Online Business And Web Hosting Outages

What do you do when your web hosting provider has an outage that you are unaware of? Well since this just happen to me today I'm still thinking about how I can prevent this in the future (failover). I tried a live chat with the support desk and didn't receive a chat response but I did get an email which stated that my website loaded fine. They even sent me a screenshot of my website to show that it launched with no issue. It is very disconcerting for a newbie like myself (over 1 year in the game) to experience hosting downtime that is totally out of my control.

Here is how I found out, I logged into Google this morning to check my indexed pages and AdSense earnings. While in the webmaster tools under sitemaps I noticed that no pages where indexed, then I looked at the dashboard and all sites needed to be verified... [reason: server timeout.]

Prolonged website downtime for me means that the hundreds of articles I've posted with links back to my home page and pages within my website will not work. This could lead to me having to resubmit the articles after the website comes back up. So far I've not received any emails from article directories stating that my links don't work so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I tried to bring up my URL and it timed out, I tried to log into my host's control panel and it timed out. So I did a Google search on the hosts control panel IP and found a hit on WebHostingTalk.com and somebody said the host had been down for 6 hours.

I checked the host's forum and didn't find anything regarding the outage. I also checked their support update blog and the last entry dated 2/27/08 was regarding their phone support outage. Nothing on the page indicated they had an server or router outage.

So, I kept refreshing the Control Panel URL and it started to load, then I opened a separate tab (in IE 7) and the home page for one of my sites came up. So I went over to Google and revivified my websites (I already had the meta tag on the homepages so it was a simple process).

Although I am a Network and Systems Admin by trade I don't have any experience with web servers or hosting (which is why I outsource). But what I do know is that if this was a server outage then failover to another server is doable (clustering) according to precisioneffect.com/features/. But, I'm willing to bet if this occurred as a result of a router failure there may not be a failover option. I sent a reply to my hosts support this morning to see if they have any logs that an outage occurred.

For the record, I have been very happy with the service I receive from my hosting provider although I've found others who have not been so happy. I currently run 4 websites so maybe I haven't out grown them yet.

I suggest to anyone running an Online Business using a hosting provider to carefully go over their failover options in case of an outage, read their forums and support pages so you know when scheduled maintenance or anything else may affect you. Also, shop around and compare companies to your needs and maybe get references of others who outsource and run a similar number of websites.

For the additional online business tips and opportunities visit ServicesAreUs.com

The Best Online Strategy Games

With the virtual world providing more and more of our news and entertainment, and computers becoming a standard in households, online strategy games have taken off in a big way. It's been proven that mental exercises keep our brains sharp and ready to perform, and online strategy games can help do just that. For those who own computers (and who doesn't these days!), ease of access and a wide variety of choice make online strategy games a popular choice for some quick fun.

Finding a global-coverage review site for online strategy games can help you narrow down your choices of what's out there, as well as provide you with information about which games are the best, and which sites host them. Your preference will determine a lot about which online strategy games you'll enjoy - do you prefer a tactical game with a winner-take-all purpose, like Risk? Or maybe you're happier with a game where you have to think to solve the puzzle or find your way out of a maze. Think of some board games that were childhood favorites and track down their online equivalent.

What To Look For When Visiting Websites

Do a search for 'online strategy games' and visit a few of the websites offering them. Look for sites that are low on pop-ups and bling-bling, because these sites really aren't trying to attract you to play a game - usually they have an ulterior motive, such as selling another company's products, of which they take a cut of profits. Sites that are serious about entertaining you won't shove ads and banners in your face, and the main gist of the site will be focused on the online strategy games, not the extras.

Also, be careful of sites that ask you to pay to play. While some online strategy game sites do offer quality services and an exclusive opportunity for your money, other sites are just out to make a fast buck, and you may find yourself paying cash only to be disappointed with the product. Some sites are free to play, but if you want to have bonus equipment or skills to get ahead in the game, you might need to pay extra. Other sites may be completely free, but the graphics and technology leaves much to be desired. Better online strategy game sites offer free trials and let you explore what they've got to offer. If you can't try, then don't buy.

For more information on online games uses try visiting http://www.internet-marketing-dot-com.com/onlinegames, a popular website that provides online game tips, advice and resources to include information on online gaming.

Here's How to Host a Fun Oscar Party For the Upcoming Academy Awards

The Academy Awards is generally considered the biggest award show of them all for movies. Many movie lovers like to celebrate that evening with a party in the theme of the award show. Here are ideas how to throw a fun and memorable Oscar Academy Awards Party.

Invitations

First you need to prepare and send out your invitations. To help get your guests in the mood you want to make sure your invitation is adorned with art work that is movie oriented. As suggestions, try pictures of reels of film, movie cameras, names of the top movies or even pictures of the top nominated actors and actresses. If you want to get real creative you can go to a party supply store and often they have invitations that look like reels of film cans.

Decorations

If you can get a long red carpet that your guests can walk across as they come into your home that will be just like the real deal. For additional seating rent directors chairs and space them all throughout the house. Decorate your walls with titles of the movies, and pictures of the nominees. If you can get your hands on some 8 millimeter film, that can be cut in strips and placed all around your party room.

Games

A fun ice breaker game is to place the name of a movie star on the back of each guest when they arrive. Their job is to begin interacting with other guests and try to find out who they are by asking on yes or no questions. As soon as they guess they get to wear their name tag on their front side.

Of course the main attraction will be the awards show itself. But it will be more fun if you have some games that tie into the awards program. It can be lots of fun to have a sample ballot for all the top award categories and pass out to each guest. Have the guests fill their ballot out before the show starts. Give an award out at the end for the guest that gets the most correct.

Another fun game you can play during commercials is to have Academy Award trivia questions ready to go. Ask these at different times. If you have small prizes to give out to the guests with the most correct answers, that will add to the fun.

Food

The Oscar Show can last for several hours so your guests will need food. You can plan a full meal or appetizers, or both. It can be fun to have names for your different dishes or appetizers that are related to the award show.

Drinks

What would a party be without special drinks? Be sure to make up a special drink just for the party and name it something related to Hollywood and the movies. Of course champagne to toast the winners near the end of the show will also add to the excitement.

The main attraction will be shown on television. So make sure your television is ready to go. If you have a big screen TV, that is even better. Make sure the sound system is set and the volume will be appropriate. Have your remote control handy to turn down the commercials so you can play your trivia game when the time is right.

So as they say in the movies lights, camera action...or better yet at this point-- that's a wrap!

Mark writes on a variety of topics including home furnishings. If you are looking for TV stand ideas for your new television you may want to take a look at TV Stand Furniture. Also, here is where you can go for a great selection in the very popular Busch TV Stands.

The Freedom of Online Bingo

Brick and mortar locations that host bingo games do not give you the freedom of when you want it. Those who work during traditional game times would not be able to play at the fixed locations, but that can play online. With online bingo halls, players need not wait until a church or traditional hall host the game night. Online halls do not limit the times during which players have access to the games. With online halls, players are no longer bound by the constrictions of traditional bingo. You are free to play anytime you want, and the game you will have limitless games to choose upon.

But having the freedom to choose the times you play is just one of the comforts afforded by online bingo halls. One more advantage is that you can play your favorite games at your own home. It allows players to be at comfort. The convenience of playing when you want has already been covered. Online game halls, such as bingo.com, do not close. They are open for business every hour of the day. A luxury not to be overlooked is the comfort of playing your favorite games.

Leading websites, such as bingo.com, create availability of a large variety of casino style games in addition to the traditional bingo games. Players can choose from the likes of lottery style pull tabs to online poker. Online bingo halls have integrated traditional bingo games in order to encompass the virtual experience. While these bingo sites see frequent visits to the bingo rooms, other games are also climbing the ladder of popularity. Online keno is just one of the many games available for play at the virtual bingo hall. The freedom to enjoy these games in the comfort of your living room is not the only feature.

One of the other fabulous features of playing online is the freedom from losing money. Most online halls provide the option to play the game for no cost. When there is no risk involved with playing the game, you can review the site through unbiased eyes. You also have the ability to become acquainted with the other members of the virtual community.

With the ability to play for free, comes the ability to meet people for free. Some players choose the online playing hall because of its members. Others choose the given hall because their friends are already members. Regardless of the reason you choose a specific online hall, the fact remains that you have the freedom of choice.

You can enjoy the experience without risk. You do not have to pay, in any way, to play the game. With this freedom, you can again play at your convenience. Overall, playing bingo online is a great experience. Choose your favorite site or sites and enjoy the comfort of playing the game.

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