The Best Hosting Features at a Glance

devtools_32x32Tools For Rapid Development

Free Shopping Carts and other Scripts
A variety of shopping carts including Magento, Zen Cart, Freeway, PrestaShop and many other popular PHP scripts can be installed effortlessly with a few mouse clicks. You may also “hand install” any compatible shopping cart on your site. All shopping carts are compatible with most merchant account solutions or any other merchant account alternative like PayPal.

Dreamweaver and other WYSIWYG Editors
GlowHost supports Dreamweaver, an extremely popular HTML editor. Site publishing is a snap with Dreamweaver and we have knowledge base and support topics on how to configure this software to work with GlowHost hosting services to help get you setup faster than ever. We also support any other modern HTML or code editors.

Password Protected Directories
Password protection allows you to secure documents from the general public. You can allow “members only” access or provide password protected content for group collaboration on sensitive documents. Protect your sensitive content using leech protection to automatically ban users that share their passwords with non-subscribers.

Free Forum Scripts
All web hosting plans include several of today’s most popular free forum scripts like phpBB, Advanced Electron Forums, XMB, and Simple Machines Forum to name a few. Forum (also known as “bulletin board”) software is available using our auto-installer at no additional charge. You are also free to manually install any forum that utilizes PHP and MySQL if you can’t find it in our auto-installer. See more free forum scripts

HOT DEAL! Get a FREE vBulletin License. Learn more about the Free vBulletin License offer.

Web Site Traffic Stats
All hosting packages include very robust yet easy to understand web site traffic statistics including Webalizer, Awstats, and Logaholic. All accounts are also compatible with Google Analytics. We also include latest visitors, bandwidth reporting graphical stats, and raw logs. With nothing to configure or install, your built-in traffic stats programs will speed up your development time considerably.

db_32x32Control Panels, Database Management, and Script Installer

Web Based Control Panel – cPanel
cPanel is the industry leading control panel preferred by hundreds of thousands of web site owners across the world. Easy Email, FTP, Database, Stats and other administrative tasks can all be performed using this powerful control panel installed on every GlowHost hosted site.

myGlow Account Manager
Our easy account manager allows you to view your payment history, print invoices and receipts, make payments, and you can have multiple billing contacts for “power users” who prefer to have each domain billed individually using different contacts and payment methods (credit card for Joe, PayPal for Sue) yet have access to them all under one singular account. Automatic control panel login for each domain in your account, and much, much more.

Pre-Installed phpMyAdmin
phpMyAdmin is the most popular web-based database manipulation tool available today. phpMyAdmin is free and pre-installed on every GlowHost site. We keep this software updated automatically for you, so no need to waste time with complicated or time-consuming updates.

Automatic Script Installer
GlowHost’s script installer allows you to rapidly install your favorite scripts, and some you might not have seen available before or not known of their existence. Available right from your control panel, this separate script control panel makes script deployment a breeze, and it blows away other script installers like Fantastico.

Custom Error Pages
Get rid of the boring old “404 Page Not Found” error pages and provide a customizable, brandable and informative error page for your site visitors. Any error document can be customized such as 404, 406, 500, etc.

multimedia_32x32Multimedia Hosting Services

Flash, Shockwave, RED5 Streaming and Progressive Download Capability
Our servers allow you to serve Flash, Flash Video, Shockwave and similar progressive download files to your site visitors. Streaming Flash Video via RED5 Server (like Chat Roulette) or Progressive Downloads (like YouTube) and the ability to encode all popular video formats on the server-side via FFmpeg is also a possibility with our hosting services.

FFmpeg Hosting
FFmpeg is a compilation of tools and codecs used to record, convert, stream and play multimedia content in your web pages. Think of how YouTube works, and you will understand what FFmpeg can do for your site. We have several scripts in our script installer and can help you install other scripts that require FFmpeg.

Streaming Audio and Video Support
Streaming of audio and video files is supported using other streaming formats like Real Audio, Real Video, QuickTime, Flash, Shockwave, RED5 and SHOUTcast to name a few. Our high quality data transfer and speed make it possible for us to cater to your streaming needs.

SHOUTcast Server
SHOUTcast server allows you to stream better than CD quality music from your web site, using mp3 files stored on the server in “Auto-DJ” mode, or broadcast live from your PC using Winamp and the SAM broadcaster to make your live radio shows available for the entire world to hear on the Internet.

Red5 Media Server
Red5 allows you to stream your RTMP apps to and from the server so that you can do nifty things like real-time video broadcasts, web-based video chats and chat rooms. Great for churches, schools or similar groups who want to get their message out to lots of people at the same time. Think of Skype, Chatroulette or any other live broadcast you may have seen. This is what RTMP technology can do on your web site. Invent the next, best super cool audio and video streaming web site or app with Red5 server technology.

scripts_32x32Server Environment & Programming Language Support

LAMP Servers
All of GlowHost’s managed servers (shared, reseller, dedicated, etc) are LAMP Servers. LAMP generally means Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Python/PERL. Dedicated servers, VPS/VDS and cloud servers run CentOS Linux by default. CentOS is essentially Red Had Linux without the Red Hat logo. Our shared servers run CentOS Linux with Cloud Linux on top. Cloud Linux is available on Cloud VDS/VPS and dedicated servers.

Our servers have a PHP selector which allows you to choose the desired PHP version so that if your application requires an old version of PHP, we can accommodate you. However, we always encourage that your scripts are compatible with the latest version of PHP when possible. New accounts will always be setup on servers running the latest version of PHP.

Our shared servers are also running the latest version of MySQL or MariaDB. Dedicated and VDS/VPS customers may choose MySQL, PostgreSQL or MariaDB. If you need an older version of these database technologies, please contact our support helpdesk and we may be able to migrate you to an older platform, if needed.

PHP Hosting
PHP is a server-side HTML enabled scripting engine that powers many of the most popular web sites and applications in use today. Native APIs and a full suite of built-in tools allow for rapid deployment of dynamic database-driven web sites. Our servers run the latest version of PHP, plus the ability for you to select older versions of PHP per site, or per folder, as needed. If you see a version of PHP that you need, just ask our support to enable it for your account if it is not already there.

MySQL Hosting
MySQL is the back-end database that powers the majority of today’s web applications. MySQL database technology is one of the most reliable and stable database platforms available anywhere. We run the latest stable versions of MySQL. We also have legacy servers or VPS/VDS which can be used if your applications require an older version of MySQL.

MariaDB Hosting
MariaDB is fast becoming the database of choice and alternative to MySQL. it is actually a drop-in replacement of MySQL with improved development and additional features. Maria DB will eventually become the default DB server on our shared servers.

CGI Hosting
A subdirectory of your web site where CGI (Common Gateway Interface) scripts coded in PERL, Python, or other languages can be executed. A CGI-Bin is included standard on all hosting plans.

PERL Hosting
Practical Extraction and Report Language is a common scripting language which is a bit more challenging to learn compared to languages like Ruby, PHP, and Python. That said, PERL is a very fast and reliable scripting language with a strong following. You can run your PERL scripts directly from your CGI-Bin or by using a CGI wrapper or Apache handler.

Python Hosting
Python is a dynamic object oriented scripting language, which can be used for many types of software development. Python is quickly becoming one of the most popular scripting languages and is as popular or more popular than PHP. You can run your PERL scripts directly from your CGI-Bin or by using a CGI wrapper or Apache handler.

Ruby On Rails Hosting
Ruby on Rails is an open-source framework that’s optimized for programmer happiness and sustainable productivity. It allows you to write clean code by favoring coding convention over configuration. RoR is included on every package offered by GlowHost. Learn more about Ruby on Rails web hosting.

Server Side Includes SSI
SSI or Server Side Includes is another server-side scripting technology. Useful applications of SSI include browser detection and included/embedded pages. Make a singular file, such as a navigation bar, and have it update every page in your web site on the fly.

Zend Optimizer and Zend Guard Loader
Depending on the PHP version that your site requires, Zend Optimizer or Zend Guard Loader is available to help optimize PHP performance. Zend also allows you to run or develop your own encrypted PHP scripts and Zend can help developers protect their source code from competitors who develop similar products. The Zend loaders also allow site owners to run applications that contain Zend protected source code.

ionCube PHP Loader
Similar to the Zend optimizer, ionCube loader will allow you to run IonCube encrypted PHP files on your web site. You can install the IonCube Loader in your local web site and run IonCube encrypted files if your server does not have it enabled globally already.

Raw Logs, Error Logs and FTP Logs
Raw log files for authoring your own statistical programs or for general use in debugging your applications during development or even when the site is running in production mode. PHP error log support outputs directly to files in your account for further debug information when enabled. With FTP logs, you can ensure your account is secure by reviewing access IPs and times to make sure people connecting to your FTP are valid and expected.

.htaccess and php.ini
Access to .htaccess and php.ini allow you to tweak your web hosting account’s environment to your exact needs if our recommended configuration does not meet your exact specifications.

ImageMagick®
ImageMagick® is a software suite to create, edit, compose, or convert bitmap images. It can read and write images in a variety of formats (over 100) including DPX, EXR, GIF, JPEG, JPEG-2000, PDF, PhotoCD, PNG, Postscript, SVG, and TIFF. Use ImageMagick to resize, flip, mirror, rotate, distort, shear and transform images, adjust image colors, apply various special effects, or draw text, lines, polygons, ellipses and Bézier curves.

GD Library
GD is an open source code library for the dynamic creation of images by programmers. GD is written in C, and “wrappers” are available for Perl, PHP and other languages. GD creates PNG, JPEG and GIF images, among other formats. GD is commonly used to generate charts, graphics, thumbnails, and most anything else, on the fly.

FFmpeg
FFmpeg is a complete, cross-platform solution to record, convert and stream audio and video. It includes libavcodec – the leading audio/video codec library. FFmpeg is included on all packages except our unlimited shared packages. Personal and professional shared hosting packages include FFmpeg. Learn more about GlowHost’s FFmpeg Hosting.

services_32x32Server Services

24/7/365 FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and SSH
FTP (File Transfer Protocol), FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), and SSH (Secure Shell) access is available 24/7/365. There are no time windows that your account is restricted. Our FTP, FTPS, and SFTP servers are also configured for long timeout periods so that you will not be automatically kicked off the system if you are inactive for a short period of time. SSH service is also set to not disconnect unless you lose your Internet connection from your ISP.

Secure Web Based Email Service
You can use your webmail interface as an alternative to using a mail client like Outlook or Thunderbird. Webmail is handy for when you are traveling or do not have a configured email client readily available, such as at a shared computer work station or if you simply prefer a webmail interface to a PC-based email reader. We run Horde, Squirrel Mail, and RoundCube webmail programs using SSL data encryption.

Email Hosting Services
In addition to webmail services, we offer a ton of other email features and services, more than we can list here. If you would like to read about all of our email services, please visit our email hosting service page.

Daily and Weekly Backup Services
GlowHost offers complimentary nightly and weekly backup services. Backup frequency is determined by your hosting package. Monthly backups can also be included on dedicated hosting options. These backups are internal to GlowHost and are used by GlowHost when there is a hardware failure to help us assist you in web site recovery. GlowHost will restore your site from backup in the event of a hard disk failure without your request. Sleep well at night knowing if there is a server disaster, we will do our best to have you up and running, even at 4 in the morning.

Please note, GlowHost recommends that if your data is important, that you should always have local backups and/or additional off-site backups depending on how critical the data is to you. If your web site is damaged or destroyed and you need a copy from GlowHost’s internal backup system, there may be a service fee involved for access to our backups or if you request that GlowHost handle the entire restoration on your behalf.

domains_32x32Domain Services

Unlimited Parked Domains
Parked domains allows your web site to have as many other domain names you would like to point to the main web site. A user can type www.domain1.com or www.domain2.com and have both domains land on the same web site. Great for when you change your web site’s primary domain name or when you want to forward many extensions like .net and .org to your main .com address. These are free and unlimited when you host with GlowHost.

Unlimited Subdomains
Examples of a subdomain would be like support.yoursite.com, forums.yoursite.com, and shopping.yoursite.com. Subdomains can have unique FTP passwords and can help keep your site organized and restrict file access to only the users you wish have access to these areas. Subdomains are free and unlimited when you host with GlowHost.

Addon Domains
Almost every package at GlowHost supports addon domains. Addon domains allow you to host several unique web sites, using their own domain name in one hosting account. These are a good way to consolidate web sites to a single hosting account. However, we do not recommend using addon domains for more than a handful of web sites. If you have more than 5 or 10 web sites, a reseller package, VDS package or dedicated server is going to be a much better choice for you because there are inherent security and performance improvements gained by separating web sites into their own server account. It also makes transferring of sites and data migration much easier down the road when you decide that a dedicated server is required for your popular and growing web sites.

Numerous Domain Registration Services
We offer numerous domain name registration services that are compatible with hosting at GlowHost or any other web hosting service provider. Learn more about domain name registration services.

network_32x32Network and Datacenter Information

Multiple Backbone Connections
The datacenter facilities where GlowHost servers are located, each have numerous backbone providers and are publicly peered with many providers. While our peering and backbone carriers change from time to deal with demand or capacity, you can be sure that there is no less than 5 unique carriers servicing our networks, and often there are twice that many. If you seek specific information regarding our datacenter facilities, please contact us.

Multiple Datacenter Locations
We have servers racked in no less than 10 worldwide datacenters. With locations in North America, Europe and Asia, content delivery will be closer to your target audience. For an up to date listing of current datacenters, please check our datacenter and speedtest pages.

High Security Datacenters
Our datacenters utilize state of the art personnel ID systems and security including video surveillance and 24/7 recording. All entrances to the Data Center include biometric scanning in combination with card key to prevent unauthorized access.

Content Delivery Network – CDN
Our affordable CDN addon services put content right next door to your intended audience. We offer more than 80 POPs (Points of Presence) across the globe. An easy pay-as-you-go model ensures you do not pay for more than you need. Please contact sales for current locations and pricing information.

supportfeat_32x32Technical Support Services

Free Site Transfer and Data Migration
GlowHost will arrange and move your site files from your old cPanel host upon request. If you have root access to multiple accounts, we can also transfer Plesk, Alabanza, Web Panel, and other popular panels and convert them to cPanel. This is a free service when you sign up to use GlowHost’s hosting services. Please note, certain terms and conditions do apply. Please see our data migration FAQ.

24/7/365 Monitoring
Your servers are constantly monitored and maintained. We catch and fix potential problems before they turn into REAL problems. We strive to correct issues before they affect your business. When your business is affected, so is ours. We try extremely hard to make sure your online business is running smoothly at all times. See why tens of thousands of mission critical web sites have chosen to host with GlowHost.

24/7/365 Technical Support with 20 minute target resolution time
We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays included. That means your site is always working for you, and so is GlowHost. If you need to contact us, you can any time of day, any day of the week. Our average support ticket response time is 20 minutes. We will try to resolve your issue completely within the first 20 minutes of your ticket submission, however, if your question is more complicated, we will be in constant communication with you until the issue is 100% resolved. You will not be waiting for days or even hours for answers from GlowHost. We have grown an outstanding reputation for outstanding, fast, accurate, and friendly technical support. Join us today!

SSL Installation Services
We provide SSL installation service for your third party SSL certificate or you can buy an SSL certificate package from GlowHost directly which provides an SSL certificate of your choice, installation, and a dedicated IP address, all of which are required for your web site to have SSL secured web pages. See our SSL certificates and other security related products.

Community Forums
GlowHost offers a community forum with unofficial community support. Add your comments, questions, tips, and general chit-chat to our user-based community support channel. Find the tips, tricks and hacks, or offer your own in our community forums.

Online Documentation
We have extensive online documentation including a fully searchable knowledge base, searchable community forums, video tutorials, FAQ, control panel tips, tricks, and manuals, and much, much more. If you cannot find it on our site, we will add it per your request, or you can just ask us directly by submitting a ticket to our fast and friendly technical support.

Comprehensive Knowledge base
A searchable knowledge base with hundreds of topics is at your disposal. Ticket submission also offers automated suggested “fixes” to known, similar or identical topics. Our online knowledge base is one of the most extensive knowledge bases available to the cPanel hosting community.


FREE Domain Name RegistrationFREE Domain Name Registration

GlowHost registers your favorite .com, .net, or .org for free. Just order web hosting and the domain is on the house. The domain is owned by you, and you can migrate it away at any time.

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Softaculous Web App Auto-InstallerSoftaculous Web App Auto-Installer

Run all of the most popular web apps on your website in a few clicks. Choose WordPress, Drupal and more, complete with a staging site. You’ll be up and running in just a few minutes with our easy app auto-installer.

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cPanel Control <br />PanelcPanel Control
Panel

Be a hero with our easy to use web site control panel. Create email addresses, manage DNS, check webmail, administrate databases, complete with a file manager and more good stuff.

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Business Class Email ServicesBusiness Class Email Services

Professional IMAP email & webmail, anti-virus & anti-spam, end-to-end encryption with SPF and DKIM support. Advanced Managed DMARC & BIMI options available.

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