How to send e-mail with CDO

Administrator — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 05:36:00 GMT

Abstract: To send an e-mail with Active Server Pages requires some kind of component. There are many third party components available, but one of the most readily available is the free Microsoft mail component CDO, which ships with Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003.

We removed the code snippets using CDONTS, because it has many problems and has been deprecated. We highly recommend you use CDO.Message, and if you have existing CDONTS code, that you convert it to CDO.Message now, rather than waiting until you absolutely have to. If you try to run CDONTS.NewMail on Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, you might get one of the following errors:

Invalid class string
' or
ActiveX component can't create object: 'CDONTS.NewMail'
' or
The "SendUsing" configuration value is invalid.

This is because CDONTS has been deprecated and no longer ships with Windows (see KB #810702 for more information). To deal with this, you should start using the new code style in all of your applications:

<%
sch = "http://schemas.microsoft.com/cdo/configuration/"

Set cdoConfig = CreateObject("CDO.Configuration")

With cdoConfig.Fields
.Item(sch & "sendusing") = 2 ' cdoSendUsingPort
.Item(sch & "smtpserver") = "<enter_mail.server_here>"
.update
End With

Set cdoMessage = CreateObject("CDO.Me

Developmental Assistance

Administrator — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 05:55:00 GMT

Abstract:

ECUi offers developmental assistance to clients at a flat rate of $90.00 per incident during business hours.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS UNLIMITED, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE CODE EXAMPLES AND OR THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE PROVIDED UNDER THIS SECTION.

ANY CODE EXAMPLES AND OR THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE PROVIDED TO CUSTOMER IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY CONDITION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER.

Does ECUi have to host my web site?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:36:00 GMT

Abstract: No. When a visitor to your site activates a link to one of your media clips on our servers, the clip will automatically open up and start streaming through a player which is already installed on your visitor's computer. Normally, your site visitor will not have any idea that your media clip is streaming from servers other than those which are hosting your actual web site.

How does your service work?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:35:00 GMT

Abstract: Using our service is amazingly simple: once you open an account, you simply upload your files via FTP or by sending us the media for us to encode. If you upload your own files, you will simply embed a direct link to your media clip within your web site.

When a visitor to your site activates a link to one of your media clips on our servers, the clip will automatically open up and start streaming through a player already installed on your visitor's computer. Normally, your visitor won't have any idea that your media is streaming from servers other than the ones hosting your actual web site. Unlike many other services, we do not force your visitor to go to a special web page in order to play the media clip.

What are the most important factors to consider when encoding and compressing media?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:35:00 GMT

Abstract: You have to decide what audience you want to reach: streaming media files for 56k viewers should be altogether different than streaming media for broadband viewers. Secondly, you must decide whether to "stream" your media in real time, or have the viewer download the files onto their computer. Third, you must decide whether to create files for broadband viewers that are multi-tracked, or if you want the viewer to select a link that most closely corresponds to their Internet connection speed. Finally, decisions must be made regarding formats and trade-offs: how high a quality experience you want your media viewers to have relative to the file size that you find tolerable.

What format produces the best quality video?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:34:00 GMT

Abstract: Independent studies show that the three most popular formats produce nearly identical viewing experiences when the parameters set at the time of encoding and compression are the same. In other words, quality depends far more on the variables the encoder has control over at the time of encoding than actual differences between the three most popular streaming formats.

What are the most popular, streaming video formats?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:33:00 GMT

Abstract: There are three widely used formats. In order of popularity, they are: RealVideo, Windows Media, and QuickTime. Most people with Internet access usually have at least one, and often all, of the players necessary to view files in these formats. In general, RealVideo is the most effective format for true streaming, followed closely by Windows Media. QuickTime streaming often presents problems for many viewers, particularly for PC users.

What software is available for creating streaming video?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:33:00 GMT

Abstract: There are many different programs available for creating streaming video files. A few are free; a few are very expensive; many are somewhere in between; almost all are easy to use with a little practice. A popular encoder for the RealVideo format is the RealSystem Producer Plus found at the Real Networks site. Windows Media files can be created using the free Windows Media Encoder Apple offers a Quicktime player and encoder at their site. A very popular encoder for all three formats, the "Cleaner 5", is available at Discreet.com. The Cleaner comes in a full version, and less expensive "EZ" version. Top-of-the-line professional encoders are included with Macromedia Director, Adobe Premiere, and Apple's Final Cut Pro.

What is encoding and compression?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:32:00 GMT

Abstract: Encoding is the process of turning audio or video into a digital code that can be streamed from and viewed on computers. Compression takes that code and shrinks it into an appropriate file size for effective Internet streaming.

Can media players be embedded into a web site?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:31:00 GMT

Abstract: Yes. While the viewer still has to have a player installed on their local computer, custom elements can be created by the web site designer.

Information about embedding the RealPlayer can be found by clicking here. You will find Information on embedding the QuickTime player by clicking here.

What is a multi-tracked media file for broadband viewers?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:30:00 GMT

Abstract: A characteristic of true streaming media is that multiple tracks can be created within a single multimedia file. Each track is encoded for a specific broadband speed (100k, 250k, 350k, etc). The media server will stream the appropriate track by communicating with the media player on the viewer's computer. The track that will stream will be based on the viewer's Internet connection speed and the general Internet conditions at the time of streaming. If there is an Internet slow-down while the track is streaming, the server will automatically stream a more appropriate track until there is less Internet congestion. This helps ensure a smooth streaming experience for the viewer.

How can I reach the widest possible audience with media on my web site?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:29:00 GMT

Abstract: The best way is to create media files and associated links separately for 56k viewers and broadband viewers. By necessity, the 56k files would be smaller and of lower quality than the files created for broadband users. To reach the widest possible spectrum of broadband users, you can create separate files and links for different broadband speeds (100k, 250k, etc), or create multiple tracks within a single broadband file.

Should the 56k audience be ignored when it comes to streaming media?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:29:00 GMT

Abstract: Not at all, it is just important to design the media clip specifically for 56k viewers. The RealVideo format from Real Networks is, by far, the most effective streaming media technology for 56k viewers.

Can visitors with 56k dial-up modems watch streaming video?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:28:00 GMT

Abstract: Yes, however the viewing experience is, by necessity, usually of low quality. A streaming video optimized for 56k viewers should have a small screen viewing area (usually 160x120 pixels), and a reduced frame rate (15 frames per second or less). A progressive download video for 56k users can be of higher quality, but requires a larger file which in turn will require a long time to download.

Why are videos clips for 56k dial-up users usually so low in quality?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:28:00 GMT

Abstract: In order to stream to 56k users, the video file size must be kept as small as possible. An important rule of thumb is that the higher the quality a video, the larger the file. In general, 56k phone lines do not handle large files as well as smaller files.

Does true streaming media require a special server?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:27:00 GMT

Abstract: Yes. Streaming media requires special server software that enables the server to actually communicate with the viewer's media player in order to determine what is the best speed in which to stream the media. A progressive download media file can be served from a standard web server.

Can a viewer/visitor "save" a streaming media clip on their computer?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:26:00 GMT

Abstract: No. A streaming media file, unlike a progressive download, cannot be saved on the viewer's computer. A viewer can save a link to the media, however embedding the player using javascript can prevent the viewer from doing that as well.

What''s the difference between "streaming" media and "progressive download" media?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:25:00 GMT

Abstract: Streaming media arrives to the viewer in "real time", without the viewer having to wait for it to download somewhere on their computer before being able to view it. A viewer can jump to different areas within the media clip at anytime. Also, streaming media dynamically adjusts to Internet conditions along the journey from server to viewer.

Progressive downloads are media files that must be downloaded to somewhere on the viewer's computer in order to play. For high-speed Internet users (cable modem or DSL), the media will usually start playing as it's downloading, giving the viewer the illusion of streaming media.

How do I get SQL server access?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:22:00 GMT

Abstract: Our current policy requires the appropriate Enhanced Virtual Server Plan or a Dedicated Server to utilize ECUi's shared SQL servers. If you are already hosted on one of these plans, fill out the appropriate online SQL Database Request form so that our technicians will be able to configure your initial SQL Database.

What are the space limitations on my SQL Databases?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:20:00 GMT

Abstract: Your SQL database disk usage will be included in your total allowable disk usage for your server. So for example if you are on a Server which allocates 250 MB of disk usage and you use 50 MB of disk usage on your SQL account, that leaves you 200 MB of disk usage for your Web site or other options before going over your server limits.

Dedicated Server plans come with fixed amounts of "total" database storage capacity, which is dependent upon your particular Server Plan. Additional database storage is available at nominal fees when purchased in advance. Note - Disk utilization above and beyond plan allotments will be billed at the current monthly rate.

What does SQL mean and why should I use it?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:19:00 GMT

Abstract: SQL stands for Structured Query Language.

The technology behind SQL makes it far superior compared to traditional databases such as Access, Paradox, FoxPro, etc. SQL is faster, more powerful and very fault tolerant.

What is the difference between the Internet, WWW and email?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:19:00 GMT

Abstract: The Internet is the physical system (computers, wires, connections etc). WWW (the World Wide Web) and email are services that you use when connected to the Internet. There are other services on the Internet, such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and News Groups.

What does WWW mean?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:18:00 GMT

Abstract: WWW are initials that stand for World Wide Web. A 'web' is a network of fibres or cables connecting different points. (Spiders make webs to catch flies.) The Web is one of the services available on the Internet. It lets you access millions of pages through a system of hyperlinks. Because it is 'world-wide', it was originally called the World Wide Web or WWW.

What is the Internet?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:17:00 GMT

Abstract: The word 'Internet' is made from the words 'inter-' + 'network'. A network is a collection of fibres or wires connecting various points. The Internet is an international network of millions of computers linked by cable, telephone lines and satellite. It is also sometimes called the 'Net'.

Which components of Microsoft FrontPage are supported on ECUi servers?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:16:00 GMT

Abstract: All Microsoft FrontPage components are supported on you web servers. We specialize in providing hosting exclusively on the Microsoft Windows web server platform. Unlike LINUX/Unix web hosting, FrontPage extensions were designed to run on Windows, and all features of FrontPage are available with your web site.

What level of control do I have over my Microsoft SQL database?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:15:00 GMT

Abstract: You have total and complete control over your Microsoft SQL Server database. When we configure your database, your user ID will be aliased as dbo. This means you have complete control to manage everything about your database.

What tools may I use to manage my SQL database?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:14:00 GMT

Abstract: You may manage your Microsoft SQL Server database as if it were sitting on your local file server. Any tool that connects to your version of SQL Server will work including Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise Manager and Query Analyzer (WISQL). Microsoft Visual InterDev also connects directly to SQL Server and provides a visual database management tool.

What version(s) of Microsoft SQL Server are supported by ECUi?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:12:00 GMT

Abstract:

SQL Server 2000 (version 8.0) Service Pack 4 is currently supported for virtual/shared web hosting and dedicated servers.

SQL Server 2005 will be phased in beginning December 01, 2006

Is server-side ASP debugging supported?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:09:00 GMT

Abstract: No. For performance reasons, server-side ASP debugging is not supported. Server-side debugging is designed for use on development servers, and is not installed on our production web servers to provide the best web site performance.

What type of Web server am I on?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:08:00 GMT

Abstract: All Shared/Virtual Servers are hosted on server systems running Microsoft Windows 2003 Server. Your actual Web Server is Microsoft Internet Information Server version 6.x

NOTE - Accounts initially configured prior to May 01, 2003 are running on Windows 2000 with Microsoft Internet Information Server version 5.x

What is an AutoResponder?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:58:00 GMT

Abstract: An auto responder is a message automatically sent to anyone who eMails a particular address. For example, you might set up an autoresponder for your account that says, "I'm on vacation, and will check my eMail in two days". Whenever someone eMails you, they will automatically receive an eMail back informing them that you are on vacation. This is also a great feature for sending sales literature or technical support.

When you logon to your mail server through the web interface you will notice a vacation message, this is one of your autoresponders.

What does the @ mean in an email address?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:57:00 GMT

Abstract: The symbol @ in English means 'at'. (It is often used for prices: '5 pens @ $1' means '5 pens at a price of $1 each'.) So 'example@englishclub.com' means 'Example at EnglishClub.com'. The symbol @ is usually called the 'at sign' in English.

What is the storage limit for POP/POP3/IMAP accounts?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:57:00 GMT

Abstract: POP eMail account storage is part of your server's Hard Disk Storage capacity, therefore this depends upon your specific hosting plan.

How many POP eMail address can I have?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:56:00 GMT

Abstract: With our Dedicated and Premium server plans, you may configure an unlimited number of POP3 eMail addresses. (Basic server plans provided for a fixed number of POP accounts)

What is POP or POP3 eMail?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:55:00 GMT

Abstract: POP eMail Accounts are "real" eMail user accounts which store your messages on a server, just like your ISP stores your eMail for you.

What are eMail accounts?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:54:00 GMT

Abstract: eMail Accounts or Aliases are the names people can send eMail to. (i.e. sales@your domain, support@your domain, etc.)

What is iMail?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:53:00 GMT

Abstract: iMail is the mail server product by IPSwitch, Inc. that ECUi utilizes for our client mail servers. You administer and manage your mail server from your Web browser through the Webmail interface.

What is Webmail?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:53:00 GMT

Abstract: Webmail allows you to send and receive eMail using your Web browser. This means that you can access your eMail from anywhere with an Internet connection. If you have ever used Hotmail, Yahoo, MSN Mail or any other Webmail service, this is the same type of service.

What is email?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:52:00 GMT

Abstract: Email is short for "electronic mail". It is a service for sending messages and files from one computer to another computer. The computers can be within one company or anywhere in the world. The messages travel almost instantaneously. Email is also sometimes spelt "e-mail".

What are the hardware RAID capabilities of your Premium Dedicated Servers?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:50:00 GMT

Abstract: Exploiting the RAID capabilities of our Premium Dedicated Servers is optional (at no additional cost beyond the necessary hard disk drives for RAID Level 0+1) however the configuration must be performed during the initial server setup.

RAID Level 0 requires a minimum of 2 drives and implements a striped disk array, the data is broken down into blocks and each block is written to a separate disk drive therefore I/O performance is greatly improved by spreading the I/O load across many channels and drives.

RAID Level 0 is NOT fault-tolerant and the failure of just one drive will result in all data in an array being lost and should never be used in mission critical environments.

RAID Level 1 requires a minimum of 2 drives to implement with One Write or two Reads being possible per mirrored pair with twice the Read transaction rate of single disks, and the same Write transaction rate as single disks therefore the Transfer rate per block is equal to that of a single disk.

RAID Level 1 provides 100% redundancy of data which means no rebuild is necessary in case of a disk failure, just a copy to the replacement disk.

RAID Level 0+1 requires a minimum of 4 drives and is implemented as a mirrored array whose segments are RAID 0 arrays extremely High I/O rates are achieved thanks to multiple stripe segments making this an excellent solution for sites that need high performance but are not concerned with reliability.

RAID 0+1 is NOT to be confused with RAID 10. A single drive failure will cause the whole array to become, in essence, a RAID Level 0 array.

How is my monthly data transfer (not bandwidth) calculated?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:49:00 GMT

Abstract: Calculations are generated by totaling both your inbound and outbound traffic together for the entire month.

Can I reset my server if it hangs up?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:47:00 GMT

Abstract: Yes, with our exclusive Remote Reboot, a feature powered by an APC MasterSwitch, which gives you control over your server's power cycles. Now, instead of opening an incident report or calling into tech support and waiting just to have your server rebooted, you can log on to an easy-to-use browser based interface and reboot your server with one click of your mouse.

Your server's power cord is plugged in to the APC MasterSwitch device. You have access to an outlet on the APC MasterSwitch, which requires a user ID and password authentication to administer. The APC MasterSwitch Web interface, allows you to select remote reboot options from a drop-down menu. You may choose an immediate or delayed reboot. If you have purchased more than one server, you will likely have a separate set of login information and a separate interface for each server. However, your interface may show more than one outlet if you have purchased more than one server at the same time, and/or if they were plugged into the same APC MasterSwitch device series.

May I send you hardware to add to my server?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:44:00 GMT

Abstract: No, we do not install or attach client owned hardware to dedicated servers.

Can I purchase ram or a hard drive and have you install it in the server?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:43:00 GMT

Abstract: No, all hardware components of our rented dedicated servers must be property of ECUi. You will need to rent the hardware from ECUi and we will install it.

Do you permit IRC services on your servers?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:40:00 GMT

Abstract: ECUi permits stand alone IRC servers that are not connected to a global IRC networks such as Undernet, EFnet, DALnet and other IRC networks. IRC servers that establish and maintain connections to a global IRC networks such as Undernet, EFnet, DALnet and others will be considered to be in violation of the ECUi Acceptable Use Policy.

Do you permit Adult Content on your servers?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:39:00 GMT

Abstract: Yes, legal adult content is permitted on all of our servers.

Do I have root/administrator access to my server? Can I install my software after the server is online?

Administrator — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:35:00 GMT

Abstract: Yes, you will have full access to your server. You may install additional software on the machine once the server is online and turned over for production use. Our technical support department does not support third party software.

ECUi™ - Knowledge Base

Example Database Connection Strings

Simple Persits AspEmail Example (asp code)

Simple CDO Example (asp code)