Why we don't support Microsoft Frontpage Server Extensions:
When we first got into the webhosting game, we noticed that many
other webhosters offered Frontpage server extensions, and we would
be asked on occasion wether we supported them or not, so we assumed
it would be a good idea to do so. These server extensions are provided
directly from Microsoft so ISPs, webhosters, etc. can support their
customers who want to use them.
When we downloaded the package and installed it, we were rather
un-impressed with it. We ran into all sorts of fun problems right
from the start. One example: the bash script used to install the
extensions wasn't even written correctly and caused the install to
fail! We had to hack the install script just to get the extensions
installed. (Bad sign #1) ;-) Anyway, to make a long story short,
the extensions are a total hack, and the way it integrated itself
with our web server did not give us a warm, fuzzy feeling. Another problem
is all of the extra files and such it creates for every Frontpage
user's site. Upon further research, we discovered that the
Frontpage server extensions are loaded with security holes.
(You don't have to take our word for it, do a 'net search and look at all
the pages dedicated to exploiting these holes!)
Shortly after that, we did a complete system upgrade and took advantage of the
opportunity to rid ourselves of the Frontpage server extensions.
(We were able to do so because fortunately, none of our customers were using them.)
So, to make a long story short, we don't support Microsoft Frontpage Server
Extensions because they offer very little usefulness but a great deal of risk
(both to our server and your web site).
We just aren't comfortable with the benefit to risk ratio. If you absolutely
require Frontpage Server Extensions, we certainly respect your decision and
wish you the very best of luck in your continued search for a webhosting
provider. (Even so, you may want to do yourself a favor though and
devote some research time to deciding wether you really want to be using them
or not...)
Why are we telling you this?
Because we strive to be honest and up-front in everything we do. We would
hate to have you sign up for service assuming that you can use Frontpage
Server Extensions and find out later that the reverse is the case.
Plus, a part of our motivation is simply to inform. Many people may have
no idea that the server extensions have problems. If I were using a
piece of software that was potentially putting my hard work at risk, I'd sure
want to know about it!
You can still use Frontpage
Just to clarify, "Microsoft Frontpage Server Extensions" are seperate from the
Microsoft Frontpage HTML editor. (Though it is through Frontpage that you
use these extensions.) You are perfectly welcome to use Frontpage as
your HTML editor, it will upload your pages via FTP. It is only the
server extensions which we do not support.