Unmanaged Dedicated Servers FAQ

Unmanaged Unix (FreeBSD & Linux) Dedicated Servers FAQ, last updated Dec 27th, 2007

• Q. Will I be given root access?
  A. Yes, Full root access.

• Q. What version of Fedora Core Linux would you install?
  A. We'd install any version, though we prefer to install latest versions.

• Q. What version of FreeBSD would you install?
  A. Pretty much any version of FreeBSD 6.XR or 7.X.

• Q. What do I do if I need to install earlier versions of FreeBSD or Linux?
  A. Please instruct us when you order a server or/and contact us via email sales@cifnet.net to discuss all other Unix OS options.

• Q. Does the fee include a perpetual license to RedHat Network (for automatic updates via up2date)?
  A. No, it does not.

• Q. Who is responsible for keeping the OS up to date with updates from Red Hat (FreeBSD, and so forth)?
  A. You are responsible for maintaining your server. Our fees may vary from ~$60 to $170 an hour. Please keep in mind that we offer this line of dedicated servers service only to individuals with some technical background/expirience in Unix OS.

• Q. Can I install/configure other software (PostFix Mailer, SSH server, etc.)?
  A. You are welcome to install anything you wish; you have total control of the server and only your files and data reside on your server. So anything is possible, but only as long as it does not interfere with our network, other servers or devices, and not in any violation of any local or federal laws or regulations. Please refer to our Acceptable Use Policy documents.
• Q. Does the fee include a perpetual license to RedHat Network (for automatic updates via up2date)?
  A. No, it does not.

• Q. I would like to run my own primary DNS service for my domains on that server with you guys providing secondary. Is this supported?
  A. We can provide free secondary. It is supported at no additional fee. We require ~24 hour to make changes on our NS servers, but in general it might take us less than 30 minutes, depends how urgent request is.

• Q. Do I have user account control?
  A. Yes, you do. You may add and remove users.

• Q. Can I send unsolicited commercial email (UCE) or spam from my server?
  A. No, of course not. CIFNet will not tolerate unsolicited mail. You, as our customer, will be in violation of our Acceptable Use Policy documents.

• Q. Does CIFNet monitor my servers?
  A. Yes; we monitor each dedicated server; unless, of course, we are told not to do so by you, our customer.

• Can I provide hardware to be installed in CIFNet's dedicted server?
  A. At this time, we cannot accept customer supplied hardware to be inserted in our dedicated servers.

• Q. Why do your require signed contracts ?
  A. In short, some jurisdictions have rules of law or statutes which render oral contracts unenforceable. So, a written contracts is must.

• Q. Do you require a long term contract with your dedicated servers?
  A. Generally, no. Month-to-month contracts for standard and 12 month contracts for premium (read, expensive) HP servers. 

• Q. What extra services do you provide with this service?
  A. At this time we offer "Remote Console & Power Cycle" services, it is highly recommended if not absolutely essential that you get this service with your Unix server, in case we need to recover halted server, or your ethernet interface goes down, the remote console will save you and us time and money. Additionally, we will be providing backup services whereas dedicated server owner will be able to backup most important information such as config files, data, and so on onto a backup machine.

• Q. Can I setup my own packet filtering rules on the server?
  A. You may set up and compile any driver/software into the kernel.

• Q. Can you install FreeBSD 7.0?
  A. Yes we can; however, this may or may not be suitable for production environment and not recommended at this time unless you are an experienced in FreeBSD Unix OS. If you decide to go with 7.0, please do specify during provisioning process.

• Q. How do you measure bandwidth? I understand I have 400 gigs per month?
  A. We measure using industry standard 95th percentile method, please refer to this document for more information. 400 gigs roughly equals to 1.2Mbps @ 95th % rule, additional transit is billed in 1Mbps increments. You will have 24x7 access to your bandwidth statistics usage, and you will be contacted if we start seeing significant usage.

• Q. I understand Ethernet interface in your swiching equipment is being locked at 10 or 100Mbps, why not 1000Mbps (i.e. GigE) ?
  A. Each Ethernet port is being locked at 10 or 100Mbps Full Duplex, if you are require GigE handoff and plan on bursting above 100Mbps please specify when contacting sales@cifnet.net. You may need to demonstrate consistent usage close to 70Mbps limit, and your account must be in good standing order (means no late payments and outstanding invoices.)

• Q. I need the service ASAP. What information would I need to provide in order to receive quote right away?
  A. Your organization name, contact (your) name with email, billing and/or physical address, phone, fax, what plan and how you would like us to install OS.