Persistent Processes
From DreamHost
What is DreamHost's persistent (background) process policy?
DreamHost defines persistent/background processes as any UNIX user's command running non-interactively. Basically, something that runs while you aren't actively sitting there interacting with it through a shell window.
Firstly, DreamHost reserves the right to kill any user process on a shared server without warning or prior notification at the discretion of support or the administrators
This is not just done capriciously, however. This is generally done when a process is, in any way, adversely affecting the functionality of a shared server. The same policies do not apply to dedicated server customers running DreamHost PS (DreamHost Private Server). They can run whatever (LEGAL) processes they'd like. The owner must realize that they then accept responsibility for any negative impact this may have on their machine.
What types of processes are forbidden by DreamHost?
- IRC-related persistent processes of any kind (including, but not limited to, bots, bouncers, etc.) are STRICTLY PROHIBITED, and are in violation of the Terms of Service.
- BitTorrent-related processes are not allowed.
- Streaming Audio or Video servers of any kind are not allowed on shared hosting servers.
- Voice chat or VoIP servers like Asterisk, Ventrilo and TeamSpeak are not permitted.
- Game servers (CounterStrike, WoW, BF2, etc.) are also not permitted.
- Proxy style tunnels such as Tor cannot be run.
- Alternate services and daemons (Finger, OpenLDAP, memcached, etc.) as well as daemonized version of current services (PHP, httpd, etc.) may not be run.
- Cron Jobs, Crontabs are allowed provided you don't use excessive system resources.
Notes
Should you have a question about whether a process is allowed or not, feel free to contact support and ask. If you're not yet a customer, you should submit a sales ticket to ask.
