If you have multiple sites on one server, please answer
 

Yes, I have probably posted this on multiple boards by now but that is because I need a wide cross population to work with.

I have what may seem like a stupid question but is actually quite important for me because of a large project I am working on.

If you have multiple domains on a server how do you have your ftp set up.

1. A single FTP account for your user on the server which allows you to access alll my domains from one login.

2. An FTP account per domain, so that for each domain is a separate FTP login.

The reason I am asking is because I am working with a new host. I am accustomed to having one ftp account and being able to login and get to any of my domains. The new company is telling me that "because I will be using a control panel, they have to have each domain have it's own ftp login." I have never heard something like that before.

I am not saying they are bullshitting me iin any way but I am wondering how common this is.

I am working on a big project and part of it uses ftp quite extensively and I had only planned on having to handle a single ftp user getting to multiple domains through one account. I need to know whether I have to handle the one domain per ftp account scenario in the program or whether that is such a small population that I don't need to worry about it.

Thanx in advance for your input.

They are not lying to you. There are several control panel products that require a specific set up for domain and FTP accounts. In some cases, I certainly understand how it could be a total pain.

Are you using unique IP's for each domain?

If you have a dedicated server and your host offers management, you could opt for no control panel and then they can set up the domain structure the way you prefer.

1 ftp for all domains... but I don't use any control panels.

The only way you can access them all through one ftp account is if you add the domains as "addon domains" through the primary cpanel.

The primary cpanel will then control all domains through one cpanel and ftp account.

I might be wrong, but its the way i do it and have done for years and i have no problems.

I have both. A dedicated has just one master account. Anoher uses a seperate one for each domain.

Because you use the control panel more than likely it is configured that way and you must as they state. There are also possible security and structural advantages to using multiple accounts despite the fact that it may be more of a hassle for you to work with.

cpanel is notorious for this, i hated it..they make you have one login for EACH domain

on my gallery server, i have many domains all accessed through one login via FTP..but i use NATNET so they make things simple...

I have it different ways on different servers.

If you control all domains then it is easier to have one log in for them, but
it's not unusual to have it the other way.

But I do see that most "cheap" hosting will have such a set up because they use canned software that cost them next to nothing and require little knowledge from the support staff to set up servers.

Conclusion: If you want more then pay more.

Thanx for the replies so far.

For myself personally it does not matter. I am on a dedicated where I hve one user login allowing me to access all my domains. I am going to one with the control panel.

However, my project makes use of ftp to get around some install issues and I am only storing one ftp user/pass assuming it will control the whole server. Looks like I got a bit of redesign to do on the database.

Thanx again, this really does help.

if you want to access all domains with one FTP login just setup one main account domain, and the rest as "Add on Domains" under that main domain. really easy.

Hey :)

Like I said, I have no problem with either configuration. The project I am working on is for distribution, so it has to work on pretty much all versions that are out there. Now that I am aware of the different flavors that I may encounter, I can prepare for them :)