Re: [cobalt-users] Is Webilizer worth the HELL? NOTHING is

["Steve Werby" <steve-lists@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

<Eurowolf@xxxxxxx> wrote:

<snip>
> In a message dated 7/4/01 6:48:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> paulb@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
>  I really want to install a stats package on my RaQ4r, but I see *horror*
> stories here nearly every day about Webilizer.
</snip>

Paul, IMO Webalizer is a great tool.  It's free, it generates new stats
pages quickly and the level of detail it provides is consistent with what I
need.  There are other packages out there such as wusage which have their
place, but their more extensive output doesn't help me make better decisions
about how to run my sites and administer my server so I only use them in
special cases.  Webalizer doesn't alter your server's log files or do
anything else that can affect your server's other programs or
services...except take up storage space and use memory.  If you install it
and you don't like it you can delete it with no complications.  So install
it and make your own decision.

> the question is why modify it...are the stats THAT important to you ...we
> have a bunch of machines and the cleints are happy, if they ask for
diferent
> stats we say NO..and they dont whine after that

That might work for you, might not work for Paul.  And I use Webalizer
because it gives me the detail I want in a format I like.  Statistical
reports aren't just for users, admin use them too.

> .the raqs were designed to
> do one thing and one thing only to work as a webserver out of the

I think you're simplifying a little.  They are designed and marketed as web,
FTP, email and DNS servers which can be up in running in a matter of minutes
by anyone who can follow instructions and use a web interface.  There is no
problem adding software and upgrading and modifying existing software as
long as you understand the limitations, potential problems that may arise
and/or make good backups so you can undo anything that doesn't turn out as
expected.  I prefer to install new software, upgrade existing software and
change the behavior of the server if it makes good business sense.  That may
mean to make the server more secure, make administering it faster/easier,
add tools and features reasonably demanded by me or clients (I do very
little hosting these days) or offer tools in hosting packages comparable to
or better than what the competition offers for the same price (if competing
on price)...and the list goes on and on.

> To me this is like buying a ford with standard tires and engine...when you
> start changing the tired and modfying the engine ofcourse you are going to
> get troubles...BUT is it worth the few extra looks your getting or the few
> more miles ?

But if your dealer will let you upgrade the sound system and wheels for no
charge and the only cost to you is the time involved driving to the
dealership and waiting for the install to be completed it's a different
story isn't it?  Especially if you're trying to pick up shallow women who
like a guy for his car and your competition is driving loaded Pathfinders.
This email went on longer than I had planned.  It seems your opinion is
different than mine and may be different still from Paul's so whether he
chooses to install Webalizer or not will depend on his opinions and
motivation.  He was simply asking if installing Webalizer would screw up his
server, I said no and you didn't even address the question.

--
Steve Werby
President, Befriend Internet Services LLC
http://www.befriend.com/