Shared Server Resource Abuse Policy

RKLhost allows CGI, PHP, Perl and many other normal processes used for hosting to be used on all Virtual Servers. These processes can be resource intensive however, and because a Virtual Server must be shared with other users, we must limit how much of the CPU, memory, disk I/O, disk space and database use can be used by any one account on a shared server. Therefore any program (application, script, etc.) or usage that consumes too many resources that impacts other customers in either performance or reliability is considered resource abuse. Shared servers are 'shared' and we all need to play fair. In the event a user requires more resources than is acceptable on a shared server environment, a dedicated solution, such as our VPS, dedicated or colocation services are recommended.

What does RKLhost consider "System Resource ABUSE"?
Background Running Processes
Flat File database driven forums
Cron Job discretion
Mailing Lists
Banned Scripts
Other
Why does RKLhost have this policy?
What happens if I violate this policy?

What does RKLhost consider "System Resource ABUSE"?
Any site whose traffic, programs and/or processes are using excessive amounts of system resources. Excessive amounts is defined as any amount that results in substantial degradation of server performance. RKLhost is the sole determinant of what constitutes degraded server performance.

Although our Bulk Reseller plans have larger disk space and bandwidth availability, these accounts are intended for small to medium sized web sites and traffic loads. The BR Accounts are not intended for large, busy , resource intensive web sites and they will be suspended if found impacting server performance. Large busy sites, especially those using databases, usually require a dedicated solution due to resource usage. Our VPS and Dedicated Servers options are better suited for these type of sites since they do not impact other users.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

Flat File Database Driven Forums
Due to their use of flat files instead of databases, RKLhost does not allow the use of UBB or YABB bulletin boards. Use of these boards for large or very active forums, results in system performance degradation, and cannot be allowed in our shared server environment. RKLhost suggests using VBulletin or phpBB as a more efficient, database-driven alternative to these bulletin boards. Busy sites with large forums and data bases are not suited to a shared server environment.

Background Running Processes
Background Daemons in general are prohibited on RKLhost servers, including, but not limited to, IRC bots, eggdrop, BitchX, XiRCON, warez sites and any other program that interferes with normal server operation.

Cron Jobs
We allow customers to set up cron jobs to perform routine functions automatically. Due to the impact on the server, running some automated processes can take up considerable server resources and in those cases, our technicians may disable the cron job.

Mailing Lists
We have a strict policy regarding use/spam on our network, but we do allow use of mailing lists within the constraints of our spam policy. However, sending thousands of e-mails off of a given server can impact the performance of the server. Therefore we limit the amount of e-mail allowed on our Shared Virtual Servers (including the Bulk Reseller servers) to no more than 1000 e-mails per day and 30 emails in 10 seconds.

Exploitable Scripts
Unfortunately, many commonly used scripts can be exploited to allow unauthorized users into our systems. Consequently we may on occasion need to ban and consequently disable these scripts. You can view the most current exploits on our banned-scripts page.

Other
Other resource intensive scripts (depending on traffic) include but not limited to:
- adcycle

Other applications that are prohibited on our virtual servers include but are not limited to:
- offsite search engines

Why does RKLhost have this policy?
Server Speed and Fairness to others. A Virtual Server is shared. As such, there are many accounts per machine. In all fairness, RKLhost cannot allow one or two clients to use all of the System resources on a shared machine and have all other clients on the machine suffer because of it. Excessive usage by one or more clients causes extreme slowness in all areas: FTP, SSH, Web Sites and more. If the CPU, disk I/O and/or memory usage gets too far out of hand, all sites hosted on the machine will return Errors and not be accessible in any way.

What happens if I violate this policy?
All accounts that are found to be using excessive amounts of system resources will receive an e-mail warning from RKLhost. This warning will inform you that the site is using excessive system resources. RKLhost will provide options for reducing the usage and/or upgrading your account. If the situation is severe, we may suspend the account or process immediately to bring performance of the server back to an acceptable level. 24 hours notice will be given if at all possible.