be updated at some point. Some more often than others. It’s easy to skip or overlook updates. But it’s a good practice to schedule some time periodically to check for updates. Then you can determine whether you need to install them.

You probably won’t find it necessary to install every update issued for every service, but you want to avoid getting too far behind or relying on outdated services. The older any given version of a service gets, the more susceptible it is to exploits.

Limit Access

Every operating system creates a root user that has administrative access to, well, everything. Obviously, you should change the root credentials to a secure password or passphrase. And, it’s best to avoid using the root user for your everyday server access.

Instead, create a user with restricted permissions and log in as that user. When you need root access to do something on the server, you can gain it using the “su root” command, and entering the root password.

If you make a practice of logging in using a restricted user, you can then block the root user from logging in via SSH. That will defeat any attempt by hackers to brute force a root login.

It’s also best to limit the number of users who have access to the server and to force periodic password changes. No one likes to change their passwords, but the longer a password is used, the greater the chances of it being compromised.

Finally, if you do allow multiple users access to the server, make sure they are logging in via trusted networks whenever possible.

Your server security is only as strong as its weakest link. And if a user logs in from a coffee shop over an unsecured wifi connection, their credentials are at risk of exposure.

The best way to secure a dedicated server is to make sure the server users are employing sound security practices.

Hackers Look for Services Running on Standard Ports

By default, most services run or “listen” on standard ports. For example, if I’m going to try to gain SSH access to your server, I’m going to focus my attention on port 22, the standard SSH port.

Changing the port numbers for every service that you can, or at least the services that can do the most damage (like SSH) helps increase security. It doesn’t make it impossible to find the services, but it hides them from bots that only scan certain ranges.

If You Don’t Use It, Remove It

If you’ve ever looked at the processes running on your home computer, you’ve no doubt come across a lot of programs or services that you had no idea was up and running.

A web server also launches many common services by default. What’s necessary depends on your needs, of course. But if you don’t use services that log a user onto the server, like FTP, disable them.

Also, remember to uninstall any programs or services that you test or try and then decide not to use. It’s easy to forget about things like that, which is why the periodic update check that I mentioned earlier is important.

That’s a good practice to extend to your websites themselves, where you’re also likely to be installing programs just to test them or check them out.

There’s nothing worse than a three-year-old version of WordPress or Joomla sitting around unattended. They’re magnets for exploitation. If you aren’t using something, delete it!

Backup Your Data

A lot of dedicated server users back up their entire servers, operating system and all. Those kinds of backups serve a purpose. But if someone compromises the OS, it’s like the backup is as well. For that reason, a re-install of the OS and services may be preferable.

But your data is a different story. Back it up as often as you can. And your backups should not live on your dedicated server. Always back up to a separate location or cloud-based storage.

The Best Server Security Tips Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg

If the beginning of this article reads as if I’m advising against doing your own server security, it’s because security isn’t something that I take lightly. I base that on painful personal experience as well as seeing too many other well-meaning people have their servers owned because they overlooked an open port on an obscure or unused service.

Of course, you can secure a dedicated server. It just takes attention to detail and a good maintenance plan. Most hackers are not fools, and they’re almost always more devious than we are. So it’s best not to leave any stone unturned.

To demonstrate just how devious they can be, I’ll leave you with this cautionary tale. Many years ago, a server for a business I was part of was compromised. Our server security was on point, but hackers got in through an extremely complicated and convoluted path. It began with the BlueTooth on the server admin’s phone!

Keep things like that in mind, and remain vigilant and you can keep the bad guys at bay.

The post How Do You Secure a Dedicated Server? appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

As I type this, there are over 1,500 TLDs. You can register a domain on about 1,000 of them. So clearly there is no shortage of available domain space. Yet the secondary domain market is thriving.

Why? Because people still want a domain name on a small handful of specific TLDs, .com being the most desirable.

The TLD is the part of the domain that comes after the last dot. TLD stands for Top-Level Domain. So com, net, and org are TLDs. As are club, store, and chat. Technically they are “generic” top-level domains, but we’re just going to refer to them as TLDs.

How to Sell Your Domain Name

Hi, my name is Michael, and I an a domainaholic.

I’m in recovery now, but at one time I owned more than 500 domain names. I realize that’s small potatoes compared to the big domain name holders, but during that time I learned a thing or two about buying and selling domains.

The main thing I learned is that it pays to be patient. It can take a long time to sell a domain name.

But, there are steps you can take to accelerate the process. The more aggressively you “market” your domain, the quicker you’ll sell it. And if you do it right, you’ll reap the maximum amount the domain can bring.

Whether you go about selling your domain name in an aggressive or more passive way, the basic steps are the same, so let’s get to them.

Determine the Value Before You Sell the Domain

One of the most common pitfalls that we run into when trying to sell a domain name is believing it is more valuable than it actually is. Reading about those million-dollar sales can lead us to believe we’re sitting on a goldmine when our domain may only be worth the cost of a nice dinner.

But hey, at least getting the cost of a nice dinner is something. If we don’t temper our expectations, it’s likely we’ll wind up with nothing. Listing a domain for more than it’s worth rarely (okay, never) leads to a sale.

There are sites and services out there that will provide you with an estimate of a domain’s value. Those are only estimates though, based on algorithms. And like all algorithms, they are generic, not specific.

I prefer to look at comparable sales. It isn’t like selling on eBay where you can see what the exact same product sold for. Domain names are unique, so you have to look for roughly comparable names.

Sites like DNJournal, estibot, DNPric.es, and NameBio provide information on what domains are actually selling for, so they are a good place to start.

There are also rules of thumb you can apply. Like if ggexample.net sold for $100, you can assume that you could reasonably ask for 5 to 10 times more for ggexample.com.

Those multiples work the other way too. If you own a .net or .org version of a .com that sold for $100, you can expect to get 5 to 10 times less than the .com sales price for your domain.

Other than comparable sales, here are some things to take into consideration when pricing your domains.

Things That Can Have a Positive Impact on Domain Value

• • • If the domain is a .com
      Despite the availability of hundreds of new domain extensions, the old standby .com is still king. When you look at the top 100 domain sales of all time, 96 of the 100 domains were .com.
    • If it is short
      Generally speaking, the shorter the domain, the higher the price. One, two, or three-letter domains are historically among those that bring the highest prices.
    • If it is easy to spell
      Domain names that include common words or regular abbreviations will fetch a higher price.
    • If it is a single “dictionary” word
      Along with short domains, generic single word domains (shop.com, pizza.com, clothes.com, etc.) also top the charts with all-time high sales numbers. The logic here is obvious: there are a limited number of generic words that everyone knows.
      The average native English speaker only knows or uses about 20,000 words. Maybe half of those are generic. There are 142.5 million .com domains currently registered, which means only 0.007% of all registered domains are generic English words that would be known to most native speakers.
      If you own one of those domains, you have a rare quantity that has commensurate value. (commensurate.com, on the other hand, is available for a mere $13,000.)

Things That Can Have a Negative Impact on Domain Value

This can be pretty much summed up as anything that is the opposite of the positives list. So:

• • • Any TLD other than a .com
      While Google used the TLD as a ranking factor in the old days, they say now that they treat all (okay, most) TLDs equally. So there isn’t any reason that a .ink or .xyz couldn’t be just as valuable as a .com. But they aren’t. They are “sellable” though, but temper your expectations as to the prices they may realize.
    • If it has too many characters
      I find this one interesting as well since few of us type domain names into web browsers anymore. We’re far more likely to click a link, either from a search engine or a referring site.
      Even if you do have to type a domain, your browser probably remembers it and you don’t have to type more than a few characters. So why do domains with fewer characters still demand a premium price?
      Whatever the reason, they do. So the easy thumbnail equation is: the longer the domain, the lower the sale price.
    • Difficult to spell (or spells something you don’t want it to spell)
      Even a relatively short domain can be worth considerably less than a comparable domain if it is difficult to spell. Such as words where ‘i’ and ‘e’ can be mixed up.
      And as far as a domain spelling something you don’t want it to spell, you’ve probably seen examples of that. If not, try removing the spaces to turn “American Scrap Metal,” or “Experts Exchange” into a domain. You can see the possible problems there.
    • If the domain is made up of multiple words
      Combining two words is actually one of my favorite tricks for finding a .com domain that’s available to register. But when it comes to reselling, multiple words can work against you. It’s even worse if your domain contains hyphens or numbers. I understand the temptation, but you should never buy or register a domain name with hyphens.

Why Is .com Still King?

The internet started with seven top-level domain extensions (com, net, org, int, edu, gov, mil). Of those seven, you, as an unaffiliated early Internet user, could only register a domain on .com (and doing so was no easy feat). The others were reserved for institutions or computer networks.

It’s worth noting that while .org and .net were intended to be restricted to non-profit organizations and computer networks, those restrictions were never enforced.

It’s interesting that .com retains so much of its old-school glam luster since most web or internet users weren’t even around when .com was the only game in town. In fact, more than a billion internet users weren’t even born when the first “new” TLDs (biz, info) were introduced in 2001*.

But much of the early writing about the Internet used, or centered around, the phrase “dot com.” All of the early Internet businesses were on .com domains (so most internet users would have just assumed that any new business site would also use a .com domain). When the bottom fell out of the Internet economy in 2000, it was referred to as “the dot com bubble” bursting.

So it seems to me that history is the only thing propping up the perceived value of a .com domain. There’s no technical or practical reason for a .com to be worth more than any other TLD.

After You’ve Priced it, Let’s Sell the Domain

Okay, I know, that was a lot of information. But properly pricing your domain is arguably the most important part of the sale.

If you’re overpriced, nothing we’re going to talk about from here on out will matter because your domain won’t attract buyers.

So let’s get your domain ready to sell. Here are six steps to sell a domain today.

1. Let the World Know That the Domain Name Is for Sale Using the Domain Name Itself

You’ll need a website for any domain name that you want to sell (yes, it sounds obvious, but not everyone bothers). This is one place you can gain an advantage over a large domain seller. Where they will have generic pages on the domains, you can create something more attractive.

You don’t need anything fancy, just a single page with contact information, or better yet, a contact form. Make the page as unique as the domain name. Incorporate color or imagery that lines up with the name whenever possible. Make it personal, let potential buyers know there are dealing with an individual, not a corporation.

If you’re selling multiple domains you can keep your hosting costs down by using multi-domain reseller accounts.

2. Make Your Contact Information Public in the WHOIS Database

This is a key point – if you can do it. I’ve sold domains I never intended to sell simply because someone contacted me using WHOIS information and made an offer.

But the rise of domain “privacy” is making WHOIS a less-reliable way to publicly provide contact information for a domain. Many registrars turn on privacy by default. And if your domains are registered through certain large registrars, it isn’t even possible to publicly display contact information anymore.

Check with your registrar and see if you can expose at least an email address in the public WHOIS database. If not, your registrar may offer email forwarding from WHOIS records.

3. To Market, to Market (Finally), A.K.A. Where Can I Sell a Domain Name?

Now you are armed with your optimum sales price, your domain is visible, and your contact information is attached. It’s time to start shaking the trees for a buyer.

Rather than talking about the dozen or so possible ways to sell a domain name, let’s talk about the two that actually work.

4. Listing Your Domain for Sale on Domain Marketplaces

The best domain selling sites are the best domain buying sites, and those are domain marketplaces.

Marketplaces are most people’s first and last stop when selling domains. The obvious advantage here is that everyone browsing a domain marketplace is a potential buyer.

On the downside, it can be hard for the average domain to be noticed in a large marketplace. Consequently, sales can take time.

But even if you intend to sell your domain at auction, you should still list it with the major marketplaces. Those being Afternic, Sedo, Snap[NAMES], and Flippa.

If your pricing is close to market rates and your domain is attractive, these marketplaces should net you some offers.

Which reminds me, be prepared to negotiate. While it isn’t unheard of for a buyer in a marketplace to pay your asking price, it’s more likely that they will make you an offer below that value.

5. Sell Your Domain at Auction

Most of the previously mentioned marketplaces have online auctions. If you’re going the online route, don’t dismiss eBay. I’ve sold a few domains on eBay without issues.

But did you know there are also live auctions where domains are sold? It’s true, and they are the best place to sell domains. There used to be a lot of live domain auctions, but these days most of the live auction action is at Heritage Auctions and the annual NamesCon conference.

It’s more difficult to get your domain into a live auction, as they tend to feature premium (i.e. expensive) domains, and the vetting process is more involved. But if you have a good domain, you may be able to get into a live auction.

Live auctions are great because they are fast, and if the action is good, you can realize higher prices than you ever could online.

6. Use an Escrow Service for Payment

You’ve sold your domain, congratulations. Now you have to get paid.

In the old days, selling a domain name was a troublesome proposition. You had to trust the buyer and the buyer had to trust you, the seller. There was not an easy mechanism in place to protect both parties.

Now we have escrow services that are (relatively) inexpensive and very easy to use. Escrow services are neutral third parties that hold and process payments. Some domain marketplaces have built-in escrow services for domains sold through the site.

But if you didn’t use a marketplace, you’ll have to take care of setting up escrow yourself. There are a few online escrow services, but you can’t go wrong with the established leader, escrow.com.

Selling Domains and Selling Websites Are Two Different Things

This article has talked about domain name sales, not website sales. But, it’s worth taking a minute to talk about selling domains attached to websites.

Sometimes when you see that a domain name sold for a certain price, that sale price included the website and its files attached to the domains. The value of an existing website is easy to calculate, usually based on the income earned by the site. The domain name can be part of that value, but most of it is based on the amount of money generated.

Websites are often specifically developed to be sold. That can start with an established site that is given a quick cosmetic overhaul and flipped, or it can start with only a domain name.

The seller buys a keyword-based domain and then creates content based around that keyword to try to attract traffic to the site. If they can establish enough traffic to create advertising revenue, they have a sellable website.

If that sounds like a speculative and potentially costly way to make a website sale, it is. But the risk can be reduced by studying keyword popularity, employing successful SEO tactics, learning how to create—or discover—attractive content, and keeping your hosting costs low with multi-site reseller accounts.

Domain Names Will Always Have Value

Will they though?

I wouldn’t be so sure.

As long as we continue name-based Internet addressing, certain domain names will have value. But trying to predict the future of the Internet is like predicting which number a roulette ball will land on. All you can do is guess, and you’ll be wrong most of the time.

For that reason, I wouldn’t hold domain names as long-term investments, believing that I was going to fund my retirement on domain sales. There are too many unknowns. Too many variables. Eventually, some 13-year-old kid in Iceland or São Paulo will come up with a technology that makes domain names obsolete.

Even if the technology stays the same, what is considered a valuable domain name can certainly change. The biggest domain selling payday I ever had was a $19,000 live auction sale in 2008. But that was a long time ago, and I’m pretty sure it would be tough to get a couple of thousand dollars for the same domain name now.

Timing can be important when considering when to sell a domain.

You Just Never Know What May or May Not Sell

I’ve had the .net and .org versions of my name – which is pretty common – up for sale for years, and so far, no takers. But I suppose even though it’s a common name, it still requires a very specific buyer.

But I’ve also had a four-letter dictionary word domain up for sale for years without any takers. Its problem? It’s a .net. If it was a .com, I could have sold it many times over.

We talked about managing expectations earlier, and that’s certainly a key factor in selling domains. Being prepared will give you every advantage. As for patience and expectations, well, those are up to you.

If you decide to sell or have a good domain selling story, let me know in the comments. I’m interested in hearing from you.

*30% of the world’s population is under the age of 18, and there are 4.95 billion Internet users, so 1.49 billion of us are under 18.

The post How to Sell Your Domain Name: Ultimate Guide appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

Google is more than just the most popular search engine on the Internet. In fact, it’s office platforms have helped many businesses with collaboration and productivity. And all of this is for free!

Perhaps one of the most popular of these office apps is Google Docs. It’s a free and powerful word processor that comes with all the tools you’d expect and a variety of those you don’t.

It’s a great alternative to other word processing platforms when sharing and collaboration are a high priority.

Today, I’ll go over some of the basics of how to use Google Docs. And because it’s free to use, you lose nothing by giving it a try.

What Can Google Docs Do for You?

Google Docs gives you a powerful word processing tool without the need for downloads, subscriptions or fees. You operate it directly from the Cloud. This means you’ll benefit by:

• Not requiring a download or install.
• Being able to access it from almost any Internet-capable device.
• Not requiring a monetary investment.
• Being able to easily share documents with others.
• Accessing files from mobile devices using the Google Docs app.
• Saving files online, which means you won’t lose important work if your computer catches fire.

And if you use Google Chrome like I do, you can quickly access Google Docs with just a couple clicks of the mouse.

As Google Docs is so popular, a lot of WordPress plugins will integrate with the system. For instance, you can include Google Slides for posts and pages to share content with website visitors.

Google Docs is also part of G Suite. Previously known as Google Business, this collection of tools is among some of the best productivity apps on the Internet.

One thing you can do with the files you save in Google is embed them into WordPress.

So, let’s dive into learning Google Docs and some of the things you can do in the system. Before long, you may have the same opinion I do and how this word processor can benefit your purposes.

Creating Files in Google Docs

If you’re using Google Chrome, click the “Apps” icon on the left side of the screen.

Click the “Docs” icon.

Alternatively, you can also go directly to the Google Docs website.

From this first screen, you can choose a new template for a document or access anything you’ve previously opened. This includes any documents others have shared with you throughout history.

For instance, I can still see a document someone shared with me back in 2012.

Google Docs is full of templates spanning across various needs. You can create professional resumes, letters, recipes, project proposals and more.

For now, let’s just create a basic form so I can show you how the system works.

Click the “Blank” document on the left. It has the big blue “+” in the middle.

In the document editor, you’ll see that it has all the same tools most paid word processors have.

These functions include things like printing, text formats, fonts and adding images or links.

In essence, it’s everything most creators will need in a word processor.

You can even download the file in a variety of formats depending on your needs.

Let’s change the name of the file so we can find it later.

Click into the document’s name. By default, this will read, “Untitled document.”

Name the title according to what you need. For instance, I’m labeling this one as “Google Docs Example” so I know what it is.

What if you want to save the file? Google Docs actually does that for you anytime it detects changes. Even when you change the name of the file, Google Docs saves it as you work.

This means you won’t lose any important adjustments if the power goes in the office or your computer accidentally shuts down.

Now, what if we want to see the history of changes to the file? Click the “All changes saved in Drive” link.

On the right, you’ll see a time stamp along with the name of the individual. These “editors” will also have a corresponding color next to their names. This will highlight the editor’s changes on the document.

If you hover over the colored text on the form, you can see exactly what areas he or she added.

Editing Files

Editing files in Google Docs is pretty straightforward. Just like any other word processor, you make your changes and save. However, there’s a few additions when working in a team environment.

Let me break down a few of these for you.

Tracking Changes

I showed you earlier how Google Docs records edits made to a document. But what if you don’t want to save permanent changes from your staff? You need to have them change the way they edit the document.

Click the “Editing” option on the right.

Have staff or editors select “Suggesting” from the list. Note that those who are making changes to the document need to select this on their end.

Now when someone makes a suggestion, Google Docs will create a strike through of the original while highlighting the new portion. A message box will also appear regarding who is making the change.

At which point, you can accept or deny the changes while leaving a reply regarding your decision.

Adding Comments

Users can also comment on a section of text without making edit changes. This is helpful if others have questions or concerns regarding specific areas.

To add this in Google Docs, highlight the text you want to comment on.

When you highlight text, you’ll see a comment bubble with a “+” sign in the middle. It will appear on the side of the document which gives you a chance to add a message. This does the same thing as the top tool bar version.

Click the bubble to open a dialog box.

Enter the message and click, “Comment.”

Now the highlighted area will change colors. If you click on this, you can leave a reply to the commentor or resolve the issue to remove the comment.

Using Spellcheck

One of the most important aspects for a word processor is the ability to spellcheck. Most popular web browsers come with a basic ability to do this by highlighting text you write with a red underline.

But what if you want to make sure all is spelled well?

Go to Tools and hover over, “Spelling.”

You’ll have three tools available for spelling. You can run the spell check, underline any errors or access your personal dictionary. Let’s just run a quick spell check for now.

Click the “Spell Check” option.

Google Docs will then scan the document and give options to replace words it finds. Select which option you want and the system will move on to the next.

What’s the deal with adding to a personal dictionary?
A personal dictionary holds common terms you’ll use which are not necessarily proper words. For instance, a lot of tech terms and company names may flag as misspellings. Just click the “Add to Dictionary” button and Google Docs will ignore these in the future.

Work Offline Mode

Using Google Docs doesn’t necessarily mean you have to remain online. In fact, you can work just as easily without an Internet connection.

However, you’ll need to activate this feature manually. It’s not enabled by default.

Click the menu icon from the top left of Google Docs.

Select “Settings” from the list.

Click the switch next to “Offline.”

You’ll see a “Setting up offline” message from Google Docs. This means the system is preparing your computer to store offline files which will upload automatically once an Internet connection is detected.

Click the “OK” button in the Settings window.

Note: If the offline switch is already blue before you click it, you already have offline mode activated. If you click it again to shut it off, Google Docs will remove any files your computer is currently storing.

Voice Typing and Its Benefits

Want to use voice typing instead? Google’s voice-to-text algorithm has made leaps and bounds since the early days. And it’s convenient in a myriad of situations.

Open a Google Doc as if you were editing or creating a new one.

Go to Tools and click, “Voice Typing.”

A microphone icon will appear on the right of the screen. Select the “Click to Speak” function.

The mic will turn a reddish color and begin turning speech to text.

After a moment of not detecting input, the mic will turn off. Just click the microphone icon again to start converting speech to text.

Sharing Your Files

With some of the basics out of the way, let’s go over some of the sharing options you have available. This is what makes Google Docs an excellent system for collaborations and the team environment.

First, let’s share a document so others can read it. Click the blue “Share” button on the top right.

Enter the name or email address to share the document.

Click the pencil icon to assign permissions. The people in the list of sharing are able to edit, comment or view according to what you send.

Click “Send” when you’re ready. Google Docs will then send an invite to everyone in your list with the selected permissions. Of course, everyone in the list must have a Google account.

But what if the people don’t have a Google account ready? Click the “Get shareable link” option on the top right.

This creates a direct link to the document and opens the file’s ability to be shared outside of Google.

If the person you’re inviting doesn’t have a Google Account, you’ll see a message. In which case, the system will automatically opt to send the link and turn sharing on.

Click “Send” and everyone in the list will receive the link.

Advanced Settings

You can enable far more control in the advanced settings of the share tab. Click the “Advanced” link on the bottom right.

From here, you can choose to share through Gmail, Facebook and Twitter. You also can fine tune exactly what each person can do to the file, such as edit or just view.

Other options on the bottom let you choose whether editors can add new people or disable download and printing. This is useful if you don’t want others sharing the document, especially if the information is sensitive.

Expanding with Add-Ons

Perhaps you want to do more with your Google Docs layout. This is where Add-ons come into play. You can install additional features from Google to provide greater functionality.

Go to Add-ons and click, “Get Add-ons.”

A new window will open and show you all the different elements you can add.

A lot of add-ons you have access to are free. You may come across some that are premium add-ons which require a fee. However, it’s worth the effort to see if you can find a tool you need from this database.

Select the add-on you want and click the button to install.

In many instances, you’ll need to authorize the add-on to access your Google account.

The list of add-ons is quite extensive, and you may find a lot of elements that can fit your specific needs perfectly.

Get More Out of Google

Using Google Docs is a great way to share forms and documents with the rest of the team. And because it’s all Cloud-based, files are easily accessible from virtually anywhere you have an Internet connection.

Dive into the tools Google has available and enhance the way you perform tasks. You may find it to be a great time-saving and productive set of tools.

The post A Practical and Easy Guide on How to Use Google Docs appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

How often have you been away from the office and realized you needed an important file? Perhaps you’re working in the office and want to take a file home to finish only you forgot to bring a flash drive and have to spend time emailing the document to yourself.

Dropbox is the answer to all of that.

These and many other problems are part of life in the digital age. However, a large portion of issues are averted when you use something like Dropbox.

Over the years I’ve personally used this platform to do everything from sharing business documents to team collaborations.

What is Dropbox?

Dropbox is a Cloud-based storage system which allows you to save virtually any file type you use. From documents to video files, they can all be stored in cyberspace while instantly synchronizing with other computers connected to the account.

For instance, any file I store in my office computer is also available to me on my laptop. This is incredibly convenient if you travel as often as I do.

The flexibility and cost-effective points of Dropbox put it among some of the best productivity apps on the Internet.

Key Benefits of Dropbox

Dropbox delivers an incredible number of benefits for businesses. However, I am just going to point out seven of the most prominent. These are reasons why any company would want to look closer at what this platform can do.

1. Free Starter Account

Perhaps the best way to learn how Dropbox can benefit your business is to sign up with the free starter account. This platform gives you 2GB of storage space, which is quite a bit if you only save text files.

2. Always Active

Dropbox is always operating in the background of any computer you’re using. It requires very little in the way of resources, which means it will not slow down your computer. Updated files are immediately uploaded to the Cloud once Dropbox detects there have been changes made.

3. Excellent Device Support

One of the system’s most attractive features is its overall support for various devices. Dropbox supports Windows, MAC and Linux operating systems. It also supports Android, iOS and Windows phone. On top of all that, it also has the capacity to operate with IPv6 addressing.

This doesn’t include the various integrations that are support from other platforms such as WordPress web hosting.

4. Team Capabilities

It’s very easy to set up teams in Dropbox. You can assign certain users to access specific folders while restricting how those documents are handled. For example, what if you want staff to read a document but not edit it? This prevents making mistakes as well as accidental overwriting of original files.

5. Great Security Measures

Dropbox uses excellent security measures such as top-notch encryption and two-step authorization. The system also provides a 30-day history of files in the event something is corrupted or altered allowing for an easy restore.

6. Saving the Business Money

One of the most important benefits of using Dropbox is the amount of money a business can save. How often do you pay employees to fix mistakes? How much money does your business wastes because staff are waiting for specific files? Saving time impacts an employee’s productivity.

Consider the costs of moving to a paperless system. Depending on the size of a business, Cloud storage can save everything from paper expenses to office space no longer needed for printing supplies.

7. Expandable for Continuous Growth

It’s easy to upgrade Dropbox in the event a business needs additional storage. The monthly fees are often negligible considering what you can save in the long run.

Some of the larger account types give you unlimited storage space and a plethora of advanced features to fine-tune business practices.

How Do You Use Dropbox for Businesses?

In this tutorial, I am going to show you how easy it is to set up the free starter account to use Dropbox for business practices. You can upgrade to the next level with ease, which offers 2TB of storage and a variety of business-minded features.

Setting Up Dropbox

Go to the Dropbox website, enter your information and click “Sign up for free.” Don’t forget to click the “I agree to Dropbox Terms” check box. You can also sign up using your Google profile.

Click the “Download Dropbox” button to save the file to your computer. Note that you don’t necessarily have to download and install the application if you choose not to. Your account is created whether you save this file or not.

Once the file is downloaded, complete the install for your computer system.

Having the application installed on your computer allows you to use the integrated folders to easily share documents through the Cloud. For instance, I have it installed on my desktop and laptop computers. I can quickly move files back and forth just by dropping them into the Dropbox computer folder.

An email from Dropbox is sent to the address you registered. This is to verify the account. Click the “Verify your email” button in the message.

Sign in with the email account you registered. The link sent to you in an email is an encrypted link specific for that address. When you click to verify, the email address you use has to match that particular message encryption. This means you can’t use a different verify link to access the account.

Once you log in, Dropbox will give you a tour of what you can do. It’s probably a good idea to take the tour if you have a few moments. It’ll help you understand the different sections of the web-based app.

Adding Work Folders

By default, Dropbox will have you sign in under a free personal account. That is, unless you already upgraded to the business platform. For this tutorial, though, we are working with the free starter account.

The personal account is great for freelancers and individuals who are self-employed. If your business is only a one-person show, then you don’t really need to share anything with others.

But what if you have staff who need files from this system?

On the bottom left of the screen, you’ll see the type of account you are using. It will read, “Personal.” Click this to open a selection window.

Click the “Add a free work Dropbox” option above the “Personal” selection.

On the next screen, click the “Create work Dropbox” button.

Choose which style of Dropbox you want to use. In this tutorial, I am going to convert the account to a working platform. You may want to consider adding a new working Dropbox in addition to a personal account. This will let you archive your own personal files as well as share work-related content.

The only reason why I don’t select the “Add a new work Dropbox” is because I already have a personal account.

Click the “Create work Dropbox” button after you’ve made your selection.

Add the details for the business and click “Create work Dropbox.” You can invite members at this point by using their email addresses separated by commas. You also have options regarding how coworkers can join the Dropbox folders. You can set them up for invite only, ask to join or have it automatic.

If you have sensitive information you don’t want everyone to see, I would suggest setting the option to “They can join by invite only.” This means no one but you can see available folders unless you directly invite others.

For the sake of this tutorial, I created a place to store “Wattpad Stories.” This is a great way to share written materials with editors and/or contributors for projects and novels.

In reality, you can create any folders you want for the business whether it’s finances or project reports.

Once the folder has been created, click the “View…” button. Keep in mind the text in this view button will change depending on the name you give your folder.

Now, you’ll see a Team folder with your label available to share files.

Sharing with the Team

Sharing folders with others is quite simple in Dropbox. The best part is you can distinguish who has what access to resources. For example, you could create a folder for the finance team while having a separate one for web development.

Let’s say, for example, that I create Financial Data and Web Development folders in Dropbox. Now I can assign specific people to access those folders by inviting them via email.

Hover your mouse over a folder you want to share and click, “Share.”

This will open the settings for the folder. At which point, you can add a user by his or her email address as well as establish whether or not the person can edit files or just view them. You can also modify who can be invited to the team as well as who manages the folder.

When your selections are complete, click the “Share” button on the bottom. Those you invite by adding their email address will receive a link to the folder.

If the person you’re sharing with has his or her own Dropbox account installed on a computer, that person will also see the shared folder available.

Requesting Files from Others

Perhaps you need a file from a vendor, such as an invoice or tax documents. What if they don’t use Dropbox? Luckily, they can add those files without requiring a Dropbox account through the requests feature in the system.

Click on the “File requests” option on the left side of the admin screen.

Click on the button to “Create a file request.”

From this screen, you can:

• Title the request; usually with the type of document you’re looking for.
• Assign which folder the document will be placed into.
• Assign a deadline for the file.

Once you’re done with the settings, click “Next.”

Dropbox will then create a link which you can share in email, social media or any other option where others can access web pages. You can also simply add a person’s email address and the link will be sent automatically. This is perhaps the easier of the two options and limits sharing the link with the wrong person.

Click the “Done” button on the bottom right to finish the request.

The recipient will then be able to access a landing page where he or she can upload the file directly to your folder. That person will not have any other access to your Dropbox account other than the ability to upload the requested file.

The Admin Console

The Admin Console is a bit limited in the free version. You only have access to change the working name of the Dropbox, membership access and deleting the whole team. However, the paid business accounts have access to a myriad of tools for productivity.

For example, you’ll have access to unlimited team folders, recovery options and other admin tools allowing you to control even more in regards to your team.

Installing the App on Mobile Devices

For staff who are constantly on the move, the mobile app is a great addition. Because it’s available on Android, iOS and Windows Phone, you don’t have to worry about alienating most members of your team.

The app is laid out similar to the website and desktop versions of Dropbox. Users can flip through folders, access supported documents and preview files like .CSV documents in the platform.

What if there is a doc in Dropbox that a mobile device cannot open? The Dropbox app will advise to use other integrations to view the document.

For example, I can save an ODS spreadsheet from Libre Office and the Dropbox Android app will advise me to install Microsoft Excel on my phone to open the file.

One feature I like about the mobile app is that I am able to view images shared in Dropbox. This means I can stay in the loop in regards to design ideas no matter where I am as long as I have an Internet connection.

Ideas for Using Dropbox

There is a great deal of potential when it comes to using Dropbox in a business environment. This is especially true if you purchase the business upgrades. That doesn’t mean the free version is anything to scoff at. In fact, here are some of the ways I use the free version for work.

Backups and Direct Archives

A large portion of the materials I download from the Internet are set to automatically save in the Dropbox folder on my computer. This creates an instant backup and archive of any program, image or office document I pull from websites.

This is very useful if you’re traveling and find an application or other file you need for your computer at home. With the Dropbox app installed on the home computer and your laptop, the saved file will be ready for you on the other system.

Ready to upgrade your computer? Using Dropbox, you can back up all of your important files so you can use them on the new device. As long as you have the space available in your account, there is almost no limit to what you can keep safe in the Cloud.

Sharing Documents and Projects

I often share projects with developers whether it’s a Word document or PSD file from Photoshop. The best part is that you can have a different folder for each client or customer, which keeps everything organized and separated.

What if you’re away from the office on vacation and the payroll department needs you to verify information before handing out paychecks? This is where a financial folder would be quite beneficial for the business.

Website Backups

Creating a backup of your website keeps it protected in the event of a disaster. One of my favorite combinations is using WordPress and the Backup & Restore Dropbox plugin. This allows the entire website, including the database, to be stored in your Dropbox account as well as restoring the site.

Another way I’ve seen Dropbox used as a web backup system is by using FileZilla to download the site and save it directly to the folder system installed on a computer. This method works with virtually any FTP application that allows you to save files directly to your computer.

Getting More Out of Dropbox

Dropbox is an incredibly useful tool to have in the business dynamic. Everything from small businesses to larger corporations can improve efficiency by having a Cloud-based method to store and share files.

Because Dropbox has a free starter account, you’ll lose nothing but time giving it a try. You may be impressed by what you can accomplish with such a versatile system.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Using Dropbox for Business appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

File Transfer Protocol can be a very useful tool when you need to make direct changes to your website. From uploading images to downloading all of your files for backups, FTP software can make it happen. FileZilla is one of those free programs that gives you control over the files which make up your website.

In this guide, I will show you how to use FileZilla and what it can do for you. Thanks to cPanel, making these connections is much easier.

Why Use FTP Programs to Make Modifications?

The use of FTP software can give you access to files on your website directly. This means you can remove, change, delete or upload modifications to your site from your computer.

Many developers use these kinds of tools in order to work on webpages offline. Once the files are created, you can easily upload them to your FTP hosting account.

In addition, these programs also help you create a mirror of the site on your computer system. This can be very beneficial when you need to recover from file corruption thanks to malware attacks. Essentially, you can create a backup copy by downloading all of the files from your website.

How to Use the Client for FileZilla

The first step to using the software is downloading and installing it onto your computer. To do this:

Go to Filezilla-Project.org.

Click on the button to download the client.

On this next page, you will select which operating system you use on your computer. Note: Filezilla is compatible with Windows 64-bit, 32-bit, Mac OSX and Linux.

Once you have downloaded the software, follow the instructions to install.

Connecting to Your Server with Quickconnect

Quickconnect is a feature of FileZilla that lets you quickly access your website files. You will need to know the login credentials for the FTP account. Here is how you connect to your server using this method:
Log into your cPanel host. If you do not have access to cPanel, you will need to contact your web hosting provider.

Scroll down to the “Files” section and click on “FTP Accounts.”

In this next window, scroll down until you find the FTP account you wish to use. Note: If you don’t have one specifically for the website you wish to access, you may have to create an account.

Click the link to “Configure FTP Client.”

Take note of the username, server and port under manual settings. You can also download the FTP configuration file specifically for FileZilla if you’re using Windows.

Input this information into FileZilla. Take note that “Server” from cPanel and “Host” from FileZilla are one in the same.

Once you have the fields in FileZilla filled out, click the “Quickconnect” button. You now have access to all files within your website. In FileZilla, the local site on the left is your computer while the remote site on the right pertains to your actual website.

Connecting to Your Server with FTP Configuration File

If you download the FTP configuration file from cPanel, you can set up FileZilla automatically. By default, using this method will ask you for the password before you can actually connect. However, we’ll show you how to change that in a moment. To use the config file:

Go to “File” in FileZilla and select “Import.

When the import window opens, find the FTP file you downloaded. It will be an XML file.

Select the file and click the “Open” button on this window. FileZilla will add all of the pertinent information except for the password.

Go to “File” in FileZilla, but this time select “Site Manager.” It should be the first option in the drop-down menu.

Here, you will see an entry in “My Sites” for your website. On the right side, find the “Logon Type” control. It should be set to “Ask for password” as default. Click this drop-down window and select “Normal.”

Now, you can enter in the password for the FTP account. Once you are done, click “OK” to save your changes. Now, you can connect to your web host without typing the password in every time.

How to Manage Your Files

Now that you’re able to connect to the web host server, it’s time to manage your files. You want to be careful as to what you change in the remote site area as you could inadvertently corrupt your website. This could result in your webpages no longer working correctly.

Creating a Local Site

One of the best practices when using FileZilla is to have a local site prepared on your computer. Essentially, this is a folder on your computer that will hold your website data. It’s better if you use a single folder for this purpose in order to keep files separated and easy to find. To do this:

Use the navigation in “Local site” to find the area in which you want to save your website files. For this tutorial, we’re going to use the “My Documents” area.

Right-click “My Documents” from the local site window in FileZilla.

Find the option to “Create a directory and enter it” and click.

This will bring up a small window to name the new directory. For this example, we’re going to name it “MySite.” The directory should now read something like, “C:\Users\YourName\Documents\MySite.” Bear in mind this may be different if you’re using a Mac or Linux.

Click the “OK” button to save it.

Connect to your website using the Site Manager or the Quickconnect controls.

Once the connection is made, we’re going to copy the “.htaccess” file from the website to the computer. Hold down left-click on .htaccess in the remote site window on the right and drag it to the local site window on the left. Once you drop it, you’ll see FileZilla will automatically download the file and place it in your new folder.

This file transfer works either way. You can drag-and-drop files from local to remote windows and FileZilla will automatically upload them to the site and vice-versa. This makes backing up your site easy if you want a copy of it saved to your computer system.

Can you use this with Dropbox?

For those who use the Dropbox Cloud system, you can easily back up your web files. Instead of creating the folder in your local site under “My Documents,” simply create a folder for your site in Dropbox. This is usually found by going to “C:\Users\YourName\dropbox.”

This will automatically give you a Cloud-based backup of your website when you drag files into this new folder.

Editing Your Files

FileZilla doesn’t merely give you the ability to copy and move files around on your website. You can also make direct edits to files from within the system. If you’re good with programming or need to make some small modifications on a coding level, this can be a time saver. To access editing features:

Connect to your website using FileZilla.
In the remote site window, locate the file you wish to edit. For this example, we’re going to right-click “.htaccess.”

This will bring up a window with several options. To edit a file, click the “View/Edit” option that is available.

By default, you may see a window that states, “No program associated with filetype.” The first option available by default is to use notepad as the editor. Keep in mind that this option is available for Windows computers and may be different for Mac and Linux. Click the “OK” button.

Notepad, or your default HTML editor, will load up and show you the contents of the file. In this case, it’s the .htaccess content.

Once you’re done making changes, save the file to the special folder you created above specifically for the website. Note: Any changes you make and save will not affect the website until you drag the new file over from local to remote site in FileZilla.

It’s always a good idea to save the original copies of your files in an archive folder in the event of something going wrong. This will save you from a lot of time trying to fix programming errors and other issues by giving you a copy to recover from.

Changing File Permissions

A file permission is what hosting servers use to identify how files behave on the Internet. You can make them readable, writable and/or executable. These permissions are set for owners, groups or public access. For instance, most public-accessible files will be set to “Read” only.

If you need to change these permissions, you can simply right-click the file or folder in question and select “File Permissions” located at the bottom of the list. This will open a smaller window in which you can set these permissions manually.

Note: You want to be careful when you set permissions. If these are set incorrectly, you could inadvertently give public access to your website which could lead to compromising your webpages or be one of the reasons why your website becomes hacked.

Creating New Files and Folders Online

One of the many features of this software is the ability to create new files and folders directly onto your website. This can be quite useful when you need to upload a new page or want to create a folder for holding documents and other files. To create these additions:

Connect to your website.

Right-click a file or folder in the remote site window.

Find the option to “Create new file” and click it. This will open a small window in which to enter a name.

Give the new file a name and include the extension. For example, to create a file to be viewed by a web browser, you would call it, “file.html.” Note the “HTML” part after the file name. Of course, this will be different depending on the file you wish to make.

FileZilla will create the file in the location in question.

What if you want to create a new folder and go into it to add a new file?

In that case you would:

Right-click a file in remote view and select “Create directory and enter it.”

This will open a small window in which you can give your new folder a name. Once you click “OK,” you will be taken into the new directory where you can add files.

Note: Keep in mind that web URLs do not use empty spaces as characters. So something like “My Pet Pictures” would have to be “MyPetPictures.” You can also use hyphens or underscores to separate words if you must.

Manual Transfers

In some situations, manual transfers may be more ideal for single files. FileZilla gives you the ability to either upload or download those you specify. This could be useful if you’re unable to keep a consistent FTP connection.

The manual transfer can be set up to use the current server you have selected or you can choose one from the site manager. You can also select to access a custom server for a temporary file transfer if you wish.

At the bottom of this window, you’ll see an option to start the transfer immediately. If this is checked, the transfer will begin as soon as you click the “OK” button on the bottom.

Disconnecting from FTP

To disconnect from your FTP sessions, click on “Server” from FileZilla’s toolbar and click “Disconnect.”

If you are idle for an extended period of time, the software may disconnect from the server as well.

Closing FileZilla will also end the session immediately. However, you want to make sure there are no file transfers in progress.

Understanding the Site Manager

The software allows you to store an unlimited number of sites. This is useful if you manage or own a large number of domains. This area gives you the means to customize each one regarding its own settings. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do in the Site Manager.

Host

This is the host of the FTP account. It’s usually something like “ftp.your_domain_name.com.”

Port

This is the port at which your FTP connects. By default, most accounts will use port 21. However, this may change depending on security or firewall requirements.

Protocol

By default, Filezilla will use FTP as the default protocol. However, you do have the option to switch to SFTP, a secured method of transferring files over a secure channel.

Encryption

The type of encryption you’ll use will depend on the security of your host server. Most systems will use FTP over TLS if available. If your system has other forms of security measures in place, you may need to change this method depending on those settings. For now, keep the default setting in place unless your administrator instructs otherwise.

Logon Type

There are several types of logons for FileZilla. If you set this to “Normal,” you’re able to input the password and username to be saved in the system. Setting it to “Ask for password” requires you to enter the password every time you log into your FTP account. This could be ideal if you use a public computer. The “Anonymous” account gives you access to limited FTP on the server, but you may not be able to access vital areas. Interactive works like asking for a password, but it will ask for every connection you make.

Background Color

If you want to give a different look to each website you’re working in, you can give them an individual background color.

The Advanced Tab

Under the advanced tab, you have access to select the specific server type. This is usually set to auto-detect, but you may find it useful to choose your own. Unless you are certain of the server type you’re using, it may be a good idea to keep this at its default setting.

The default local directory can be used to automatically connect you to the folder stored on your computer system. Instead of searching for a place to keep your files, you can have Filezilla default to this location every time you connect.

The default remote directory works in much the same way as the local folder. The difference is that it will automatically go to the default remote location when you connect.

Synchronized browsing works well if you have an identical directory structure on both the local computer and the web server. This means that any move you make in one screen, it will be duplicated in the other.

Enabling directory comparison allows you to see the differences between local and remote files. This can help troubleshoot file sizes, modifications or identifying obscure files.

When you learn how to use FileZilla, you open the doors to gaining more control over your website. From your desktop computer or laptop, you can make direct changes to the site or back up all of your files with this software. When you need a stable system that gives you access to your online files, consider what FileZilla can do for you.

The post How to Use FileZilla (Ultimate Guide) appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

A content delivery network is one that shares your site with various servers across the globe. This allows people in certain areas to access the pages faster than if your site was located in a single location. As speed plays a prominent role for search engine optimization and customer retention, the CDN may look to be a very appealing system.

What Is a Content Delivery Network?

Content delivery networks cut out the middle-men when it comes to Internet traffic. Here’s a good example of what I’m talking about…

When your website is saved on a single server in Texas, people in Los Angeles have to go through a large number of routers and switches to access those pages. This can be exceptionally troublesome if you’re focused on other countries as well.

Although digital information travels quickly across the globe, it’s still subjected to packet loss and degradation from bad hardware. Devices between the visitor’s computer and the website server could be faulty or experience heavy traffic.

A CDN that copies your site from Texas could have a local server in California cutting out those problem areas while making the site appear to load much faster.

More then 53 percent of potential customers on mobile devices will leave a website if it takes longer than three seconds to load. Due to the incredible amount of competition on the Internet, people have many options to buy what they want elsewhere.

This means your site needs to be as fast as it can be in order to keep consumers purchasing your goods or services instead of the competition.

Pros of Using a CDN

While using a CDN sounds greatly beneficial for improving the speed of your website, it’s not without its own drawbacks. However, you may find that the boost to your customer retention and page ranking to be worth the effort in the long run.

It’s a world of instant gratification, and your consumers immediately want goods and services.

Speed

When considering a content delivery network, it can be summarized by referring to speed. With specific servers being closer to the majority of your visitors, webpages load faster.

Depending on the amount of traffic your website experiences, this can contribute to CPU and memory usage. With fewer resources on each server being used, it’s not just the distance that plays a role in keeping the pages quick to load.

Less processing means faster hardware reaction.

Redundancy

Many CDNs are developed with redundancy in mind. This means your site will remain online through the use of copied caches if a single server goes offline. In essence, your website could look as though it has a 100 percent uptime.

This is greatly beneficial when considering your visitors and search engines. If your site is down when services like Google crawl it for content, it could be penalized and reduced in relevance in search results.

With More Servers In the Network, How Secure Is a CDN?

Although your information is essentially shared with various servers in many different areas, the potential for experiencing malicious attacks isn’t as high as many might think.

In most cases, each CDN server is protected by the same security measures as your primary. Depending on where your primary server is, sometimes the security may even be better.

Attacks like SQL injections, denial of service and page hijacking can be common for some web hosting companies.

For the most part, these attacks can be prevented by a series of protocols and firewalls that are existent in CDN servers, such as those offered by CloudFlare.

It’s all about how quickly an attack can be met and learned from. In reality, there is no such thing as a 100-percent-protected online server. New attacks and threats are created regularly.

Protection comes from how technicians meet these attacks. Many hosting companies live by the mantra of, “Find a hole and plug it up.” Each attack only serves to make the security that much stronger over time.

When information is attacked on one server, it doesn’t mean that all of your data will become corrupted. Many attacks will only focus on the one location and not travel throughout the entire network.

It’s like having various duplicates that are targeted while the primary server could remain unseen. Through disaster recovery, even a compromised duplicate can be quickly restored even after the most vicious of malware attacks.

Is a CDN Right For You?

In a world where quick access is a focal point of SEO, a speedy website is key for everyone. However, some styles of websites may find even greater flexibility from using a CDN such as:

• eCommerce solutions
• Colleges or universities for global targeting of students
• Global or country-wide corporations
• Non-localized news services
• Websites that accommodate thousands of visitors per day

Optimize Your Site with a CDN

A CDN offers a distinct advantage when it comes to the performance of a website. Between distance traveled and resources used, visitors could experience pages in a quick and efficient manner. Don’t assume that the servers you currently use are the only option for delivering an optimized website.

The post How You Can Make Your Website Faster with a Content Delivery Network appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

WordPress as we know is one of the most popular content management systems around. That’s why WordPress is generally a target for attacks. Recently we came across a very robust DDoS targeted to the login page of WordPress sites hosted on our network and also on other well known web hosting providers. 

We take security and continuity of service very seriously and we’re very pro-active at everything we do. We’ve added a few new security rules in our already existing set of rules to protect against this type of new attack that we’ve seen. Since implementing this new rule, we’ve seen an increase in protection against these types of attacks.

While we’ve done what we can to ensure maximum security for your websites, there are a few more things that you can do to help yourself from these types of attacks:

#1. Make sure WordPress is Up to Date!

This is a no brainer. Update your WordPress installation. You’ll be surprised at how many installations are out of date. You’re automatically vulnerable when you aren’t using the latest code. Here’s a video on how to update your WordPress installation:

#2. Block Access to the WP-Login.php page

You can edit your existing .htaccess file and add the following lines:

<FilesMatch wp-login.php>
Deny from all
Allow from xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
</FilesMatch>


You will replace the xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx with your WAN IP address. This can be found by typing in What’s my IP Address into Google. See the image below for an example:

Note: Some ISP’s have dynamic IP addresses, so you may not be able to log into the WP-Admin if your IP address changes. You will still be able to edit the .htaccess through your cPanel‘s file manager, FTP or SSH if it does. If you’re using an ISP that changes it’s IP often, then this may not be the right choice for you.

#3. Enable CloudFlare

CloudFlare announced that it has pushed out a rule set that is now filtering Brute Force Attacks on the WP-Login.php / WP-Admin page. CloudFlare is free and can be easily installed on your GreenGeeks hosting account. To enable CloudFlare on your GreenGeeks account take a look at 4 reasons why you should be using CloudFlare

Our VPS customers who use WordPress can be affected as well. Please contact our team and we’ll let you know how you can prevent this from occurring on your sites.

GreenGeeks offers some of the best WordPress hosting services in the industry with optimized servers specifically for WordPress. We’re also always evolving to make sure that our customers always experience the best web hosting period.

The post Protecting WordPress Login Page from Attacks appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

Don’t worry though! You can still use iWeb and the change doesn’t mean you will lose your iWeb websites. You will have to relocate your website files onto a new web hosting server and everything will work just fine. This is where GreenGeeks comes to the rescue!

Transferring your iWeb website to GreenGeeks is effortless, but we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to do just that. Just follow along and you’ll be running your iWeb website on GreenGeeks in no time at all.

Publish To GreenGeeks

To start, you’ll need the following:

1) A GreenGeeks web hosting account. You can get a GreenGeeks hosting account at GreenGeeks.com

2) A site designed using iWeb.

Now that you’ve got your GreenGeeks web hosting account, open iWeb and follow along. You can click on the image bellow to get a closer look.

1. Click on Site Name. It’s on the left hand panel of iWeb. In our example it is currently labelled “Site”
2. Under Publish To: make the selection FTP Server
3. Under Site Name, please rename your site public_html
4. Under Contact Email, please enter a contact email for your site.
5. Next you will enter the FTP server settings. For the FTP server, please use ftp.yourdomain.com (replacing yourdomain.com with the domain name on your account with GreenGeeks
6. The username and password will be the cPanel username and password we sent you in your New Account Information email.
7. Directory path can remain empty, and all other settings can be left unchanged.
8. In the File menu for iWeb, click Publish Entire Site.

That’s it! Your site will now be published to the GreenGeeks servers and will be all setup for you with your new service with us! As always, should you need further help, please contact us.

The post Move from MobileMe to GreenGeeks appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.