What? A Dedicated Server? After many years of running on multiple hosting accounts, I have finally started the move to a dedicated server. I spent a few weeks researching dedicated servers, and finally decided on Hostgator. I have had multiple accounts with them for years without much issue, and they seem to be the best deal I could find in terms of price/features/support.  I then spent a lot of time reading dozens of threads in the Hostgator forums , which were very helpful in the process. I chose the Standard package, which runs about $220 per month. Hostgator includes Cpanel and WHM, which is really good, and many of the packages I looked at did not include them, so if you are searching for a dedicated server, be sure and keep that in mind. The ordering process was smooth, and I guess since I have been a customer so long they did not need to verify, and by the next morning, my server was ready. I then followed some great steps put up by an HG forum user, and then paid $125 for an outside company to secure the server and install some nifty programs such as an improved firewall and mail product. I have only moved a few sites over, and after I done extensive testing, I will begin the process of moving the rest. I have decided to keep my blog and my support site on a shared server, so if something does happen with the dedicated server, people can still contact me using the helpdesk and my email will still work.  So, just wanted to share this bit of news with you, and if anyone is considering making the move themselves, go for it!

Sinec today is Memorial Day, I was thinking earlier about the way the day is actually treated. If you know the history of Memorial Day, it was originally designed to be basically a day of National Remembrance to Honor those who have died in service to their country. Although it was not officially declared until 1967, many communities, states, and counties had been doing something very similar since the 1800’s. In 1971 Congress changed the day to be on Monday, thus creating a 3 day weekend. The VFW and many others have expressed concerns that the true meaning of the day has been lost and it is now considered by many as just a way to kickoff summer vacations. They would like to see Memorial Day moved back to May 30th. I for one support this notion, and I do believe that many people do not understand the true meaning of Memorial Day. So, today, please take a few moments to remember and honor those who have given their lives in service.