F.A.Q

This section will grow over time. The questions below are genuine questions that have been asked of us that we feel are not answered elsewhere in the site.

If we register an interest in a server, do you know how long it would take for us to get up and running? i.e. Do we have to wait for others to get to the same stage and if so would it take long?

As soon as you register an interest in the server and pay your contribution to the hardware costs we will be able to accommodate you on an existing server. Our goal is to always have a few free seats, or if necessary an existing server could easily accommodate you temporarily. When the new server is ready we would copy your files across and have the DNS for your base domain directed to the new server.

Do you have a set of terms and conditions (or some form of agreement) I could take a look at?

The terms and conditions of the Crosswired Project are simplistic thus ensuring the quality of service to the other members while also not being restrictive. Our terms and conditions work in hand with our Acceptable Usage Policy. Both of these documents are available via the main web page.

Are there any sites I could take a look at who use your co-op service? Is there any existing co-op member I could talk to to get their comments?

All of our cooperative members are over the moon with the Crosswired Project so I'm sure they would take the time to talk to you. However, members that use the server for commercial purposes may wish to remain anonymous. The best thing you can do is connect to our news server (nntp://news.crosswired.org.uk)and join the local Crosswired groups. I'm sure there will be plenty of members who would be happy to talk to you.

What happens with bandwidth? If we have a commercial site generating large amounts of traffic (all very hypothetical!), what happens - i.e. are there set limits that come into play?

Our 10Mbit/s of bandwidth is contested between the Crosswired servers. The beauty of this setup is you don't have to worry about running over a monthly transfer quota, plus this is a server that can burst upto 10Mbit/s! You'd need an substantial amount of traffic to saturate this kind of bandwidth. Besides, if you expect to have high levels of sustained traffic then feel free to get in touch with us to work out a deal on your having your own server, it would be justified!

I will be using Dreamweaver Ultradev and intend to develop backend databases, shopping carts, etc. will I need specific database software to link to your server or are there any over software restrictions I will face using your setup?

Crosswired runs on Linux and our database of choice is MySQL. You will need to investigate if your software is compatible, ideally before you join.

Will I be able to resell space on this server, to those I design sites for?

What you do with your share of the resources is entirely up to you. The only rules is it has to be legal and in compliance with out AUP. Members may use our AUP and add their own refinements to reflect their company and pass it on to their customers.

Can I load on my own CGI scripts or do you have specific ones to use?

Of course you can. You may have CGI bins for every domain you host. You are totally free of third party restrictions. e.g. if you wish to upload you favorite web server then you can do it! If you are unable to do it yourself then we will help you.

I think I am right in saying that your site suggests that I will have about 3gb of space, no limit to traffic for a fee of £25 per month, If I were to need further space would it be a case of purchasing a further 3gb for £25 or are there other options?

All you have to remember is we the members share the resources. We have all co-existed for some time now with no problems what so ever. If you need more resources we are flexible. The costs of running any one server are split between the members on that server. You are free to buy into a larger share of the server or better still be a member on another Crosswired server.

If I were to resell space to those I develop for what additional charges would I incur?

None. You are simply using your own resources. You are, however, responsible for customers, so it is advisable that you keep an eye on what they may be doing.

Having never used Linux, will I need to learn it?

Your Linux knowledge only marginally limits your flexibility. We utilise Webmin (visit webmin.com) for all routine administration on the server. Webmin allows someone with little or no Linux experience to do all of the day-to-day admin on the server. You will find that with the resources of Crosswired you will invariably pick up some Linux anyway. We will also help you with any problems.

What support will be available from you, and after the initial setup am I likely to need any help?

You are not likely to need any help after the first month or two. After that we don't mind offering the odd ten minutes of our time here and there (the setting up of the odd software package etc). If you really need our continued help with regards to servers, networks, perhaps a large project then we will give our professional help at a very reasonable rate. As mentioned previously, we have the local newsgroups for questions of either general or specific nature.

I noticed that there are certainly two big companies offering what you are offering at similar cost, what advantage would I have going with your company?

Firstly we are not a big company wanting to relieve you of your money and make a big profit. Because of this, should you need any help you will not find yourself talking to someone fresh from a great career with "Mc Donalds" with a small wage :-) Secondly, you're in charge of your own resources directly, you're not forced to use any particular control panel. If you wish, you are welcome to have a direct say both in the future of the server and Project Crosswired.

Last question (sorry its a negative one), are there any guarantees that you will not cease trading over the coming year, what would happen in this situation?

Because of the nature of Project Crosswired there will always be someone to take my place. There are, of course, unforseen circumstances in any venture, so it would be foolish to say that it will never happen. So - should the unthinkable happen, it will be up to the members to decide how the project continues - if it's a lack of revenue, the monthly bandwidth costs can be scaled back temporarily for instance. If it's lack of technical expertise, it may be useful to bring in an advisory technical member to help keep things running.

Ultimately, it's the members who make the project and the members who make the decisions that affect it. It's important to remember that when you're making a choice between Project Crosswired and other colocation hosts.