WHM (web Host Manager) is a control dashboard that gives the user the ability to manage multiple cPanel-based sites.
In this article you will find out why you should use WHM and how it can be useful in managing websites.
Let’s get started.
Table of contents displays Why should you use WHM (web host manager)? These are the key points why you should use WHM to manage multiple websites:
1.Increased security for sites . A different cPanel for each site means that if one domain is hacked, the others will not be affected, making them more secure. 2.Better management . You have the power to monitor all activity on your websites and easily switch from one cPanel to another. WHM also allows you to adjust the bandwidth and disk space of each account. 3.Hosting Reseller . You can monetize your hosting by creating new cPanel accounts that people can purchase. 4.Unique cPanels for branding . For resale purposes, a WHM interface can be modified to reflect your brand. What does WHM do?
Here are some of the main functions you can perform with WHM:
Create, delete or suspend accounts with WHM
WHM allows you to add multiple cPanel accounts and set a default page for each.
To do this, go to Account Features and enter all the information including domain details, DNS settings and mail routing options. Then, click Create .
Also, if one of your clients is in breach of contract or their account has expired, you can delete or suspend it by accessing the Account List menu .
Server Monitoring Through WHM all activity on your server can be monitored . The Process Manager, for example, records all processes running on the server.
With the Service Manager , the owner can manage services and their activities in the background.
And last but not least, the ‘current disk utilization will inform about the remaining storage space and what it is being used for.
Set up different hosting packages with WHM As the WHM account owner, you have the freedom to decide how to divide the storage space. This is useful when you want to provide various hosting packages at different prices.
The great thing is that you can easily upgrade an existing domain without having to move all the files.
Transfer files with WHM You can move files from the remote server to your hosting in case your new client has set up his or her own website in another location.
Customize your reseller brand
You may want your server to be unique even if you are reselling it from the original hosting company.
With WHM, you are free to have your own logo, links to documentation, cPanel style, and public profile of your business.
These settings can be found in the cPanel -> Customization tab.
Market vendor manager This feature allows you to manage and display products that customers can purchase through their cPanel, such as a multi-year SSL certificate or package upgrade.
SSL certificate management If you are a reseller, customers expect your hosting to have everything they need, including SSL . Fortunately, you will find the feature to install and manage it in the SSL/TLS tab .
Enable cPHulk for added security
Enabling cPHulk will protect all domains from external attacks by limiting the access that makes its way to cPanel.
File backup and restore You can enable automatic backups to be performed on any or all accounts on your server. Then the data will be uploaded to remote storage, such as Google Drive , webDAV and so on.
The backup settings, along with the restore features, are found in the Backup tab .
Provide CMS for cPanel users. We suggest that you provide several options to ensure that your users can install the content management system of their choice. This feature can be enabled in Manage cPAddons Site Software .
Changes There are a lot of features in this section that can add or change many things on your server, including spam protection, default login theme, and notification alerts.
Plugins for cPanel cPanel is compatible with plugins such as Munin (server monitor), ClamAV (virus protection), and Solr (text indexing), and if you find some of them useful for your clients, you can add them via the Manage Plugins menu.
Conclusion WHM is a powerful tool for managing multiple websites simultaneously. In addition, WHM makes it possible to resell hosting.
To this end, there are many WHM features that allow you to have full control over managing multiple sites.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of WHM and how you can use it for website management.
A Domain Name System (DNS) is a directory that translates domain names or hostnames into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses . Through this process, users can easily access Web sites on the Internet through Web browsers. Sometimes, some DNS error messages may be detected when accessing a website, one of them being the message “DNS Server not responding” .
This means that the web browser cannot connect to the site because the DNS server cannot correctly map host names to IP addresses.
There are several causes that can generate the DNS Server Not Responding error (or impossible to resolve server dns address.), from incorrectly configured network cards to incorrect DNS server addresses. Fortunately, most of these problems are the user’s responsibility and can be solved without much effort.
This article will examine 11 potential solutions to the error DNS server not responding on Windows and Mac and several common causes for this error message.
Table of contents displays
DNS server not responding: network troubleshooting Running network diagnostics is the first step in correcting the “DNS server not responding” error. This method can help test and resolve all detected network problems and errors without too much trouble.
Here is how to run network diagnostics for Windows and Mac computers .
DNS server not responding: run Windows network diagnostics. Follow the steps below to run network diagnostics on Windows 10:
1.On Windows, go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center . 2.Select the Troubleshooting option under Change network settings . 3.Click Additional troubleshooting tools -> Internet connections -> Run the troubleshooting tool . 4.Wait for the troubleshooting process to complete. If a DNS error message appears in the window, follow the steps shown to resolve the problem.
Configure wireless diagnostics on Mac Here’s how to run wireless diagnostics on macOS:
1.Close all open apps and connect to the network from which you are experiencing the problem. 2.While holding down the Option key , select the Wi-Fi status icon in the menu bar and choose Open wireless diagnostics . 3.Follow the on-screen instructions to examine your network connection. 4.Once the scan process is complete, click on the Information icon in the Summary window to learn more about each item in the list.
If this method does not solve DNS server problems, go to the next step.
Connect with a different device Try connecting a different device to the same home network and access the site you are having problems with.
If the second device can access the web page using the same network, the problem is with the primary device.
In any case, if you still can’t visit the Web site with other devices connected to the same network, the problem may be your router.
Switch to a different web browser Another simple solution to try when you encounter the problem “DNS server not responding” is to visit the website from a different web browser .
For example, if your main browser is Mozilla Firefox , try accessing the web page from other browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome .
If this method works, update the default browser to the latest version or reinstall it completely. Otherwise, if the message “DNS server not responding” is displayed again, the browser is not the source of the connection problem.
Restart the computer in safe mode A malfunctioning operating system can cause the error message “DNS server not responding.”
To find out if this problem is preventing the DNS server from responding, you will need to restart the computer in Safe Mode , a reduced version of the operating system that can restrict the files, drivers, and resources used to run the device.
Here are the steps to start a computer in Safe Mode on Windows:
1.Go to the Start menu , select the power button , press the Shift key and select Restart . 2.In the Choose an option window , click Troubleshooting -> Advanced Options . 3.Select the Startup Settings option under Advanced Options and click Restart . 4.Press F5 on the keyboard to select the Safe Mode with Networking option .
If you’re using a Mac, here’s how to start your computer in Safe Mode:
1.Go to the Apple menu -> Shut Down . Wait about 10 seconds after the device shuts down. 2.Turn on the Mac and quickly hold down the Shift key until you see the login screen.
If your network connection is running in safe mode, it means that a third-party software may be causing the “DNS server not responding” problem. To solve this problem, you will have to find and delete the application from your PC.
Restart the modem or router A malfunctioning modem or router may also be the cause of DNS not responding.
Therefore, consider restarting your modem or router to clear the cache, potentially solving the DNS server problem.
Press the power button on the router or modem or unplug the power cord from the power outlet. Wait at least 30 seconds before pressing the power button again to reboot.
If restarting the modem or router does not work, try restoring it to its default settings. Check the device’s instruction manual to reset the modem or router.
Disable antivirus and firewall Antivirus and firewall programs aim to protect your device from malicious software. However, these tools can also block your Internet connection.
Try temporarily disabling your antivirus and firewall programs to see if they are the cause of the “DNS server not responding” error.
To access antivirus and firewall settings on Windows, select the Start menu and click Settings -> Update and Security -> Windows Security -> Virus and Threat Protection .
If you use a Mac computer, go to System Preferences -> Security and Privacy -> Firewall .
After disabling the antivirus and firewall programs, run network diagnostics again and reopen the Web site from the browser.
If this solves the problem, update or reconfigure the antivirus and firewall programs before reactivating them.
Disable other connections if the DNS server is not responding Another solution to solve the “DNS server not responding” problem is to disable unused connections on the device .
Follow these steps to disconnect additional network connections on Windows:
1.Go to Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center . 2.Click Edit Adapter Settings in the left column. 3.The Network Connections page will appear. Right-click Local Network Connection and other connections you are not using and select Disable .
Here’s how to disable other network connections on Mac:
1.Go to the Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Network .
2.
Select each of the unused connections on the left side of the screen and click the minus (-) button to disconnect that connection. After disabling all unused connections, restart the browser and try accessing the Web site again.
Change the DNS server address. If you cannot access the website after the previous solutions, try changing the address of the DNS server .
Your home network is configured to automatically obtain a DNS server address from your Internet service provider (ISP) . However, if your ISP’s DNS server does not respond, your Internet service will also stop working.
To solve this problem temporarily, change your DNS settings and use a different DNS address. This allows your browser to still be able to load any website on the Internet.
Fortunately, many services such as Cloudflare and Google Public DNS offer DNS addresses to use for free.
To configure other DNS servers on Windows, follow these steps:
1.Access the Network Connections page by typing ncpa.cpl in the Windows search box. Press Enter . 2.Right-click the connection currently in use and click Properties . 3.In the Properties window , select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Properties . 4.Select the options Obtain an IP address automatically and Use the following DNS server addresses on the Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties page . 5.Type the desired DNS server addresses in the Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server fields . 6.Check the Validate settings on exit box and select OK . 7.Restart your computer. Here are the steps to change the DNS server address on a Mac:
1.Go to the Apple menu -> System Preferences – > Network . 2.Click on the main network connection and select Advanced -> DNS.
3.Press the plus button to add a new DNS server. Press OK and then Apply . Restore your Internet connection and see if the “DNS server not responding” problem has been solved.
Clear the DNS cache Another solution to solve DNS server connection problems is to clear the cache via a DNS flush . Clearing the router cache may help get DNS working properly.
Here are the steps to clear the DNS cache files on Windows:
Type cmd in Windows search and press Enter to access the Windows command prompt console. At the command prompt, type ipconfig/flushdns and press Enter . If the process is successful, a confirmation message will appear at the command prompt. The steps to clear DNS cache files on a Mac are also relatively simple, but it is critical to run the correct command prompt based on your current version of the operating system.
On your Mac, open Terminal by pressing F4 and entering “terminal” in the Launchpad search box.
Once the app is open, run the appropriate command for your version of macOS.
On macOS Monterey , enter the following command:
1.sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder On macOS Big Sur , enter the following command:
2.sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder To clear the DNS cache on macOS Catalina , run this in the command prompt:
3.sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Run this command to clear the DNS cache on macOS Mojave :
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder Clear the DNS cache on macOS High Sierra with this command:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder For macOS Sierra, Mac OS X El Capitan, X Mavericks, X Mountain Lion, or X Lion , run the following command:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder If you are using Mac OS X Yosemite , enter this command:
sudo discoveryutil udnsflushcaches On Mac OS X Snow Leopard , run the command to clear the DNS cache:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache If you are using Mac OS X Leopard and earlier versions , enter this command:
sudo lookupd -flushcache After running the above commands, the network adapter will update its DNS configuration.
Read also: DNS flush: how to clear the DNS cache on various operating systems.
Secure Shell (SSH) is often essential for providing an encrypted channel over the Internet and as such is used in many web applications. Yet despite this, many developers do not know much about it. This is a problem because with just a couple of tricks you can save a lot of time and energy.
Learn this popular cryptographic network protocol and become much more efficient in its use with this quick SSH tutorial.
Table of Contents view What is SSH SSH, or Secure Shell, is a remote administration protocol that allows users to control and modify their remote servers over the Internet. The service was created as a secure replacement for unencrypted Telnet and uses cryptographic techniques to ensure that all communication to and from the remote server is done in an encrypted manner. It provides a mechanism for authenticating a remote user, transferring input from the client to the host, and forwarding output to the client.
The figure below shows a typical SSH window. Any Linux or macOS user can log in via SSH to their remote server directly from the terminal window. Windows users can take advantage of SSH clients such as Putty . You can execute shell commands in the same way you would if you were physically operating on the remote computer.
This SSH tutorial will cover the basics of how ssh works, including the technologies used by the protocol to provide a secure method of remote access. It will cover the different layers and types of encryption used, along with the purpose of each layer.
How does SSH work? If you are using Linux or Mac, using SSH is very simple. If you are using Windows, you will need to use an SSH client to open SSH connections. The most popular SSH client for Windows is PuTTY.
For Mac and Linux users, go to your terminal program and then follow the steps below:
The SSH command has 3 distinct parts:
ssh {user}@{host} The SSH key command tells the system that you want to open an encrypted Secure Shell connection. {user} represents the account you want to access. For example, you may want to access the root user , which is basically synonymous with the system administrator with full rights to modify anything on the system. {host} refers to the computer you want to access. It can be an IP address (e.g., 244.235.23.19) or a domain name (e.g., www.miodominio.com).
When you press enter, you will be asked to enter the password for the requested account. When you type it in, nothing will appear on the screen, but your password is, in effect, broadcast. Once you have finished typing, press enter again. If your password is correct, you will be greeted with a remote terminal window.
Understanding the different SSH encryption techniques. The significant advantage offered by SSH over its predecessors is the use of encryption to ensure the secure transfer of information between the host and the client. Host refers to the remote server you are trying to access, while the client is the computer you are using to access the host. There are three different encryption technologies used by SSH:
Symmetric Cryptography Symmetric encryption is a form of encryption in which a secret key is used for both encrypting and decrypting a message from both the client and the host. In effect, anyone who possesses the key can decrypt the message being transferred.
Symmetric cryptography is often called shared key or shared secret cryptography . Usually only one key or sometimes a key pair is used where one key can be easily computed using the other key.
Symmetric keys are used to encrypt the entire communication during an SSH session. Both client and server derive the secret key using an agreed method, and the resulting key is never disclosed to third parties. The process of creating a symmetric key is performed by a key exchange algorithm . What makes this algorithm particularly secure is the fact that the key is never transmitted between the client and the host. Instead, the two computers share public data and then manipulate it to independently compute the secret key. Even if another machine acquires the publicly shared data, it will not be able to compute the key because the key exchange algorithm is unknown.
It should be noted, however, that the secret token is specific to each SSH session and is generated prior to client authentication. Once the key has been generated, all packets moving between the two machines must be encrypted by the private key. This includes the password typed into the console by the user, so credentials are always protected from network packet sniffers.
There are a variety of symmetric encryption ciphers, including but not limited to AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), CAST128, Blowfish, etc. Before establishing a secure connection, the client and a host decide which cipher to use by publishing a list of supported ciphers in order of preference. The preferred encryption among those supported by the clients that is on the host’s list is used as the two-way encryption.
For example, if two Ubuntu 14.04 LTS machines communicate with each other over SSH, they will use aes128-ctr as the default cipher.
Asymmetric encryption Unlike symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption uses two separate keys for encryption and decryption. These two keys are known as the public key and private key . Together, both of these keys form a public-private key pair .
The public key, as the name suggests, is openly distributed and shared with all parties. Although it is closely related to the private key in terms of functionality, the private key cannot be mathematically computed from the public key. The relationship between the two keys is very complex: a message encrypted with the public key of a machine can only be decrypted by the private key of the same machine. This one-way relationship means that the public key cannot decrypt its own messages, nor can it decrypt anything encrypted by the private key.
The private key must remain private, that is, for the connection to be protected, no third party must know it. The strength of the entire connection lies in the fact that the private key is never revealed, as it is the only component that can decrypt messages that have been encrypted using its own public key. Therefore, any party with the ability to decrypt publicly signed messages must possess the corresponding private key.
Unlike the general perception, asymmetric encryption is not used to encrypt the entire SSH session but is used only during the symmetric encryption key exchange algorithm. Before initiating a secure connection, both parties generate temporary public-private key pairs and share their respective private keys to produce the shared secret key.
Once a protected symmetric communication is established, the server uses the client’s public key to generate it, verify it, and transmit it to the client for authentication. If the client successfully decrypts the message, it means it has the required private key for the connection. Then the SSH session begins.
Hashing One-way hashing is another form of encryption used in Secure Shell connections. One-way hashing functions differ from the previous two forms of encryption in the sense that they are never intended to be decrypted. They generate a unique value of fixed length for each input that shows no clear pattern that can be exploited. This makes them virtually impossible to reverse.
It is easy to generate a cryptographic hash from a given input, but impossible to generate the input from the hash. This means that if a client has the correct input, it can generate the cryptographic hash and compare its value to see if it has the correct input.
SSH uses hashes to verify the authenticity of messages. This is done using HMAC, or Hash-based Message Authentication Codes. This ensures that the received command is not tampered with in any way.
While the symmetric encryption algorithm is selected, a suitable message authentication algorithm is also selected. It works similarly to how the cipher is selected, as explained in the section on symmetric encryption.
Each transmitted message must contain a MAC, computed using the symmetric key, the packet sequence number, and the message content. It is sent outside the symmetrically encrypted data as the concluding section of the communication packet.
How does SSH work with these encryption techniques? The way SSH works is to use a client-server model to enable the authentication of two remote systems and the encryption of data passing between them.
SSH operates on TCP port 22 by default (although this can be changed if necessary). The host (server) is listening on port 22 (or any other port assigned by SSH) for incoming connections. It sets up the secure connection by authenticating the client and opening the correct shell environment if the verification is successful.
The client must initiate the SSH connection by initiating the TCP handshake with the server, ensuring a secure symmetric connection, verifying whether the identity displayed by the server matches previous records (typically recorded in an RSA key archive file), and presenting the user credentials required to authenticate the connection.
There are two steps to establishing a connection: first, both systems must agree on encryption standards to protect future communications, and second, the user must authenticate. If the credentials match, the user is granted access.
Session encryption negotiation. When a client attempts to connect to the server via TCP, the server presents the encryption protocols and the respective versions it supports. If the client has a matching protocol and version pair, an agreement is reached and the connection is initiated with the accepted protocol. The server also uses an asymmetric public key that the client can use to verify the authenticity of the host.
Once this is established, the two parties use what is known as the Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm to create a symmetric key. This algorithm allows both client and server to arrive at a shared encryption key that will henceforth be used to encrypt the entire communication session.
Here is how the algorithm works at a very simple level:
1.Both client and server agree on a very large prime number, which obviously has no common factor. This prime number value is also known as the seed value . 2.Next, the two parties agree on a common encryption mechanism to generate another set of values by manipulating the initialization values in a specific algorithmic way. These mechanisms, also known as cryptographic generators, perform large operations on the seed. An example of such a generator is AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). 3.Both parties independently generate another prime number. This is used as the secret private key for the interaction. 4.This newly generated private key, with the shared number and encryption algorithm (e.g., AES), is used to compute a public key that is distributed to the other computer. 5.The parties then use their own personal private key, the other machine’s shared public key, and the original prime number to create a final shared key. This key is calculated independently by both computers but will create the same encryption key on both sides. 6.Now that both sides have a shared key, they can symmetrically encrypt the entire SSH session. The same key can be used to encrypt and decrypt messages (read: section on symmetric encryption).
Now that the symmetrically protected encrypted session has been established, the user must be authenticated.
Authenticating the user The final step before the user is granted access to the server is to authenticate his credentials. For this, most SSH users use a password. The user is asked to enter the username, followed by the password. These credentials pass securely through the symmetrically encrypted tunnel, so there is no chance of them being acquired by third parties.
Although passwords are encrypted, it is still not advisable to use passwords for secure connections. This is because many bots can simply brute force easy or default passwords and gain access to your account. Instead, the recommended alternative is SSH Key Pairs .
This is a set of asymmetric keys used to authenticate the user without the need to enter any password.
Conclusion Gaining a thorough understanding of how SSH works can help users understand the security aspects of this technology. Most people consider this process to be extremely complex and incomprehensible, but it is much simpler than you think. If you are wondering how long it takes a computer to calculate a hash and authenticate a user, well, it happens in less than a second. In fact, the maximum amount of time is spent in transferring data over the Internet.
Hopefully, this SSH tutorial has helped you see the way different technologies can be put together to create a robust system in which each mechanism has a very important role to play. Also, you now know why Telnet became a thing of the past as soon as SSH appeared.
Many users are undecided about which messaging app is best for them. In particular, which one is the most secure. If you are one of those users and want to know the advantages and disadvantages of using Telegram vs WhatsApp vs Signal, read our comparison.
Why these three messaging apps? Because there has been a recent transition from WhatsApp to Telegram or Signal, which was mainly generated by privacy issues. In this post, we will shed light on the diversity of these messaging apps and help you choose the best one for your needs.
We will provide relevant context for each tool and present some key information: a list of key features, advantages and disadvantages, and customization options. Most importantly, we will focus on security and privacy.
Let’s get started!
Table of contents displays Telegram vs WhatsApp vs Signal: how do they differ? In this post, expect several insights into security and data privacy, as this is the main reason why most people choose to use one app at the expense of the others.
Let us briefly clarify why many users have switched from WhatsApp to other messaging apps. Recently, there was a notification on WhatsApp asking for users’ consent to share their personal information with Facebook . The news sparked a heated virtual debate about the privacy issues of WhatsApp, an app owned by Facebook.
Therefore, more than 25 percent of WhatsApp users said they would switch to other apps that provide better privacy (such as Telegram or Signal). “Privacy” means not sharing data with other companies that track your online activity for marketing purposes.
If you are not even sure which messaging app you should use, regardless of your reasons, read on to learn about the pros and cons of Telegram vs. WhatsApp vs. Signal.
WhatsApp
WhatsApp has been the most popular messaging app in the world in recent years. If we look at the numbers, it does not look like it will cede much of its market share to its competitors. WhatsApp belongs to the company Facebook, which acquired it in 2014.
The app also offers a business alternative, created specifically for companies that need an instant messaging tool for their teams. WhatsApp Business offers company profiles, chat/contact labels, automated messages, and quick replies to respond promptly to your customers.
If you use WhatsApp, you should not expect privacy. Although it encrypts your messages and group chats, the company collects almost all necessary data about you for use in advertising and marketing. There is no transparency about WhatsApp’s privacy policy and where your personal information is used.
Other than that, it is an interesting app to use when chatting with family and friends and is definitely a good contender for the best instant messaging app, in terms of functionality.
Features
Available on Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac
Free messaging, audio calls and video calls
Group chats of more than 250 users
Alternative web and desktop apps
Document sharing
Integrated camera
Voice messaging
End-to-end encryption
How customizable it is
When it comes to interface customization in WhatsApp, you only have a few options. You can customize your chats by changing the backgrounds to preloaded images, solid colors, patterns or personal images. You can also customize the way you appear online to your contacts.
What user data does WhatsApp collect?
Phone number, location, contacts, habits, browsing history, purchase history, advertising data, user and device ID, email address, payment information, performance data, and other user content.
Pro
Being the most popular app, you will find most of your contacts here, which is very convenient Fingerprint unlocking when you open the app End-to-end encryption (only you and users in a chat can read messages) Cons
Compared to the other two apps, WhatsApp has fewer privacy settings WhatsApp supposedly collects data about you and your online activity for marketing purposes Cloud-based backups that are not encrypted
Use WhatsApp if you need the most convenient app for finding contacts and quickly initiating conversations. If you need a way to contact many people on a regular basis, chances are you will find them on WhatsApp.
Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app whose main focus is security and speed . It provides passcode and two-factor authentication to access the app, along with some other security settings. You can also set the app to delete your account if you don’t use it for a certain period of time.
The interface is modern, friendly and easy to use. One great thing about Telegram is that it allows you to share files of any size because it stores the content on the cloud. You literally have no limits to what you can send through Telegram.
On Telegram, you can pin messages to the top of the chat if you want to check them later or use them for different purposes. It also allows you to add up to 200,000 people to a group, while in WhatsApp and Signal you can add up to 250+ and 1,000, respectively.
As far as privacy is concerned, this app raises some questions. Although it offers end-to-end encryption for secret chats, this feature does not exist for individual messages and predefined group chats. This is problematic because it breaks one of the fundamental principles that a messaging app should stand for.
Features
Available on Android, iPhone , iPad, Windows, Linux and Mac
Web and desktop app
Group chats of up to 200,000 members
Self-destructing messages
No limit on media and chat size
Fast message delivery
Security against hacker attacks
Customizable messenger
How customizable it is
Telegram is also flexible when it comes to customization. It is even more flexible than WhatsApp in the sense that you can also change the size of the text, the shape of the message balloon, the color, and almost every aspect of the design of your chats. It also has several more security and privacy options.
What user data does Telegram collect?
IP address, devices, username history, and contacts.
Pro
Secret chats protected by passcode
No limit on the size of files you share
Automatic data deletion from bots and websites you access via Telegram
Automatic deletion of your Telegram account
Cons
A huge drawback is the lack of end-to-end encryption for one-to-one messages and group chats. This means that third parties may be able to read your messages
Another disadvantage is cloud chats that use client-server encryption. This means that the company has access to your messages.
It has a GPS-enabled feature that allows you to find people near you, which can be a security weakness
Use Telegram if you want to share unlimited files, create large groups of people, and benefit from good privacy and security. However, for maximum privacy, you must always create secret chats
Signal
Signal is an independent non-profit team that has no affiliations with any major technology company. Therefore, it does not sell their users’ private data for marketing purposes. Signal exists and receives updates through user donations and grants.
If you look at the testimonials on the site, you will notice famous names who trust this app as the most secure and private of all. Signal is also used by many large companies for the same reason.
It is completely open-source, community-supported, and the most transparent app of the Telegram vs. Whatsapp vs. Signal trio. Signal is an app that offers better privacy for your chats by providing detailed setting options. At the same time, you have a modern interface that is easy to use and customize.
It also allows you to create widgets for conversations. If you have a chat that you want instant access to, you can create a widget with that particular chat and place it on the home screen.
Features
Free messaging, video calls and audio calls
End-to-end encryption
Multimedia and document sharing support
Voice messages
Group chats
Personalized stickers
No advertising, tracking cookies or affiliate marketing
Available on Android, iPhone/iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux
How customizable it is
In Signal, you can customize chat colors, shades, and backgrounds. You can use a unique background for each chat or a global one for all chats. You can also choose to keep your information private to your contacts.
What user data does Signal collect?
The only information you introduce into the app is your phone number, and the developers are currently working on eliminating this requirement as well in the near future.
Pro
Screen lock and fingerprint access to apps
Disappearing messages. You can set the app to delete messages in a chat after a period of time
Typing indicators. You can choose not to allow people to see when you are typing
End-to-end encryption
Cons
You cannot send files larger than 100 MB
Because the app is not yet as popular worldwide, it will be difficult to find all your contacts there
Use Signal if you are specifically looking for the most secure and private instant messaging app out there.
WhatsApp vs. Telegram vs. Signal: the verdict While WhatsApp may not be without protection when it comes to privacy, it offers the comfort of end-to-end encryption. This means that no one has access to your chats except you and your recipients.
On the other hand being a subsidiary of Facebook, the reputation of using people’s information for advertising is nothing new. If you have a Facebook account, the company already has all your data, so the argument about WhatsApp sharing your data is fragile.
If you are a security/privacy fanatic who values these aspects more in life, then Signal is most appropriate for you. It is open-source, independent and unaffiliated with third parties. It allows you to remain as discreet and secure as possible while using the app.
Last but not least, Telegram which has good security and comes with many great privacy settings, does not provide end-to-end encryption by default. You have to create secret chats if you want your messages to remain private. If this small detail does not bother you, then Telegram is a good alternative.
To conclude:
Choose Signal if you want complete privacy as much as possible.
Use WhatsApp if you don’t mind that your data is likely to be used for marketing. The app is secure and encrypted.
Try Telegram if you need unlimited file sharing and the ability to chat with sizable groups of people at the same time. However, keep in mind that third parties can read your messages because it does not provide end-to-end encryption by default.
As we all know, DNS (Domain Name System) is the rubric of the Internet. However, did you know that the hosts file on your computer can also be used as a directory for domain names? This article will explain what the hosts file is and how to modify it in Windows 10, Linux and Mac to emulate DNS change.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents hide What is the hosts file? Why edit the hosts file? Edit the hosts file Windows 10 Edit the windows hosts file manually Using the hosts file editor tool Editing the hosts file in Linux Editing the hosts file Mac Conclusion What is the hosts file? In short, a hosts file is a local file that contains domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. It is found in all common operating systems and acts as a map, identifying and locating hosts on IP networks.
Whenever you visit a website, your computer will first check the hosts file to see what IP address it connects to. If the information is not there, your Internet service provider will look in the DNS for resources to load the site.
Why change the hosts file? You can take advantage of the above situation when you have just purchased a domain. Or, when you migrate your Web site to a different hosting provider and your domain needs to point to the new server. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for your domain to start working, and during this time you will not be able to access your site.
By modifying the hosts file , specifically by adding a custom IP address pointing to your domain, you will be able to open your Web site. This is useful if you want to edit your site after migration and see how it will look on the new server
The hosts file is written in plain text format. Therefore, you can use any text editor such as Notepad, for example, to edit it.
However, keep in mind that the changes will only affect the system where the hosts file is located.
Editing the hosts file Windows 10 Before you begin, you will need an IP address for your domain:
1.Log into your cPanel, then look up the details of your hosting plan, server, and IP address. 2.Copy the IP address of the server:
Now let’s edit the hosts file . There are two methods for Windows 10: manually or using the Hosts File Editor tool . Generally, you can use the guides below in any version of Windows.
Edit the windows hosts file manually Press Start and find Notepad . Right-click Run as administrator .
Once in Notepad, go to File -> Open . Go to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc and be sure to select All Files to find the hosts file .
Now you can edit the hosts file . Add the custom IP address you created earlier, followed by a space, then your domain name.
When finished, do not forget to save your changes.
Using the hosts file editor tool There is an easier way to edit the hosts file in Windows 10, and that is by using the hosts file editor .
1.Once you are in the hosts file editor , enter your target IP address and domain name under their columns. 2.Save the changes.
Edit the Hosts file in Linux In Linux, you can use your favorite text editor to do the job. Here, we will use Gedit in Ubuntu . Open the Terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T .
1.Type the following command, then type the administrator password: sudo su 2.To open the hosts file using Gedit , type the following command and press Enter: sudo gedit/etc/hosts 3.Add the destination IP address followed by a space, then the domain name at the bottom of the hosts file , just like in the Windows 10 tutorial. 4.Save the changes.
Edit the Mac hosts file If you are using macOS from Leopard (10.6) to its most recent version, follow these steps for editing the Mac hosts file :
1.Click on Launchpad and open Terminal . 2.We will use the Nano Editor . To run it as an administrator, enter the following instruction and press Enter : sudo nano /private/etc/hosts Type in your password. You will be directed to the hosts file . 3.Add your chosen IP address, followed by the domain name, separated by a space. 4.Be sure to save your changes using the shortcut Ctrl + O.
Conclusion You have just learned how to edit the hosts file on three different operating systems.
However, keep in mind that these changes require administrative rights on each system and will only take effect on the computer where the hosts file is located.
Here is a brief summary:
Windows 10 use any text editor, such as Notepad, to edit the file or use the Hosts file editor .
Linux – use Gedit or any other text editor you prefer.
Are you experiencing a bounce while trying to send email from your hosting account? This can happen due to PTR record errors on your DNS . In this tutorial, we will see what a PTR record is and how to check if your IP address has one with a PTR lookup.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents displays What is a PTR record? A PTR record is known as the reverse version of an A record . While the A record associates the domain name with an IP address, the PTR record associates the IP address with a hostname. Thus, the PTR record ensures that your IP address officially connects to your host.
Configuring the PTR record is essential if you use internal or external mail servers. This record adds reliability to the sending servers and allows the recipient to control the hostname of your IP address. It is a great way to protect against all kinds of spammers.
That’s why some of the major e-mail providers such as Yahoo Mail and Gmail perform a Reverse IP Lookup before accepting incoming e-mail.
Two methods to check the PTR record and reverse DNS lookup. Perform the following methods to see the value of your domain’s PTR record and make sure you have set up a reverse IP lookup:
Using computer consoles Check whether or not the IP address is resolving to the host name by checking the value of the PTR record through your computer consoles.
If you are using Windows, run this syntax from the command prompt:
nslookup IP_ADDRESS Change IP_ADDRESS to the IP address of your domain.
Suppose you want to run a PRT lookup for 54-243-154-xx. Then you will see this:
As you can see, the PTR record is ec2-54-243-154-xx.compute-1.amazonaws.com.
The process is similar if you run it on the Linux console terminal or MacOs terminal. Run the PRT search with the following command:
From the ANSWER SECTION, you can see that the value of the PTR record is ec2-54-243-154-xx.compute-1.amazonaws.com.
Using online tools Alternatively, you can use online ip reverse lookup tools such as MxToolBox to find out the hostname of the IP address. All you have to do is enter the IP address in the field and press the Reverse Lookup button .
Conclusion As we have seen, a PTR record is the reverse version of your domain IP address. It confirms that your IP address connects to a hostname.
If your IP address does not point correctly, you need to set up a PTR lookup on your hosting provider. This way, you will be able to avoid email bounces!
There was a time when blogging was only about sharing your thoughts online. Now it has become an effective marketing tool that can greatly influence the growth of your business.
A well-structured blog is more than just a side attraction-it can increase your brand visibility, increase conversions and generate revenue. That’s why every business should consider having a blog, especially if growth is its priority.
To give you a better understanding of why a blog is worth considering, here are listed five ways a blog can positively impact your business.
It generates credibility and trust A blog gives you the opportunity to share useful and relevant information from your industry and specifically about your products . It is a great way to keep your customers updated while indirectly promoting your business.
A quality blog can also help distinguish you from your competitors and convince your target market to recognize you as an industry leader. This will automatically create trust and credibility for your brand, growing your e-commerce business.
Although the temptation to focus only on your products will be great, be sure to produce content that does not necessarily include only your brand but tries to address what your target audience is interested in and provide content that answers their questions.
This will make your blog a useful resource rather than an obvious marketing tool, and increase the chances that readers will return and become your customers.
SEO for organic traffic SEO (search engine optimization) is another major reason to create a blog. Search engines rank websites with a quality blog higher in SERPs , increasing the chances of being featured on the first pages of search results.
To make your blog SEO-friendly , be sure to include relevant keywords. Use tools such as Google Analytics to compile a list of keywords relevant to your niche and include them in your content.
Make sure the keywords blend naturally with your content to keep its quality high. Avoid keyword stuffing at all costs, as this will negatively affect your SEO ranking and the quality of your content.
Another way to optimize your blog for search engines is to include internal and external links.
Internal linking means including links within your text that lead to other relevant content on your website such as other blog posts that talk about the topic you mentioned or landing pages that help in the customer journey.
External links are links that link to other reputable websites and other websites that link to you. This link collaboration tells search engines that yours is a reputable website that other credible websites within the same industry trust.
Both types of linking help with SEO, but only if done correctly .
Marketing campaigns. A blog is a great resource to use for a variety of marketing campaigns.
For example, whenever you publish an exceptionally useful blog post, you can set up an email marketing campaign. You can send an e-mail that contains a link and a brief description, with an encouraging message for your readers to come check it out.
You can also use blog posts as content for your social media accounts. If it’s for your Facebook business page, write a brief summary of the article and include a short video, if possible. If it is for Instagram, use relevant hashtags and use a high-quality image.
When it comes to the article itself, include visual elements to break up the text. Colorful images and interesting infographics will not only make your content more exciting, but also attract a larger audience.
A sales funnel When done correctly, a blog can become a sales funnel for your business. Strategically placed CTAs can increase conversion rates and encourage readers to take the desired action.
Blog posts can be used to convert visitors into subscribers, readers into customers, or subtly persuade your audience to share your content with their peers. Whatever your goal, a blog can be an effective tool to achieve it.
It’s free The main reason every entrepreneur should try running a blog is that it costs nothing. So even if it’s not effective and doesn’t bring the results you wanted, you lose nothing but the time you invested.
When it comes to marketing methods, there is no better strategy than free. With that in mind, be sure to first invest some time in learning how to produce content . This way you will greatly increase your chances of success.
Here’s how to get started with a blog The first step in starting a blog is to create a website. To do this you will need two components: web hosting and a domain.
Choose a specific web host in WordPress website hosting, as the CMS is widely considered the best platform for blogs . Make sure it provides sufficient resources, as website performance is critical for a blog to convert.
Some providers such as siteground also include a free domain name registration, so you don’t have to worry about registering one separately. If not, you can always check a domain name registrar and purchase a domain name that suits your brand.
Once you have set up your web hosting and registered a domain name, you can start creating your blog. For more detailed instructions, you can follow our detailed guide on how to create a blog.
Conclusion As you may have guessed, a blog is much more than a place to share your ideas online. It is a powerful marketing tool that, when used correctly, can accelerate the growth of your business .
In summary, a blog can:
Help you build credibility and online presence.
Improve your website’s search engine rankings.
Be used as content for a variety of marketing campaigns.
Act as an effective sales funnel.
If you are ready to see your business expand, start a blog. All it will cost you is time and effort, but it has the potential to bring you much more.
In this article you will learn how to check your domain nameservers and whether they point correctly to your hosting service to prevent DNS problems . You can use WHOIS lookup tools or the system console to check if your domain nameservers are applied correctly and point to the right server.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents displays. Why check domain nameservers? There are several reasons why you should check your domain nameservers. However, the most common scenario is when you switch to a new hosting provider.
Each hosting service provides its own nameservers For this reason, you should update the nameservers each time you transfer your domain.
Domain migration can jeopardize the accessibility of your website if you have incorrect nameserver details.
How to check nameservers using WHOIS search tools? Here is how to check domain nameservers using WHOIS search tools.
Use the WHOIS lookup tool to find current nameservers. There are many WHOIS search tools available online to help you find your domain nameservers. In this tutorial, we will use Domaintools as an example.
1.Type your domain name in the search box and press the Search icon . 2.The details of your domain should look something like this:
Compare nameservers Next, compare the nameservers you have from your hosting provider and the WHOIS lookup tool. If they show the same details, your domain is set up correctly on your hosting account. If not, contact your hosting company for further assistance.
Also, if you wish to hide contact details from WHOIS, consider turning on domain privacy protection .
How to check nameservers using the system console? We will now show you how to use command prompts to control nameservers on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems .
Windows To do this on Windows , here is how to proceed:
1.Press the Windows + R shortcut command on your keyboard. Type cmd and press OK . 2.You should now see a command prompt window where we will perform the remaining actions from these steps. 3.Type the following command:nslookup -type=ns nomedominio.it Linux To check your nameservers with Linux , follow these steps:
1.Press CTRL + ALT + T to open the terminal window of your Linux computer. 2.Enter the following command:dig ns tuonomedominio.it.
Mac OS Using macOS , here’s what you need to do:
1.Open the macOS Launchpad . This can be done simply by clicking the F4 key .2.In its search field type Terminal and press Enter . 3.Enter the following command:dig ns tuonomedominio.it . 4.You can find the names of the servers in the Answers section.
Common problems when checking nameservers There are some common problems when it is necessary to check nameservers. Here are some examples:
Domain is available for registration If the results show that your domain is available and is not yet registered anywhere, make sure you have entered your site URL correctly. Try copying it directly from your domain registrar.
In addition to this, it is also possible that the WHOIS search tool you use will show you outdated information. This usually happens if you have entered a newly registered domain. In this case, try using a different WHOIS lookup tool.
Nameserver values are not displayed Typically, this problem occurs when less common extensions occur. Make sure that the WHOIS search tool you use supports your domain extension.
Conclusion In this tutorial, you learned how to easily check nameservers using both the system console and online WHOIS lookup tools. Your domain nameservers are working properly if the results match the details in your hosting control panel.
Videos on social media get more engagement than any other medium, and the same goes for your website. If you’re not leveraging video to increase clicks and sales, you’re missing out on a big piece of the market.
But before you add videos to your website, you’ll want to take steps to keep your site’s performance at peak levels. The best way to do this is with a video hosting platform.
Let’s look at seven of the best video hosting solutions for your website.
Table of Contents view What is a video hosting platform? Video hosting is a solution for storing your videos on a third-party server instead of hosting them yourself on your web server. Video hosting platforms are the services that allow you to upload videos and share them, either for free or by paid subscription.
Some video hosting sites host only live or prerecorded content, while others offer a combination of both. In short, a video hosting platform serves as a vehicle for effortlessly delivering video to the public.
Why use a video hosting platform? The simple answer is that videos are by far the largest file type on a traditional website, and size is the main enemy when it comes to uploading to a website.
When someone visits your site, their browser loads all the resources on the page: text, photos, videos, and other content. The average web page with text and video is only a few megabytes; one minute of HD video is almost 90 MB in size. The more data to be transferred, the longer it takes to load the page. And since slow websites lose conversions, it is in your best interest to increase speed.
How? With a video hosting site. These platforms allow you to embed a link to a video hosted on their server rather than trying to manage a large video file on your own server.
In addition, video hosting platforms can save you money. Because web hosting usually limits daily or monthly bandwidth (especially on limited budget plans), hosting heavy video is not the best use of your resources. By using a video hostig platform, you won’t have to upgrade to a plan with higher bandwidth.
The 7 best video hosting platforms Although all video hosting platforms are designed to make it easy to add video content to your website, they are not all the same. There are countless options available on the Internet, some of which you may have already heard of.
To help you narrow down your search for the best video platform, we will discuss our seven favorites (in no particular order).
YouTube
When it comes to free video hosting, few platforms have as much staying power and name recognition as YouTube . This recognition is one of the main reasons to use YouTube as a video hosting platform: it has been a familiar and reliable service since 2005.
Pros Some of the other advantages of YouTube are:
Unlimited storage space : allows you to upload 12-hour videos and 128 GB files
Integrated audience : YouTube is not only a hosting where you can host your videos, it is also a social media platform. With over 2 billion monthly users, you can reach new customers organically without them visiting your website. And if you want your videos to be exclusively on your site, you can make the content unlisted or private.
Take advantage of Google Analytics : because Google owns YouTube, you can analyze how much traffic your site gets based on how many users have clicked on your YouTube video links.
Cons Since YouTube is a free service, you will have to endure some downsides, including:
Embedding limitations : there are only a few ways to display YouTube videos on your website and all of them are watermarked, which is not ideal for businesses.
Unwanted competition : ads from your competitors may appear on your videos, and the “Recommended Videos” list that appears at the end can distract customers from your content.
Overall, YouTube may not be the most professional option for businesses, but it is a fantastic platform for uploading videos for free.
Costs Hosting videos on YouTube is 100% free, with no hidden costs.
Vimeo
Vimeo is another free hosting option with a smaller audience. The platform is more geared toward professional videography than everyday content. That said, you can upload any video you wish to embed on your site.
Pros Here are some reasons to try Vimeo:
Elegant video embedding : The service allows you to customize the look of your embedded videos. Change the appearance of the player, choose what happens when a video ends, and show multiple videos at once.
Ads – Unlike YouTube, there are no ads before, during or after the video.
HD Video : Your viewers can enjoy uninterrupted HD videos with quality up to 1080p.
Cons Disadvantages of Vimeo include:
Free account limits : the free option is powerful, but you can only upload 500 MB of video per week and 5 GB in total.
Niche content : The platform seems to focus on streaming short films and music videos, so the best videos may not reach a wide audience.
Little traffic – If your goal as a content creator is to generate traffic to your site, don’t expect much traffic from Vimeo. Although Vimeo has 100 million subscribers, it unfortunately pales in comparison to the number of YouTube subscribers. Another factor against Vimeo is Google: this is unconfirmed but some content creators suspect that Google prefers displaying YouTube videos in search results.
All in all, Vimeo will satisfy most companies, but prolific posters will have to pay for an upgrade.
Costs In addition to the free Vimeo Basic option, Vimeo offers five plans with increasing benefits:
Plus ($7/month)
Pro ($20/month)
Premium ($75/month)
Enterprise (customized pricing for large-scale operations)
Facebook Although Facebook has become famous as a social media platform, it can also function as a video hosting solution. Uploading videos to Facebook and linking them to your website requires no special experience.
Pros Facebook is a useful video hosting platform because of:
Social media integration : the ability to share videos easily with your Facebook followers is the best part of using the platform for video hosting.
Unlimited hosting space : you will never run out of storage space!
Cons The following areas could be improved:
Below average video quality : the resolution is generally limited to 1080p or lower.
Advertisements : your customers might see ads on your videos, even when they are on your website.
Facebook wins for familiarity and ease of use, but it is not the most professional option.
Costs To use Facebook to upload videos, all you need is a free account.
Dailymotion
Like Vimeo and YouTube, Dailymotion is a social video platform that also serves as a hosting solution. You can upload videos on the platform and embed them on your website reaching Dailymotion viewers organically.
Pro If you’ve never heard of Dailymotion, here’s what you’re missing:
No storage limit : the total video storage limit is infinite (although you can only upload two hours of video per day).
Easy registration : start uploading content in minutes, with Facebook and Google social login options.
Cons The platform is behind in some areas, such as:
Ads : ads will play before, during and after videos, even if embedded on your site.
Upload limitations : videos cannot be longer than an hour and the maximum file size is 2 GB.
Dailymotion is an excellent free option, but don’t expect the YouTube-level amount of organic coverage.
Costs There are no costs: Dailymotion is a free service.
Brightcove
Brightcove is a video platform that combines hosting with innovative marketing tools. Video hosting is just the beginning; the service is about creative delivery and integration with other platforms. When you use Brightcove, you will join companies like Wendy’s and Hugo Boss.
Pro Not surprisingly, world-renowned organizations use the platform, with benefits such as:
Detailed analytics : Brightcove’s detailed video information is best-in-class, with comprehensive data on users, devices, viewing time, and more.
No limits : you can upload files of any size and quality. Storage is dictated by your plan.
Cons This premium video hosting site has one major drawback.
High startup fees : the cheapest option is $199 per month, with higher tiers available.
Brightcove is probably the best video hosting platform on the market, if you can afford it. Small businesses should evaluate something else.
Costs Brightcove’s pricing is customizable but not stated. The only way to receive a quote is through a contact form.
Hippo Video
With Hippo Video you can manage videos for sales, customer service, and marketing purposes. Choose one or all three, then start sharing videos with the world.
The use of images, videos and other files can improve the quality of your blog posts and the appearance of your WordPress website. However, including too many “heavy” elements may slow down your site and affect its overall performance . Fortunately, lossless (lossy) compression can reduce file size without compromising file quality.
In this guide, we will look at lossless compression and when you should use it. Then we will see how to apply this compression method to your images and files.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents view What is lossless compression? Lossless compression can reduce file size by removing and isolating redundant data . This method can reduce files without affecting their overall quality. It is also completely reversible.
Lossless data compression uses an algorithm that looks for repetitions of words, patterns, and other unnecessary data. It then replaces this information with numbers and stores the original data in a separate index file.
It also removes metadata from your images. Therefore, this compression method creates leaner files without removing additional information.
Lossless compression is best suited for photos with transparent backgrounds and images with lots of text. These are the most common lossless file formats:
Portable Network Graphics (PNG)
Graphics Interchange Format (GIF)
Compressed Files (ZIP)
Unprocessed images (RAW)
Bitmap image files (BMP)
In addition, lossless compression is increasingly being used for audio files. Streaming giants Spotify, Apple Music and TIDAL use this method to speed up the loading of content without reducing the quality of the music.
Why should you use lossless compression? As mentioned earlier, lossless compression uses an algorithm to compress image formats and other file types. These are some of the most common algorithms used:
Huffman encoding : this algorithm assigns different values to characters and their frequencies.
Arithmetic encoding : encodes the entire file as a series of characters with symbols assigned to them.
Run-length encoding : looks for repetitions of characters in the code, then encodes them into smaller bytes.
These compression methods reduce files without damaging their quality. You can also restore files to their original size because of their indexed data. Therefore, lossless contrasts with lossy compression , which causes irreversible changes to images and other media files.
Image compression is essential to improve the performance of your site. For starters, leaner images improve page load times. This is one of Google’s key ranking factors in determining where to place your content in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Google uses a set of metrics called Core web Vitals . The following two metrics are relevant to the images on your website:
First Contentful Paint (FCP). FCP measures how long it takes to display the first element on your page. This could be a text or image element. If your site must load an image or other media file first, using lossless compression will speed up the loading time for your users.
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP). Measure how long it takes to display the ‘largest element on your page. This will probably be one of your images. Therefore, if your picture has a smaller file size, your LCP score will be better.
Smaller images are not only important for SEO. They are also essential for user experience (UX). If your pages load slowly, readers may get frustrated and move away from your website.
Finally, lossless compression maintains image quality. Therefore, its use will not make graphics grainy or blurry on your website. As such, this compression method can help your site look professional to your readers.
2 Ways to apply lossless compression to your images You can use a few different methods to apply lossless compression to your images. Some of these strategies occur within the WordPress dashboard, while others rely on external software. Let’s take a look at two different compression options!
Use an image compression plugin. Some WordPress image optimization plugins can compress your images using the lossless method. Using a plugin is a quick and easy option because the tool can apply compression to the entire website. Therefore, you will not need to manually edit each image, which can be time-consuming.
We recommend using the Imagify plugin to compress your images. It has multiple levels of compression built in and works for a wide range of image types:
After installing, activating the plugin and requesting an API key via email, go to Settings > Imagify in the WordPress dashboard. You will then see three different levels of optimization at the top of the page:
We recommend that you select NORMAL from the different options. This setting will apply lossless compression to your images. You can also perform this compression automatically by enabling the automatic image optimization configuration on upload .
Use image editing software Image editing applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and GIMP , often allow you to choose a compression method for your images. The exact options and process vary depending on the software you choose.
For example, if you have GIMP, you can use lossless compression relatively easily. First, open your photo with the image editing software. Then, go to File> Export As.
Then, open the drop-down menu under Select file type (by extension) and scroll down to select the ‘PNG image :
Click Export and you will see a popup window where you can choose the level of lossless compression from 0 to 9:
Finally, click Export to compress and save the image as a PNG. The file should now be smaller without compromising the quality of the photo.
Advantages of lossless compression The main advantage of lossless compression is that it does not reduce the quality of the image. Therefore, it may be ideal for websites and tasks that rely on images.
For example, if you run a high-end e-commerce shop , you will probably want to display your products. Using the highest quality images can show minute details and inspire users to make purchases.
Similarly, a professional photography portfolio can also benefit from this method of compression. You can showcase your skills and possibly attract new clients and sales while maintaining high-quality photos.
In addition, lossless compression is reversible. All removed metadata is saved in separate files. Therefore, you can restore your images if you are not satisfied with the results of compression.
Finally, this compression method applies to multiple file types. If your Web site uses different elements such as GIFs, audio files, and PNG images, you will be able to compress them all to reduce your site’s loading time.
Disadvantages of lossless compression Unfortunately, lossless compression does not offer as many performance advantages as lossy (lossy) compression . Since this method does not delete any data, the resulting images may still have significant file sizes. Therefore, you might consider using additional optimization techniques to speed up your website.
For example, we recommend enabling GZIP compression on your WordPress site. GZIP provides your general data files as small as possible to visitors, helping their browsers load your website faster. Fortunately, this type of compression is also easy to configure with a plugin such as WP-Optimize :
In addition, you might consider using a content delivery network (CDN) . A CDN uses a number of servers around the world to deliver content to users from the nearest locations. As such, this network can improve your web performance for visitors from around the world.
Conclusion Image compression can reduce file sizes and improve loading times. As such, compression can improve the user experience of your site and increase search engine optimization (SEO).
As discussed in this article, lossless compression reduces image files without reducing their quality. This method removes metadata and repetitive information and saves it in a separate file. Therefore, you can speed up your website while maintaining bright and exciting graphics to attract your readers.
