Remote Desktop Hosting FAQs
Dedicated Server
Hosting FAQ
How do I access my remote desktop server?
You access your remote desktop server using 'Remote Desktop Connection' from a windows computer. If you are using another operating system such as a MAC OS you can install an application to connect to your server. Go to www.Microsoft.com and search for "mac remote desktop connection client".
How do I close a RDP session when all are taken?
If all of the available sessions are already logged in then you should try to login to the console of the server using the following ways
Click to login as admin to access console via RDP.
- Open Command Prompt on your local windows computer
- Type: mstsc /admin
- Hit 'Enter' key and login
- This will open a new session enabling you to log off other sessions.
If you have a dedicated server with us you can also access the console of the server by using your iDRAC login.
Will I be provided with administrator access to my server?
Yes! You are provided with administrator access by default. This enables you to
customize your server and the applications you choose to install.
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How many IP addresses will I be given?
Each customer receives a minimum of 3 IP addresses. Additional IPs require justification.
Also all of our customers are setup on independent network segments aka Dedicated
VLANs.
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What are the benefits of a DRAC (remote management card)
A DRAC card allows you to access the server as if you were physically connected
to the server via a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. It also allows you to power cycle
the server if necessary. An example use would be if you were to disable your remote
access you could login to the DRAC via a web browser to enable remote access.
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How do I transfer data to my server?
If you have large amounts of data, say greater than a gigabyte, we suggest you use
a USB drive, CD or DVD. If you have smaller amounts of data you can transfer it
via ftp or remote desktop shared drives.
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How can I back up my data?
There are many options including: backing it up to a server at your office, use
a third party service, or contact us for a custom Riptide Hosting solution.
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How do I know which server is right for me?
If you don't have server specifications in mind, we recommend you start with our
entry level server. If you need to upgrade, we will deploy a new server for you
to migrate to, and give you a month to do so.
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How much bandwidth do I need?
Although bandwidth usage varies most of our clients use less than 50GB of transfer
per month. For a rough calculation 1 mega bit per second of bandwidth utilized all
month is 320 GB of datatransfer. Clients who run sites with streaming audio or video
are capable of using much more bandwidth. Servers being used for Terminal Services
use very little bandwidth.
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How do I transfer large amounts of data between my servers?
If you have multiple servers we can provide a gig E backend network between your
servers.
**Remember to leave your gateway setting blank on the backend
connection.
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Is there a limit on the number of domains I can host on my server?
No. Customers are only limited by the resources their server provides.
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How many IP addresses do I need to host multiple domains on my server?
Multiple domains can share the same IP address, therefore there is no need to have
one IP address per domain. To accomplish this you need to use host headers (there
are many great examples on the internet). The only time a dedicated IP address is
typically needed for a domain is when an SSL certificate will be used (i.e. https://).
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Am I responsible for administering the server?
Yes. Server Administration is the customer's responsibility and it is highly recommended
that any customer purchasing a Dedicated Server have medium to advanced administration
knowledge of the Windows Operating System and any applications that will be installed
on the server. Riptide Hosting will setup (load) the server and configure it to
auto update with the Windows Update utility. Customers are responsible for ensuring
that the latest patches and updates are installed to maintain server security. Riptide
Hosting may provide support on request at our standard technical support rate.
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Server Colocation FAQ
Is there a setup fee for Server Colocation?
No. Riptide Hosting does not charge setup fees for colocation.
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Are rails required for my rack mount server?
We require that rails be provided with your rack mount server. If you do not have
rails, we can assist you with ordering them, or provide you with a shelf for your
server (charges will apply for the space utilized by the shelf).
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What type of rails will I need?
Square holed rails preferred. Standard-sized rails (or 'rapid rails' if ordering
from Dell) to fit square holed racks will be needed.
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Can I colocate a desktop (mid-tower or full tower) box?
Although we would greatly prefer that your servers come in a rack mount case, you
can colocate a regular desktop PC. For this option, you will need 5U of colocation
space (4U for the desktop, plus 1 U for a shelf). In the long run, however, converting
your desktop system to utilize a 1U or 2U case will be more cost-effective.
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Can I colocate more than one server?
Yes. To colocate multiple servers, just add up the total height of the servers to
determine the amount of colocation space you will need. Discounts are offered for
the colocation of multiple servers.
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How do I know which server is right for me?
If you don't have server specifications in mind, we recommend you start with our
entry level server. If you need to upgrade, we will deploy a new server for you
to migrate to, and give you a month to do so.
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How do you calculate how much bandwidth I use?
We use MRTG, a well-known statistics package, to calculate bandwidth based on the
95th percentile. Statistics are made available to you upon request via a web-accessible
portal.
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Do you require a minimum contract?
No. Colocation is provided on month-to-month basis. You may cancel service any time.
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What managed services do you provide with purchase of a colocation package?
We include the following services with your hosting package:
- Emergency KVM over IP access, which allows for remote control of your server as
if your keyboard, mouse, and monitor were directly connected to the server.
- Reverse DNS service.
- Other managed services, such as backup service, firewall protection, monitoring
and more are available for additional fees.
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What managed services do you provide for additional fees?
We can provide you with the following managed services:
- Monitoring service
- Firewall service
- System backup
Please call us at 1.888.282.1883 for a custom quote if you require
any of these.
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May I visit your colocation facilities?
Yes. If you are in the Denver area, please call us at 1.888.282.1883
and we will be happy to arrange a tour.
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Will you grant me access to your facilities to administer my own servers?
Yes. However, a Riptide Hosting employee must be on-site with you at all times.
If you need to access your equipment for an extended amount of time, we recommend
that you pick up your equipment and then drop it off at the data center at a later
time.
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