There may come a time in your webmastering career when you need or want to install a custom script or software application on your web hosting account. This may be for any number of purposes, and as long as it doesn’t involve anything that violates their terms of service or use more system resources than you are contracted for, most web hosting companies will not usually put up too much of a fuss. They may even help you install it. Here are 4 tips you’ll want to keep in the forefront of your mind when considering installing new scripts or applications.
1. Security – One of the reasons that many web hosts now come with a great many scripts and applications pre-installed on your account control panel, is the fact that applications that reside on your control panel are the portal to your entire site, and if they are not secure, you stand to lose a lot. Web hosting companies want to ensure that they keep as tight a rein as possible on their server security, so as not to let a rogue script ruin everyone’s day! If you come up with a script or application that you want to run that is not already available on your account, you’ll need to run it by your web host. They may have seen it before, and know whether or not it’s a problem, or they can also tell you if they have the proper framework to allow this software to run. Either way, it has to be vetted by your host first.
2. Wordpress Plugins – Many people today are using WordPress as their blogging platform of choice, and for good reason. WordPress is very versatile and allows you to use a number of very handy applications called “plugins” to help with many different areas of your site. One thing you need to be diligent about, however, is the necessity of making sure that not only are your versions of WordPress up to date, but that the plugins themselves are too. Make sure you update whenever there is a new version, which is really your best way to make sure everything plays nice together!
3. Software Versions – Related to the previous point, but less in your control, is the updating of the software in your web hosting package itself. Your host needs to be sure to make all software updates, whether it is for the software that actually operates your hosting account or elements of your CMS. Sometimes smaller web hosts lack the manpower to make sure updates are implemented in a timely fashion, so be sure to keep an eye on it. This is particularly true for WordPress updates.
4. Use A Competent Installer – A great many times the web host will offer to (for a fee) or insist upon installing the scripts or applications in question. They do have a vested interest, and if the fee is okay with you, it’s not a bad idea. Otherwise, if you have some latitude in this area, opt to have the script developer install it if possible. This often works well if you have commissioned a custom script. The point here is to make sure that somebody is doing this who knows that they are doing.
Installing custom script and apps on your web hosting account isn’t a hard thing to do, and many times can result in great benefit for your site. Just remember to make sure everything and everyone is on the same page, and you’ll be fine.
