The following is a list of tools that most webmasters and web hosts alike utilize on a consistent basis to keep things flowing. When data flows, profits flow too.

Keep in mind that a lot of the descriptions are from the vendor’s page.

The vendor is responsible for the accuracy of the description. I try to be very vendor neutral when giving advice. I’ll never endorse a product unless 1) I’ve used it or 2) It’s a recognized industry leader in it’s niche. I will from time to time review products like those below.

Server Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows Server 2003/2008: Windows Server 2008 is the most advanced Windows Server operating system yet, designed to power the next-generation of networks, applications, and Web services. With Windows Server 2008 you can develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications, provide a highly secure network infrastructure, and increase technological efficiency and value within your organization. [Microsoft Corp.]

CentOS: CentOS is an Enterprise-class Linux Distribution derived from sources freely provided to the public by a prominent North American Enterprise Linux vendor. CentOS is free. [centos.org]

Red Hat Enterprise Linux: Red Hat Enterprise Linux is available in two variants for servers. A base Red Hat Enterprise Linux server is designed for small deployments while Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform is designed for mainstream customers and provides the most cost-effective, flexible, and scalable environment. Both versions are based on common core technology. Both include a comprehensive suite of open source server applications and virtualization capabilities. [Redhat.com]

Tools that connect you to your server

Putty.exe: PuTTY is a free implementation of Telnet and SSH for Win32 and Unix platforms, along with an xterm terminal emulator. I’ll cover a specific blog post about how to use this tool sometime. You need to know some basic Linux commands, but we’ll cover that in a later post. If you’re reading this and don’t see the post, flame me and I’ll get it done…

Filezilla: Filezilla is a great FTP client (and server). FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, in short it’s the way you transfer files between computers, using the Internet. Similar to File Explorer in Windows, you can transfer files and folders from a local directory on your PC to a remote directory on a web server. [sourceforge.net]

Tools that monitor your server

IPCheck: Freeware (and commercial) tool that monitors your sites or hardware and reports service outages. Free edition give you up to 5 sensors. Have it check if a page is displaying, if a record is displaying, if an IP pings, and more. [Paessler Corp.]

Tools that your customers will want

Control Panels:

Plesk Control Panel: Parallels Plesk is a comprehensive control panel solution used by leading hosting providers worldwide for shared, virtual and dedicated hosting. The control panel is designed to simplify the management and administration of web sites. Plesk control panel automates a large number of tasks that allow service providers to reduce operating costs and resources while at the same time increasing profitability, efficiency and customer satisfaction. [Parallels Corp]

Helm Control Panel: Helm 4 is the leading windows control panel solution, empowering hosting providers to control, automate and sell virtually any product or service. Helm 4 allows service providers to keep their operational costs down and serve their customers better, resulting in efficient service, improved revenue and greater level of customer satisfaction. [www.WebHostAutomation.com]

cPanel Control Panel: cPanel and WebHost Manager (WHM) combine to form a fully featured web hosting control panel system. cPanel and WHM allow you to provide an interface for both your customers and your staff. [cPanel.net]

Ensim Control Panel:

Popularity: 3% [?]