hosting server-email and SMTP questions

ManOnScooter · 17th December 2007

Hi,

I am new to web-hosting, i have a few questions on emails.

My hosting company has given me a list features the server has, it includes
Web Based POP Management
Unlimited SMTP Services
Formmail - (Feedback Form)

What does this mean? i.e. does this mean that all i m required to do is the coding part and the interfacing to the SMTP would be done automatically.
eample would be
just a code like
$to = "someone@example.com";
$subject = "Test mail";
$message = "Hello! This is a simple email message.";
$from = "someonelse@example.com";
$headers = "From: $from";
mail($to,$subject,$message,$headers);
echo "Mail Sent.";
?>
would do the magic - i dont need to be bothered abt the configuration and stuffz?

JamieBeeston · 17th December 2007

Without wanting to sound pithy... you're paying your hosting company for support.. why don't you just ask them?

GL

J

othellotech · 17th December 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOnScooter

What does this mean? i.e. does this mean that all i m required to do is the coding part and the interfacing to the SMTP would be done automatically.
{snip}
would do the magic - i dont need to be bothered abt the configuration and stuffz?

Are they selling you a dedicated server or vps ? generally that would mean you'd have to do *everything*

Or do you just have an account on a shared server - in which case they'd manage it.

Either way, as Jamie says, its best to call up and check with their support about exactly what you're getting.

ManOnScooter · 17th December 2007

ok, as i told u i m new, so when i asked the hosting service provider he sent me a mail saying i will get ...

Quote:

Web Based POP Management
Unlimited SMTP Services
Formmail - (Feedback Form)
Unlimited Mailboxes
Unlimited Email Aliases & Auto Responders

so i was wondering if only coding in my php pages would be enough or i would also have to consider the integration... and if yes at what level.

i understand i can cal him and ask, but i dont wanna end up asking dumb questions. I wanna be well informed before i ask any question.

ManOnScooter · 17th December 2007

Any specific questions that i could ask to make sure its just the code i need to write and not integrate and any more stuffz??

othellotech · 17th December 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOnScooter

Any specific questions that i could ask to make sure its just the code i need to write and not integrate and any more stuffz??

I'd start with ...
"can I have a php example of a mailform script please" and
"is the php function mail() blocked in anyway"
"can I use an alternative to the inbuilt formmail script ?"
"what are the daily/hours limitations on outbound mail/smtp"
"any pointers you can provide on stopping my php mail script being abused"

Generic help many of us could provide, but only your supplier will know specifics about their service.

ManOnScooter · 17th December 2007

this is for dedicated hosting

JamieBeeston · 17th December 2007

Dont worry about looking silly, they're there to help you, and as they've taken your money, what they need to do now is prove to you they were the right choice

ManOnScooter · 17th December 2007

yes this is a dedicated server they are selling

othellotech · 17th December 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOnScooter

this is for dedicated hosting

OK, then my next question to you wouyld be are *you* ready for a dedicated server?

The level of questions indicates you'd be much better of with a decent provider of virtual hosting , or if you have specific development/config requirements, a managed VPS

*Generally* by the time you get to need a dedicated, you should be specifying to the supplier what you want, not them telling you what you get

Just in case i'm getting the wrong end of the stick ... what suppler and what package ?

ManOnScooter · 17th December 2007

maybe you are right, am i really ready for this??!!... i could start with a lower requirment..
I think i should consider this thought..

all in all, under what conditions do i need to consider the integration of my php code with the smtp service.
with what my hosting provider has mentioned do you think i need to do anything more than just write the server side code?

and under what conditions does 1 have to consider the "integration" with the code?

othellotech · 17th December 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOnScooter

all in all, under what conditions do i need to consider the integration of my php code with the smtp service.

As long as PHP is installed and configured correctly, none.