PHP 5.3
All our servers support (i.e. are capable of running) both PHP 5.2 and PHP 5.3 (with a few exceptions listed below). The default version is 5.2.x but you can follow the directions below to use PHP 5.3.x instead.
Exceptions: Newer VPS/Plesk installations have PHP 5.3 as the default, and do not support PHP 5.2. Windows Shared & Chilisoft ASP servers only support PHP 5.2.
Before switching, be aware of backwards compatibility issues with scripts: Older PHP coding may not be compatible with newer versions of PHP.
How to Enable
Follow the directions below for the hosting plan you have.
Shared and Reseller
We currently have 5.3.10 (or higher) installed on all servers. A handler for PHP 5.3 is added to our shared and reseller servers for those who wish to utilize it. In order to utilize this handler, you will need to add the following code to your .htaccess file:
# Use PHP 5.3
AddType application/x-httpd-php53 .php
You can edit your .htaccess file via FTP or through cPanel's File Manager, whatever is more convenient for you. For more information on how to do that, you may want to read our article on How to Edit Your .htaccess File.
Linux Dedicated Servers
Do not use the Handler code listed above. Instead, you must email support@hosticon.com and request Apache be recompiled to use PHP 5.3.
Windows Dedicated Servers
Do not use the Handler code listed above. Instead, you must email support@hosticon.com and request that PHP 5.3 be installed.
Windows Shared and Linux Chilisoft ASP
PHP 5.3 is not currently available on Windows Shared or Linux Chilisoft ASP servers.
VPS with cPanel
Do not use the Handler code listed above. Instead, you must email support@hosticon.com and request that PHP 5.3 be installed.
VPS with Plesk
Newer VPS/Plesk installations are setup with PHP 5.3, however some older installations may have previous versions. If your VPS requires an upgrade to 5.3 please email support@hosticon.com to request this.
VPS with VZ only
VPS hosting accounts without cPanel or Plesk (that only have VZ Power Panel / Virtuozzo) do not have PHP installed by default. You can install any version of PHP that you want. Note: VPS hosting without cPanel or Plesk is considered unmanaged, and as such you would need to compile and install PHP yourself.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you are using a custom php.ini file that references PHP modules that are not available with PHP 5.3, your site may not work. Either remove the custom php.ini file (which will cause the server to use the default php.ini file for PHP 5.3), or create a php.ini file that is compatible with PHP 5.3.