CGI Abuse Policy

1stHostWeb allows CGI to be used on all Virtual Servers. CGI can be resource intensive. A Virtual Server must be shared with other users. We must limit how much of the CPU can be used by any one account on a shared server. There are several reasons why 1stHostWeb has created its CGI Abuse policy for its virtual server users.

What does 1stHostWeb consider "CGI ABUSE"?

Any site whose CGI programs are using excessive amounts of system resources. Excessive amounts are defined as any amount that results in substantial degradation of server performance. 1stHostWeb is the sole determinant of what constitutes degraded server performance.

Due to their use of flat files instead of databases, 1stHostWeb does not allow the use of UBB or YABB bulletin boards. Use of these boards for large or very active forums, result in system performance degradation, and cannot be allowed in our shared server environment. 1stHostWeb suggests using VBulletin or phpBB as a more efficient, database-driven alternative to these bulletin boards.

Why does 1stHostWeb have this policy?

Server Speed and Fairness to others
A Virtual Server is shared. There are many accounts per machine. To be fair 1stHostWeb cannot allow one or two clients to use all of the System resources on a shared machine. All other clients would suffer. Excessive CPU usage by one or more clients causes extreme slowness in all areas: FTP, Telnet, Web Sites and more. If CPU usage becomes excessive, all sites hosted on the machine will return Errors and not be accessible.

What happens if I violate this policy?
Any account that is found using excessive amounts of system resources will receive an Email warning from 1stHostWeb. This warning will inform you that there is excessive CGI usage and will provide options for reducing usage or upgrading your server. If usage is not reduced within 24 hours of notification, CGI scripting on that account will be disabled.

Questions? Just Email Us!