Commercial Network Services

CNS Remote Admin v1.0.17

- NA - — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:46:16 -0700

CNS Remote Admin is a tool for use by Commercial Network Services subscribers to manage Windows virtual servers and desktops. Some of the features in CNS Remote Admin are: view logged on users, running processes, events, download/upload files, and control software manatged by CNS Autoboot. Recommended for all CNS VPS subscribers.

Available now for Android and iOS, search "CNS Remote Admin" in the playstore or on iTunes.

Changes desktop version of CNSRemoteAdmin 1.0.17:

Replaced old 2FA with new CNS2FA.
Reworked internal engine for tabs and network connection. Now all operations are working faster, especially File Manager and Event Viewer.
Fixed navigate up in File Manager, now navigating to upper folder instead of root of drive C:
Fixed error when trying to navigate to folder, which was just renamed in File Manager.
Fixed issue with error showing remote screenshot in some cases (In Windows 2008 and Windows 2012). After reboot in Windows 2003 it is required to make logon to Windows with using Remote Desktop before using screenshot feature.
Fixed progress bar in File Manager when copy/open files.
Added support of rad files where line by line means: remote ip, login, password, and optionally 2fa. To open it, call app with passing full path to rad file as first argument.

Changes in mobile version of CNSRemoteAdmin 1.0.17:

Replaced old 2FA with new CNS2FA.
Added feature to sort columns in Process View.
Added basic touch to zoom and double-tap to fullscreen feature in remote screenshot viewer.
Fixed issue with error showing remote screenshot in some cases.

Direct links to the app at mobile app stores:

https://itunes.apple.com/app/cns-remote-admin/id633701523
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.CommercialNetworkServices.CNSRemoteAdmin

How do I change my CNS VPS Administrator password?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:07:06 -0800

There are 3 ways to change the Administrator password for your CNS VPS. Please be sure that you read the whole set of instructions for your chosen method and that you understand them clearly to avoid issues before trying the steps.

** AREA "A" OF THE WEBSITE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PLEASE USE METHOD B OR C.

(A) Our CNS VPS Control Panel can be used to set your password from the VPS details page in your Client Area:

This feature will require that CNS Remote Admin is installed in your VPS

Click "My Products & Services"
Click the "View Details" button for your VPS Subscription
Type your new password into the "Reset Administrator/root password" field
Click the "Reset Password" button to make the change

(B) Your VPS Administrator password can be set from inside the VM (confirmation):

Usethe CTRL+ALT+END key combination to bring up the Windows Security menu. You can also use the "Windows Security" icon in your Start menu if it is available.

(C) You can also make the change from the Command Line (no confirmation):

For 2003:

Click the "Start" button then click "Run..."
In the Run box type: "cmd" then press ENTER
In the CMD window type "net user Administrator new_pass"
Press ENTER to set your new password

**Replace "new_pass" with your new password

For 2008/2012:

Click the "Start" button then in the Search box type: "cmd"
Right-click the Command Prompt icon then select "Run as Administrator"
In the CMD window type "net user Administrator new_pass"
Press ENTER to set your new password

**Replace "new_pass" with your new password

Login to Your CNS VPS with Remote Desktop - RDP - Windows PC Mac ...

Marques F — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:08:15 -0700

Microsoft Remote Desktop Clients are available for nearly every device through their respective app store these days, best of all they are free. Google Play for Android, iTunes for iOS, and the Mac App Store for Macs, it is already included in every version of Windows. You can find direct links to those downloads in this Microsoft Technet article: Microsoft Remote Desktop Clients - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn473009.aspx

When connecting from a PC or Mac, we recommend using a Remote Desktop Shortcut, .RDP file. The shortcut is a settings file that tells your already installed Remote Desktop client how to connect to your VPS subscription.

From your CNS Client Area

Click "My Products & Services"
Then click the "View Details" button to access the Control Panel
Next, scroll down to the "RDP Shortcut Creator"
Configure your settings in the box
Then use the "Download/Open RDP Shortcut" button

Save the file to your machine or Open it when using a Public device to access your VPS

When connecting from your mobile device you will want to gather the information from your VPS details page to use with your Client. The main settings you will need from that page will be:

IP Address - Noted in your Product Details, may also be called host address or remote server in your client.
RDP Port - Noted on the RDP Shortcut Creator.
Console - If you're connecting to a VPS running Windows Server 2003 be sure to Enable the Console option in your Client so that you will see the same session as when connecting from your PC.

#Connect #RDP #Remote_Desktop #Login #Logon #Windows #Mac #Android #iPhone #iPad

CNS Looking Glass

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:30:52 -0700

This looking glass can be used to test latency from any CNS datacenter to remote IPv4 & IPv6 hosts over the Internet. Enter the remote host or IP and select the datacenter to trace from. You can also leave the host field blank to trace to your IP address.
NOTE: Enter IP or host name only. Do not enter any protocols or ports. i.e. 127.0.0.1 or aserver.adomain.com (do not enter :443 or http://)

CNS Two-Factor Authentication How-To Guide

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:27:37 -0800

2FA is included free in all CNS subscriptions. It is also available as a subscription service starting at US$2/month or US$6/year. Use the coupon code 2FA1MONTH for a free one month trial (signup for the monthly subscription).

Summary

Getting Started

Configuring Additional Client Area Users

Installing the CNS 2FA Client Software in Windows

Entering the License Key (not required for VM's hosted by CNS)

Mapping CNS Account Contacts to Windows Users

Upgrading the CNS 2FA 2.0 Client (SMS only) to 2.5

Logging into a 2FA Protected CNS VPS

Logging into a 2FA Protected CNS Client Area

Uninstalling 2FA

Summary

CNS Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a system where two different factors are used to authenticate a system login. Using two factors as opposed to one delivers a higher level of security when authenticating to your machine. The CNS 2FA solution combines something you have - your mobile device (phone or tablet) - with something you know - your VPS Administrator password. This can be compared to using an ATM card to withdrawal funds where you are required to have both the card and the PIN to complete a transaction, though in that example your PIN may never change.

Previous versions of CNS 2FA were only available with CNS VPS subscriptions and required a One-Time PIN code be sent to the subscriber by SMS. Due to the variety of mobile providers worldwide and the different methods they use to process SMS messages, SMS PIN's could sometimes be delayed by several minutes.

With the release of CNS 2FA v2.5, CNS is introducing software tokens for mobile devices. The software displays a changing code on the mobile device, which only needs to be added to the end of the password at login. This avoids the need to wait for an SMS. For subscribers without a modern iOS, Android, or Windows mobile device- SMS codes are still supported as detailed in the "Logging into a 2FA Protected VM" section below. Note: The ability to receive the one-time PIN by email is no longer supported because of security risks (email accounts are often hacked before any other services the user may subscribe to).

2FA renders key loggers ineffective because the PIN code changes every 30 seconds- for token generated PINs and 5 minutes- for PINs sent by SMS (can only be used one time). A stolen password is only 1/2 the information needed to login - the attacker must also have your mobile device in their hand to read the PIN code and enter it. Brute force hacks are out of the question.

We strongly recommend this free service to all subscribers. To date, CNS has not seen a single 2FA protected VPS hacked. CNS is taking security even further by extending the 2FA service to protect CNS Client Area logins.

CNS Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is compatible with any hosted Windows server, and has been tested on Windows 2003 R2, Windows 2008 R2, and Windows 2012. It is available free with every CNS VPS subscription, and as an individual subscription service to protect Windows logins. 2FA subscribers should note that the service requires an active Internet connection to reach our authentication servers. While 2FA is compatible with client OS's, like Windows 7, 8, etc., extra care must be taken to ensure that Internet access is Always available to your machine for 2FA to function properly.

Getting Started

In 2FA releases prior to v2.5, authorized users had to be setup individually in each VM subscription and the CNS Client Area was unprotected by 2FA. This opened a potential security hole because an unauthorized hacker could theoretically login to the CNS Client Area and disable 2FA before subsequently logging into the (formerly) 2FA protected VM. This is a real threat if the same CNS subscriber account password was also used on other sites by the CNS subscriber. CNS 2FA v2.5 extends protection to the CNS Client Area, where authorized users in the 2FA protected OS/VM are actually registered as account contacts. After registering all authorized users, they only need to be mapped to Windows User accounts in the VM/2FA subscription details (in the CNS Client Area). If no users are mapped in the subscription details then all Windows Users will default to the registered CNS account owner for two-factor authentication. If you do not want the authorized VM users to have access to your CNS Client Area, simply register them but do not grant any permissions. This will enable those users to login to the CNS Client Area to register/manage their mobile device, and nothing else.

If you intend to use the software token then you should first install Google Authenticator in your mobile device. This can be easily installed from the app store for your device. (Play Store, App Store, Etc.) We also recommend that the barcode scanner is installed (it may be an optional/recommended install). Installing the barcode scanner will enable you to register the mobile device by simply pointing the camera at a QR code on the screen to read the configuration. Google Authenticator is available for many platforms, including Android & iOS.

* Some subscribers may not be able to install Google Authenticator. Apps like Authy (available for Android & iOS) can be used to receive your codes for CNS 2FA and other popular services as well. OTP Authenticator is based off of the Google Authenticator source and behaves almost identically: https://kuix.de/android/otp-authenticator/ (you may need to enable installing apps not from the play store to perform the install)

The first step is to login to your CNS Client Area and click "My Details" at the top of the screen.

Then click "Change Security Question" and complete the form. This is important in case you lose your mobile device and require CNS Support assistance to regain access - it may help you get logged back in faster.

Next, click "Two-factor Authentication".

You will be directed to a page prompting for your SMS phone number. In this box, enter the country code + mobile number. For example, the country code for the US is +1. If the phone number of this device is (619) 555-1214 then the number to be entered will be 16195551214, etc..

After entering your mobile device phone number, click the button to Enable Two-Factor Authentication.

Within a few seconds, you should receive a confirmation SMS notifying you that 2FA has been setup on your account - DO NOT LEAVE THE PAGE YET

The next page will look similar to the graphic at the right.

Open Google Authenticator on your mobile device and click the menu item to setup an account. You will be offered two ways to do that, either scanning the barcode or entering a provided key. By far, the easiest way to register the device is to scan the barcode. If a manual key needs to be entered, it is displayed below the QR code, as shown in the graphic to the right.

If you did not receive the SMS confirmation then try clicking the button to disable 2FA and start the process over again with a corrected phone number. SMS delivery should be operational worldwide, however depending on your mobile provider the time required to receive the message could be several minutes.

If you are unable to receive the SMS and experience trouble registering your mobile device in Google Authenticator, click "Disable Two-factor Authentication" before leaving the page.

Please open a support ticket if you require additional assistance.

Configuring Additional CNS Client Area Users

To add CNS Client Area account contacts, click "My Details" in the yellow navigation area. Then click, "Contacts/Sub-Accounts". Select the "Add New Contact" drop-down item and be sure to check "Tick to configure as a sub-account with client area access".

Grant the necessary permissions, if desired, and save. The new account contact should then login to the CNS Client Area under their newly created account and register a mobile device, as detailed in the section "Getting Started" (above).

Please see the section "Mapping CNS Account Contacts to Windows Users" (below) for information about linking Windows logins with registered 2FA users.

Installing the CNS 2FA Client Software in Windows

NOTE: If you are upgrading a CNS VPS already protected with the previous 2FA v2.0 software (SMS only), you must first complete the section "Upgrading from the CNS 2FA 2.0 Client" before instalilng the software.

The CNS 2FA Client Software is required to be installed in the 2FA protected machine. If you ordered a new CNS VPS on/after November 13, 2013 and selected to install 2FA at that time then the software is already installed for you. Otherwise, simply download the client software (available at the bottom of this KB article) and install it into the Windows OS that is intended to be protected by 2FA. Note: All CNS software downloads are always digitally signed for your protection. It is good practice - for any software you may download - to save it and then right-click on the file and select "properties". You should see a digital signature tab with the certificate details. If you do not see a digital signature tab, or if the digital signature reflects as invalid, then consider the software to be suspect, as it may be infected with malicious software.

If the OS being protected by 2FA is a CNS VPS then skip to the section titled "Mapping CNS Account Contacts to Windows Users". If the OS being protected is not hosted by CNS, you must next enter a license key into the client software.

Entering the License Key

This step is not required if the VPS being protected by 2FA is hosted by CNS because CNS Two-Factor Authentication is included free with every CNS VPS subscription. A license key is only required for CNS 2FA software subscriptions in order to secure servers not hosted by CNS. A separate license is required for each Windows OS to be protected by 2FA. There is no limit to the number of authorized users.

The license key can be obtained from the CNS Client Area by clicking "My Products & Services" then the "View Details" button next to the CNS 2FA software subscription. The license key begins with "CNS-2FA".

In the Windows OS being protected by 2FA, click Start-> Programs-> CNS Two-factor Authentication-> Licensing, and enter the license key.

NOTE: If you later decide to uninstall 2FA from this computer and move it to another computer, you should return to the CNS Client Area and click "Reissue License". The license key will remain the same. This simply "unglues" the license from the existing machine so the next machine that authenticates the license can claim it.

Mapping CNS Account Contacts to Windows Users

"Mapping" is a term used to link Windows users in a 2FA protected Windows OS to a registered user in the CNS Client Area. If the registered CNS Account owner is the only authorized user in a 2FA protected VM then this section can be safely ignored. By default, all Windows users are mapped to the CNS Subscriber Account owner's 2FA token.

In order to map additional users, it is first necessary to register them as additional account contacts in the CNS Client Area, so they can register and manage their mobile device. In cases where account contacts should not have access to a 2FA secured server, all that is required is to do nothing - do not map those contacts to Windows users.

In order to map users, you must first register your users as CNS Client Area contacts (see "Configuring Additional CNS Client Area Users", above).

To access the mapping table, click "My Products & Services"-> "View Details" next to the VM or 2FA subscription. You may need to scroll down to find the mapping table, which will look something like the table on the right.

Select the registered CNS Client Area contact in the drop-down box and then enter the associated Windows user name, such as Administrator. The Windows user name is the user name the user logs into the 2FA protected OS as. Then click "ADD MAPPING". Changes are registered instantly.

Upgrading from the CNS 2FA 2.0 Client

If you are upgrading a VM hosted by CNS with the older CNS 2FA v2.0 client (SMS only) then it is necessary to first uninstall the software from the VM before proceeding to install the new CNS 2FA v2.5 client.

2008/2012: In the VPS, select Start-> Control Panel-> Programs and Features

Select "CNS Two-factor Authentication Client" and then click on "Uninstall". Confirm to remove pGina 2 and all plugins, and then click "Uninstall". DO NOT REBOOT (YET)

Proceed to install the CNS 2FA v2.5 Client Software. A reboot is required after installing the new CNS 2FA v2.5 client software.

2003: In the VPS, select Start-> Control Panel-> Add/Remove Programs

Select "CNS Two-factor Authentication Client" and then click on "Uninstall". Confirm to remove pGina 2 and all plugins, and then click "Uninstall". DO NOT REBOOT (YET)

Proceed to install the CNS 2FA v2.5 Client Software. A reboot is required after installing the new CNS 2FA v2.5 client software.

Logging into a 2FA Protected VM

Logging into a 2FA protected VM requires a changing code is entered after the password and while the 2FA remote desktop screen is displayed. When a RDP session is first established, the user may receive a normal RDP popup on their remote PC which is prompting for the Windows user name and password. This first step only requires the regular Windows user name and password, without the 2FA code.

After successfully completing this step, a Windows login will be displayed *in a remote desktop window*. Here, all that is required is to login with the Windows user name (typically Administrator) and the password, immediately followed by the changing code displayed on the software token.

For example, if the Windows user logging in is "Administrator", the password is "password", and the changing code on the software token is "123456" then the following should be entered:

User: Administrator

Password: password123456

If you do not have the software token installed, or require a one-time SMS code, enter only "sms" in the password field. A one-time SMS code will be sent to you which is valid for five minutes only. Complete the process again and use the code received by SMS as your token code.

Logging into the a 2FA protected CNS Client Area

To login to the CNS Client Area with 2FA activated, simply login with your regular user name (email address) and password. A second screen will appear for the 2FA code displayed on your mobile device. There is also a link on that second page to send a one-time SMS code, which will only be valid for 5 minutes after it is requested.

Uninstalling 2FA

Uninstalling the software client from the OS will remove 2FA protection from the windows OS. It will not remove 2FA protection from the CNS Client Area. To do that, you should return to the CNS Client Area and click "My Details" and then "Two-Factor Authentication". Then, click the button to disable 2FA.

To uninstall the 2FA software from the Windows OS, go into Add/Remove Programs and uninstall the software titled "CNS Two-factor Authentication". A reboot should not be required.

To deactivate 2FA from your CNS account, return to the "My Details" page in the CNS Client Area and click the two-factor authentication link. You will find a button to deactivate it.

CNS Autoboot 3.0.43

- NA - — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:14:11 -0800

CNS Autoboot v3.0.43 for all Windows Server 2003/2008/2012 Virtual Private Servers

This software is ONLY Authorized for use with CNS Virtual Private Servers and valid CNS Autoboot software subscriptions.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO DOWNLOAD THE FILE

Please read our Autoboot 3 User Guide before using.
A text only version can be found in our Knowledge Base.

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.43:
* By request for MT5 Optimization: Changed max startup delay between apps from 60 to 300 seconds

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.41:
* Fixed error when opening global Autoboot settings in some cases.

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.40:
* Resolves a privately reported security vulnerability.

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.39.1:

* Reduced memory usage: now AutoBootAppsStarter.exe works only on windows account used by Autoboot.
* In Windows 2003 when adding terminal.exe into list of apps, automatically adds /portable argument to bypass MT4 profiles issues even with 2FA enabled Windows 2003 vms. This argument can be edited in app settings in Autoboot.
* In global settings added "high system RAM usage" event (subscriber request).
* Fixed issue with profiles in MT4 for Windows 2003 without 2FA.
* In Windows 2003 without 2FA now session is created and apps run with session rights, which may resolve some of issues with some of trader terminals run with Autoboot.
* Fixed issue with non-working disabling email notification about Autoboot startup.

Changes in Autoboot 3.0.38:

* Fixed issue with multiple instances of AutoBootAppStarter process when using several windows account at once.
* Added listing top 10 processes in the email about event of low free system ram.
* Added confirmation box when enabling or disabling apps.
* Added email notification when Autoboot service is booted up. This notification can be turned on in Autoboot settings.

Please review the readme for more historical update information.

Bundling Program Members - Get a FREE or Discounted CNS VPS!

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:26:11 -0700

The CNS VPS Bundling Program allows brokers to include a FREE or Discounted CNS Trader’s VPS with their customer accounts by sponsoring all or part of the CNS subscription fee that is invoiced to the trader by CNS. The CNS VPS subscription remains the property of the trader while enabling the sponsoring Broker to post paymnets directly to the subscribers renewal invoice to offset or pay the renewal fee in full on the invoice's due date. Each broker has their own program terms to qualify for sponsorship.

If you are establishing a new CNS VPS subscription then please use the Broker's Promotional Code at Checkout. You have the option of paying the first month of service or select the "Mail-in Payment" option and wait for the Broker to approve the sponsorhip and apply their initial payment to your invoice. If using the "Mail-in Payment" option it may be a good idea to coordinate that with the Broker before placing your order to ensure that you are qualified for sponsorship and can have the payment applied in a timely manner.

If you would like a current CNS VPS subscription sponsored by your Broker's Bundling Program, please open a CNS Help Desk support ticket and provide us with the CNS VPS Subscription ID and the Promotional Code as listed below.

You can review the Broker sponsorship details in real-time from the VPS Details page in your CNS Client Area. This can be found by going to "My Products & Services" then click the "View Details" button for your subscripton.

Following is a list of our Broker Bundling Program members and their sponsorhip terms:

CNS Premiere Sponsoring Broker : Brokers with two stars next to their offer are designated a "Premiere Sponsoring Broker" by CNS because they check their CNS portal often and are very responsive to subscriber sponsorship requests

Please contact the Sponsoring Broker directly for more information about their bundling program offer. If you would like to see your Broker listed here then please contact them and tell them about our Broker Bundling Program. Thank you! ON NET brokers are directly connected to the CNS network. Latency <1ms.

Latency to popular brokers and services from our Trader's VPS

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:22:11 -0700

The following table list the latency between our Trader's VPS and popular brokers by CNS datacenter [read more about low latency]. There is also more information listed in the FAQ below this chart.

Click on the datacenter (i.e. NY or UK) at the top to order a VPS in that data center.
You can also run your own latency tests from our datacenters through our Looking Glass

	New York	UK
24FX [46.137.123.99] Regulated by: Cypress Securities Exchange Commission	81ms	12ms
AAAFx [198.107.197.19] LIve AAAFx(198.107.197.219) Demo	7ms 8ms	139ms 156ms
AccentForex (accentforex.com) [62.212.67.194]	82ms	8ms
ActivTrades [13.94.200.192] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	77ms	11ms
Admiral Markets [185.55.48.145] Regulated by: FSA [EE]	90ms	3ms
Advanced Markets FX Live [74.201.176.23] DEMO is in San Jose, CA 12 ms from SDCA Regulated by: ASIC [AU]	1ms	71ms
AFX Capital [176.9.25.201] Regulated by: CySEC [CY]	90ms	23ms
Alpari-RU [212.65.93.13] Regulated by: KROUFR [RU]	122ms	49ms
Alpari-US [204.8.240.160] Regulated by: NFA [US]	20ms	72ms
Alpha Capital Markets [85.17.28.129] Regulated by: FCA [UK]	76ms	8ms
Alvexo [149.5.82.70] Regulated by: CySEC	71ms	3ms
Amana Capital [162.13.103.96] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	71ms	3ms
Argus FX [191.234.39.189]	7ms	77ms
Assets FX [185.97.161.66]	87ms	1ms
ATC [8.30.204.57] Regulated by: NFA [US]	<1ms	73ms
[54.174.180.148] Regulated by: Financial Conduct Authority [FRN]	8ms	83ms
Atiora FX [74.201.176.23] Regulated by: FSC Seychelles and SVG	19ms	73ms
AuraFX [74.201.176.46]	19ms	69ms
Ava FX Real [162.13.113.220]	73ms	3ms
Ava FX Demo [95.138.169.105]	74ms	3ms
Axiory [92.52.99.145]	73ms	4ms
Regulated by: ASIC [AU]	<1ms	66ms
BelforFX (195.226.199.58)	91ms	24ms
Benchmark Group [162.255.145.131] Regulated by: FSC [BG]	<1ms	71ms
	NYC	UK
BNFX [74.217.165.15] Regulated by: NFA [US]	1ms	70ms
CapFH Clearing [mt4livemaster2.cfhmarkets.com] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	71ms	1ms
CFH Clearing [mt4livemaster2.cfhmarkets.com]	71ms	1ms
Citi FX Pro [193.219.31.104] Regulated by: NFA [US]	96ms	24ms
www.collective2.com [74.220.20.155]	2ms	73ms
Core Liquidity Markets [64.9.40.175] Regulated by: ASIC [AU]	22ms	90ms
Cresco Capital Markets ltd [38.65.13.2]	2ms	72ms
Currenex [64.210.171.58]	3ms	73ms
Dukascopy [94.236.7.229] Regulated by: FINMA [CH]	79ms	3ms
	NYC	UK
E-Global Demo [78.129.175.175]	71ms	2ms
E-Global Real [78.129.175.57]	96ms	17ms
ETX Capital [ 91.220.216.21 ] Regulated by: FCA [UK]	69ms	3ms
EXNESS [mt4real1.exness.com] Member FSCL dispute resolution [NZ]	77ms	7ms
Evolve Markets [mt4live.evolvemarkets.com] No formal regulation (BTC broker)	20ms	107ms
FastBrokersFX Regulated by: NFA [US]	[SEE RESPECTIVE END-BROKER]
FBS [88.85.79.65] No formal regulation [MY]	3ms	73ms
FiboGroupDemo [87.118.250.162]	121ms	56ms
FiboGroupReal [72.167.255.124]	74ms	136ms
Fidelis CM [74.201.181.197] Regulated by: CySEC	3ms	74ms
Fine XO [83.138.135.220]	71ms	3ms
FirewoodFX[live.firewoodfx.com] No formal regulation [VC]	<1ms	73ms
Forex4You.com	SEE E-Global
Forex.com [74.217.53.11] Regulated by: NFA [US], FSA [UK], ASIC [AU]	2ms	75ms
FOREX.com UK [65.51.38.54] (server is in USA) Regulated by: NFA [US], FSA [UK], ASIC [AU]	2ms	75ms
Forex Ltd. [65.175.79.18] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	30ms	96ms
FOREX MMCIS [mt.forex-mmcis.com] No formal regulation [VC]	93ms	22ms
Regulated by: ASIC [AU]		75ms
Fortex Regulated by: ASIC [AU]		72ms
Regulated by: ASIC [AU]		72ms
FXCH [207.228.252.28] No formal regulation [DM]	2ms	24ms
FX Choice FxChoice-ClassicLive.srv [46.165.193.65]	107ms	15ms
FX Clearing [208.116.40.196] Regulated by: MRRC [RU]	2ms	70ms
FXCM MENA Regulated by: Multiple		73ms
FXCM UK [204.8.241.213] (server is in USA) Regulated by: FSA [UK]	1ms	72ms
FXCompany [80.93.48.134] No formal regulation [RU]	123ms	56ms
FXDD [129.250.192.70] Regulated by: NFA [US]	24ms	84ms
FXDD (Malta) [72.5.41.46] Regulated by: MFSA [MT]	1ms	73ms
FX Flat (fxflat.com) BaFin licensed	90ms	21ms
FXtradeweb [78.129.187.125] Regulated by: NBPR [FI]	74ms	2ms
FXOpen [real2.fxopen.com / ecn.fxopen.com] Member FSCL dispute resolution [NZ]	3ms	81ms
FXPIG [149.5.84.176] Member FSCL dispute resolution [NZ]	76ms	1ms
FXPIG ECN [38.76.18.105] Member FSCL dispute resolution [NZ]	25ms	62ms
FXPremax [75.98.69.21] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	2ms	73ms
FX Primus US-East [mt1-us.fxprimus.com] Regulated by: FSC [MU]	7ms	84ms
FX Primus Europe [mt1-euro.fxprimus.com]	80ms	2ms
	NYC	UK
FXPro [mtdc-r02-10.fxpro.com] Server moved to Moscow, RU Regulated by: CySEC [CY], ASIC [AU]	138ms	58ms
FX Solutions UK [206.18.161.49] (server is in/near NYC) Regulated by: FSA [UK]	71ms	73ms
FXTM (FOREX Time) [176.97.157.11] Regulated by: CySEC [CY]	82ms	14ms
Gallant FX Regulated by:FSC		72ms
[185.97.161.51] Regulated by: CYSEC [CY]	83ms	7ms
GCM Forex		71ms
GFT [75.124.71.136] Regulated by: NFA [US], FSA [JP],ASIC [AU], FSA [UK]	4ms	76ms
GCI Trading Demo FX [213.229.102.164] No formal regulation [UNKNOWN]	72ms	4ms
GCI Trading Live FX [213.229.102.163] No formal regulation [UNKNOWN]	72ms	4ms
GKFX [ukdc1.gkfx.com] Regulated by: FCA [UK]	75ms	4ms
Global Prime Regulated by: ASIC [AU]		73ms
Go Markets [ts1.mt4.gomarketsaus.com] Regulated by: ASIC [AU	78ms	2ms
Go Markets UK [185.64.248.37] Regulated by: ASIC [AU]	122ms	49ms
GotMoneyFX Regulated by: ASIC [AU]	SEE InterbankFX
Grand Capital [138.201.235.36 ]	89ms	20ms
GuavaTech		71ms
Hantec Markets [server1.hantecfx.com] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	72ms	1ms
HBGM Regulated by: Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC)	68ms
HDForex [94.236.7.229] Member AFC dispute resolution	76ms	1ms
HotForex [88.85.91.13] Regulated by: FSC [MU]	82ms	9ms
HY Markets Demo [hyt4demo.hyinvestment.com] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	231ms	302ms
HY Markets Live [hyt4live.hyinvestment.com] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	1ms	4ms
I am FX [5.10.76.72] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	83ms	7ms
Regulated by: ASIC [AU]		72ms
ICM Brokers [67.192.223.211] No formal regulation [US]	43ms	122ms
IFC Markets [64.56.66.49] Regulated by: FSC [BVI]	68ms	141ms
IG Markets [ mt4b.ig.com ]	86ms	<2ms
IKO FX [210.193.54.196] No formal regulation [VG]	236ms	243ms
IKON Group [64.15.237.207]	1ms	80ms
Infinity Futures	SEE Forex.com
InstaForex.com [188.138.48.84] No formal regulation [UNKNOWN]	86ms	18ms
	NYC	UK
Please contact your Integral representative to activate your link		71ms
Interactive Brokers [208.192.181.62] Regulated by: IIROC [CA], FSA [UK]	3ms	77ms
Intertrader [88.81.155.75] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	97ms	6ms
InvestAZ [178.162.218.179] Regulated by: FSP [NZ] Member FSCL dispute resolution [NZ]	88ms	15ms
IronFX [87.239.186.104] Regulated by: (multiple registrations)	78ms	7ms
Invast [80.69.3.148] Regulated by: ASIC [AU]	75ms	1ms
InvestorEurope Demo [208.118.225.182] Regulated by: FSC [GI]	7ms	75ms
InvestorEurope Live [208.118.226.194] Regulated by: FSC [GI]	7ms	91ms
IS Prime regulated by: FCA UK		71ms
JAFX (192.81.110.135) not currently regulated	<1ms	81ms
JFD Brokers [mt4live.jfdbrokers.com] Regulated by: multiple	2ms	72ms
JustForex [66.55.143.251]	4ms	77ms
Key to Markets (ktmlive.keytomarkets.com) Regulated by: FSPR [NZ]	8ms	72ms
Latitude FX [74.217.53.11]	4ms	72ms
LiderFX [185.38.202.55] Regulated by: FCA [UK]	72ms	2ms
Lite Forex [174.37.162.196] Regulated by: RAFMM [RU]	74ms	140ms
LMAX Exchange [91.215.165.0/24] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	70ms	1ms
LMAX Exchange [185.34.167.0/24] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	85ms	1ms
LMFX [dc01.live1.dc.lmfx.com] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	79ms	7ms
London Capital Group [149.5.77.164] Regulated by: FCA [UK]	70ms	2ms
Lucera		72ms
Markets.com [83.138.135.217] Regulated by: (multiple registrations)	76ms	<5ms
MasterForex [88.85.79.4] Regulated by: MRRC [RU]	81ms	7ms
MaxFX [104.40.182.22]	81ms	8ms
MB Trading [216.52.236.96] Regulated by: NFA [US]	68ms	149ms
MF Financial [66.246.48.105]	1ms	73ms
MigBank Demo [80.237.157.20] Regulated by: FINMA [CH]	90ms	16ms
MigBank MAM [92.42.240.61] Regulated by: FINMA [CH]	97ms	33ms
MigBank Real [94.228.51.16] Regulated by: FINMA [CH]	97ms	19ms
MTG Forex [94.236.105.112]	76ms	3ms
[69.46.235.19] Regulated by: New Zealand FSP (Financial Services Provider)	2ms	74ms
MXT Global Regulated by: ASIC		71ms
mt4-trade.oanda.com Regulated by: (multiple registrations worldwide) including NFA [US]	1ms	71ms
OctaFX [109.233.57.15]	112ms	31ms
OEC [74.201.3.42] Regulated by: (multiple registrations)	19ms	112ms
One Financial CFD Demo [mt4demo-master.onecfd.co.uk] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	108ms	<2ms
One Financial CFD Live [mt4live-master.onecfd.co.uk] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	73ms	<2ms
	NYC	UK
OneTrade [192.81.110.50] regulated by: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)UK	<1ms	71ms
oneZero Financial Systems
PaxForex [46.4.113.240]	92ms	22ms
PrimeBank Forex [75.125.0.67]	45ms	116ms
Orbex [208.96.52.206]	68ms	139ms
Sig	SEE LITE FOREX
Pepperstone Regulated by: ASIC [AU]		72ms
PhillipCapital Regulated by: [NFA]		74ms
PrimeXM	73ms	1ms [mtpro01.primexm.com]
ProfiForex [74.201.192.242] Regulated by: SIBA [SC]	2ms	74ms
Questrade [74.217.53.91]	4ms	71ms
Real Forex (Israel)		72ms
Renesource Capital [195.13.170.198]	112ms	41ms
RoboForex [176.74.216.213]	97ms	25ms
Regulated by: ASIC (Australia)	74ms	2ms
RubixFX		72ms
SFX Markets [74.217.165.18]	2ms	113ms
Solidary Markets FX [108.61.141.242]	3ms	71ms
Squared Financial [89.187.126.248]	1ms	73ms
Sterling Gent [live.sgtmarkets.com] Regulator: BVI [BM]	73ms	<1ms
Spotware UK Proxy (cAlgo, cTrader)	75ms	<2ms
Sunbird FX [195.216.252.89]	134ms	1ms
SVSFX [212.100.239.240] Regulated by: FCA [UK]	75ms	4ms
SwissProFX		71ms
SwissQuote [176.56.182.89]	77ms	9ms
SynergyFX		79ms
Tallinex [54.77.159.42]	81ms	11ms
Regulated by: Multiple	82ms	2ms [ThinkForexUK-Live 2]
Tickmill FSA regulated	71ms	3ms
Tickmill Demo [demo.mt4tickmill.com]	71ms	9ms
TideLiquidity.com		72ms
TradeFair [91.215.165.24]	70ms	1ms
TraderNOVO [69.9.40.174]	2ms	73ms
TradersWay [85.17.136.142]	82ms	9ms
TradeStation [63.99.207.135]	See Oanda	See Oanda
TradeView [78.129.187.125]	75ms	2ms
Trading Point [dc-r02-03.mt4servers.com]	72ms	1ms
UWC [78.140.164.102]	85ms	10ms
Valbury Capital [mtlive02.valbury.co.uk] Regulated by:FSA	<1ms	73ms
Regulated by: FCA [UK] [NFA]		74ms
[185.64.248.35] Regulated by: ASIC & FSA [AU]	74ms
Regulated by: FCA [UK]	71ms	1ms
ViproMarkets [live.vipromarkets.com] Regulated by: CySEC	73ms	<2ms
Viva Forex [74.201.176.23]	<1ms	70ms
Windsor Brokers [87.228.201.240]	88ms	1ms
Xenfin Capital [ldn.liquidx.xenfin.com] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	70ms	<2ms
Xenfin Capital [ny.liquidx.xenfin.com] Regulated by: FSA [UK]	3ms	72ms
XM [dc-r02-03.mt4servers.com] Regulated by: [multiple]	72ms	1ms
X-Trade Brokers [real1a.xtb.com] Reguleted by: FCA [UK]	86ms	15ms
youtradeFX [mt4live.youtradefx.com]	82ms	16ms

LA: Los Angeles data center
NYC: New York City data center
UK: London data center
Time measured in milliseconds (1/1000th of a second) to brokers gateway.

: These brokers are participating in our bundling program and offer a free or discounted CNS VPS to their subscribers. For more information, please reivew this KB article detailing the program.

: These brokers are participating in our bundling program actively sponsor CNS subscribers and are very responsive to subscriber requests. As such, they have been designated a "CNS Premiere Sponsoring Broker".

These brokers are directly connected to the CNS network. Latency <1ms. [top]

These brokers are connected to the CNS network through a peering fabric or a peering relationship with their ISP. This configuration completely bypasses Internet transit. [top]

Regulatory information has been obtained from the broker's web site or by contacting the broker directly. This information is believed to be accurate as of the date posted. CNS assumes no liability for errors or omissions. If any information is not correct, please contact CNS Support.

This latency chart does not imply an endorsement or recommendation of any broker. It is only a list of latency results to popular brokers or brokers CNS support has been requested to test by subscribers. Use your own due diligence before doing business with any broker. If you have ANY questions then please contact CNS Suport.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I use the latency chart?

A: You should setup your virtual desktop in the data center with the least latency to your broker. If you are not using the virtual desktop to trade or if your trading strategy is more long term then setup your virtual desktop in the datacenter closer to you for best remote desktop performance.

Q: I am trading both west and east coast brokers. Where should I host my desktop?

A: Consider setting up two desktops, one for west coast and the other for east coast brokers. You can easily log into both at the same time, and even network them together so you can securely copy files between them. This will give you the best possible latency to all brokers. Please refer to our latency chart to determine the best location to host your trading terminal. Let us know if your broker is not on the list and we will do our best to update it as soon as possible. If you do not want to setup two desktops then pick the broker most important to you and use the data center on the chart with the lowest latency.

Q: I already have a virtual desktop. Can I migrate my desktop to the new data center?

A: You can migrate your VPS between CNS datacenters at any time. Please open a support ticket.

Q: What is "ON NET"?

A: Brokers designated as "ON NET" are directly connected to the CNS network - they are "on the network". Latency <1ms and connectivity via redundant broker gateways.

Q: I am running a scalping EA. What's the difference in performance?

A: Night & day, especially for popular EA's where everyone is trying to make the same order at the same time. Figure the average latency to all NYC brokers is less than 5ms (5/1000th of a second). It is difficult for another trader to place an order in front of you when you receive the same price quote so much sooner than they do.

Q: How can I figure out the latency I am getting to my broker right now?

A: This can be done from inside the VPS (or from your PC if you want to measure latency from your PC).

Click start->run

Type "cmd" in the box and click ok. This will open a command prompt.

Lookup the broker's IP address in the latency chart.
For example, IBFX is 66.114.118.12. Type: ping 66.114.118.12

example:

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>ping 66.114.118.12

Pinging 66.114.118.12 with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 66.114.118.12: bytes=32 time=19ms TTL=238
Reply from 66.114.118.12: bytes=32 time=19ms TTL=238
Reply from 66.114.118.12: bytes=32 time=19ms TTL=238
Reply from 66.114.118.12: bytes=32 time=19ms TTL=238

Ping statistics for 66.114.118.12:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 19ms, Maximum = 19ms, Average = 19ms <-----This is the line to look at

The last line shows the minimum, maximum and average ICMP time to the broker, measured in milliseconds (1/1000th of a second). Generally, anything under 150ms is considered good so long as the quality of the circuit is also good (no packet loss). Any number less 20ms is excellent. Consider this: 5ms latency compared to 100ms means the 5ms trader will receive the same price quote and have an order back ~20X sooner.

HotSpot ON NET Activation

Wed, 27 May 2015 13:55:08 -0700

HotSpot (www.HotSpotFX.com) is ON NET in our NYC datacenter. Traders in any CNS datacenter can utilize the link, although the lowest latency will always be enjoyed from our NYC datacenter. To activate the link, please contact Hot Spot Support with your assigned CNS IPv4 address.

MQLLock Protected EA's on Win2012 with MS Update KB3000850

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 08:05:17 -0800

Please be advised we are tracking an issue with MQLLock protec ted EA’s on Windows 2012. Installing Microsoft update KB3000850 will result in a hung terminal after restart.

We are in touch with MQLLock, who has acknowledged the problem and is working to resolve it. Unfortunately, MS KB3000850 is an important Microsoft Windows update, and so we do not recommend uninstalling the update.

Data Feed Connector v1.0 not connecting to source

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:02:26 -0800

Problem: Subscribers running an application called "Data Feed Connector v1.0" are unable to establish a connection to the data feed host(s).

Reason: The datafeed software is run thru java.exe. Java has in the recent past experienced major security concerns. And so for these reasons, in a CNS VPS, java.exe does not by default have a firewall exception. In 2003 OS, localhost traffic is allowed thru the firewall but the Java runtime is not compatible with this software without a manual upgrade.

Solution: To make the software work in 2008/2012 OS, you simply need to add a firewall exception for the java.exe runtime OR allow all TCP traffic to/from IP address 127.0.0.1. We recommend adding a firewall rule to allow source and destination IP address 127.0.0.1 (TCP) instead of allowing java.exe.

Win2003: This software appears to require Java v8. Java 8 is not officially supported on the 2003/XP platform, but it can be installed using the offline installer. Download and run the offline installer in the VM. Also select to uninstall the older version.

Specific details how to add a java firewall exception for 2008/2012 OS will be posted to this KB article shortly. In the mean time, if you require assistance in configuring Java to allow Data Feed Connector to operate, please contact CNS Support.

NOTE: VM's provisioned on/after January 25, 2015 should already be configured for Data Feed software.

Unable to uninstall a MT4 terminal

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 09:44:32 -0800

This is due to the way the latest builds of MT4 are handling permissions to get around this you will need to right click the uninstaller icon in the MT4 folder and open properties. From there click the compatibility tab and tick the allow non administrators to run this box. (you may instead have the option to tick a run as administrator instead).

Once you have done this you will be able to uninstall the application like normal.

Unable to open more than 32 MT4 terminals at once

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 19:26:55 -0700

I am unable to open more than 32 MT4 terminals at once

This issue began occurring after the MT4 v600 updates. Unfortunately, it is a new limitation created by MetaQuotes. More details here.

A RUN AS window is displayed when starting MT4 Build 500

Martin Sharp — Sun, 12 May 2013 22:40:29 -0700

Metaquotes has released a new version of MT4, build 500. More info here: http://forum.mql4.com/55512

Issues have been noted where a "Run As" window is displayed when starting the software. To get MT4 started properly you will need to Uncheck the "Run this program with restricted access" checkbox so that it can run with full Administrative rights.

If your platform is configured to be managed by Autoboot you will need to Disable the platform in the Autoboot GUI first. Next you will need to manually start the platform using the .EXE file in its installation folder (which should be noted in Autoboot) or by using a previously created desktop shortcut to that platform. After the platform has been started successfully you will want to Enable the platform so that Autoboot can resume monitoring and management of the software.

Is there a limit to the number of MetaTrader terminals that can b...

Jeff B — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:02:04 -0800

There is no hard number we can give in regards to the number of MT4 terminals that can run in a virtual desktop. That is, we do not set a hard limit to the number of MT4 terminals that can be run at any one time. It's dependent on the resources in your subscription, namely CPU and especially RAM. Each EA is it's own computer program and will demand it's own unique amount of resources.

You can get a baseline of the RAM needed for a specific EA by running it and looking at the RAM usage of the 'terminal.exe' process in the task manager.

How do I use Instant Forex Signals in Windows 2008?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:46:31 -0700

How do I use Instant Forex Signals in Windows 2008?

Security in our default Windows 2008 Trader's VPS requires that you open a firewall exception for this specific EA. It is not generally required for other EA's.

If you install any more terminals using this EA then you will need to add it to the firewall.

Open the server manager, it's the icon of a server and a toolbox right by the start button
expand to configuration->windows firewall->inbound rules
right-click on 'inbound rules' and then select 'add new rule'
the radio button 'program' should already be selected. click next
click the 'browse' button and select 'terminal.exe' of your MT4 application (just like autoboot), then next
the radio button to allow the connection should already be selected, click next
all 3 checkboxes should already be selected, click next
give it a name and click finish (It's probably best for the name if you copy/paste the MT4 folder name.)

We realize it's temping to select 'allow all programs', but it's not as secure and we don't recommend it. but possible...

How do I run a Trade Bullet trial?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:38:27 -0700

Trade Bullet uses a licensing system that predates virtualization technology. They expect to have a new licensing scheme in a few months. Meanwhile, you can contact Trade Bullet directly and they will manually tweak your license. support@tradebullet.co...

Do you sell EA's?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:10:34 -0800

The EA's on our platform are not our products. The software publishers who make them utilize our platform to offer their EA's to our Trader subscribers.

Software publishers benefit because of the easy install, automatic billing and lower support costs (since it's a managed platform, there are few install problems or windows problems that could impact their EA). However, the EA's offered through our platform are still very much a product of their respective publishers, who are also responsible for their support.

Trader's benefit because of the lower monthly cost on the subscription system. For a low monthly cost, Trader's enjoy always up to date software. There are no more upgrade fees!

In any case, you can always load your own EA on to your Trader's desktop and use it.

IBFX: buy/sell OrderSendFailed With error #0

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:38:32 -0700

IBFX: buy/sell OrderSendFailed With error #0

The broker will return this error when you have reached the maximum number of open or pending orders. We have only seen this error with IBFX, but it may also apply to other brokers. Please let us know if you experience this error with any other brokers so we can update this article.

The limit of open/pending orders with IBFX is 1000.

Why is my desktop stopped when I return? or why are my programs n...

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:22:09 -0800

Q: Why is my desktop stopped when I return? or why are my programs not running?

A: 99% of the time the reason is because the user has mistakenly shut down their own desktop. This can be confusing because the start button looks just like most user's start buttons on their personal computers. We will start your VE for you if we noticed it has been shutdown, but this is not an automatic process and should not be relied on to be timely.

The proper way to disconnect from your VE:

In full screen mode with Microsoft remote desktop client: roll the mouse to the top of the screen and click the X in the yellow bar that drops down.

In small screen mode with Microsoft remote desktop client OR VNC viewer: simply close the viewer

In no case should you start->log off OR start->shutdown your VE. Doing so will not only stop your programs but it may also shut down your virtual desktop! If you find that you have mistakenly shut down your virtual desktop, here is how to boot:

Logon to the CNS Control Panel
Click to enter the target VE 'system' at the top/left
Click 'Server Info'
Click the respective start or stop link.

How do I run DealBook 360 in a Trader's Desktop?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:07:33 -0700

Q: How do I run DealBook 360? It does not run when I start it.

A: In order to run DealBook 360, it is first necessary to disable DEP. Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a set of hardware and software technologies that perform additional checks on memory to help prevent malicious code from running on a system.

To disable DEP for DealBook 360, please follow these steps from your Virtual Desktop:

Start->Control Panel->System

Advanced Tab

Click 'settings' in the Performance area (the top button)

Data Execution Prevention Tab

Select the radio button 'Turn on DEP for all programs and services, except those I select'

Click Add

Navigate to the DealBookFX.exe, which is probably located in C:\Program Files\DealBook 360

Click Ok->ok

DealBook 360 will now operate. Please test and open a support ticket if you require additional assistance.

NOTE: The latest release of DealBook 360 can be downloaded from this page: http://www.gftforex.com/software/

USB hardware key required for my trading software

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 06:04:53 -0800

Q: I intend to install the software on my Virtual Desktop. However, the software company just informed me that there is a USB hardware key that needs to be plugged into the PC in order for the software to work. Is this possible?

A: Virtual servers do not have consoles or usb ports that we can phsyically plug your usb dongle into. However....you should be able to map the port from your local desktop to the virtual server through the remote desktop client 'options'. It's right where you check to share disks and printers. If you plug the key into your computer and then connect, the VE *should* see it. Unfortunately, when you disconnect from your VE then it will also disconnect the dongle.

Dedicated desktop subscribers can ship us their USB keys for install into their machine.

Please send by certified mail, FedX or some other trackable courier to:

Commercial Network Services
2934 Ingelow Street
San Diego, CA 92106

Please be sure to include your desktop IP address.

What are the FOREX market hours?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:28:41 -0700

Please see this site for easy conversion:
http://forex.timezoneconverter.com/index.cgi?timezone=America/Tijuana&refresh=5

I am trying to use TrendStuffer or an EA that uses webget.dll

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0700

In order to use TrendStuffer, or any EA that uses webget.dll, it is necessary to disable Data Execution Prevention for the Meta Trader terminal.exe in your virtual desktop.

From the virtual desktop, right-click on 'my computer' and select properties. Then advanced tab->performance and click 'settings' and then 'data execution prevention' tab. Exclude MT4 terminal.exe from DEP.

For more information on DEP, please see What are the benefits with 64 bit Windows? in our knowledge base at this URL: http://helpdesk.commercialnetworkservices.net/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=138

Special thanks to Gil Moscovich for working to resolve this problem.

About MetaTrader and multiple IP addresses

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:36:47 -0800

As with most all other desktop applications, MetaTrader can not use a second IP address. Even if your VE were to have multiple IP addresses, MT4 would continue to utilize the primary IP address. Therefore, multiple IP addresses serve no benefit to the trader. Multiple IP's are not available in our virtual desktops.

Multiple IP addresses are designed for servers, usually web servers, where different IP addresses may be needed in specific circumstances to host multiple web sites. It is not recommended to trade from any VPS that offers multiple IP addresses. These VPS's are setup as servers and may not be as secure to trade from. Our desktops are configured with these unnecessary services disabled. These same services are commonly used as attack vectors into servers by worms, viruses and hackers. If a VPS offers multiple IP addresses then it is probably not setup with a trader (or any desktop user) in mind.

The only way to use MT4 with a second IP address is to setup a second virtual desktop.

How to run an EA that uses HTTP51.DLL

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:46:36 -0800

Q: I am trying to run an EA that uses HTTP51.DLL, but I am getting an error 126 can not load expert advisor.

A: This error indicates a required dependancy is not available. (126 The specified module could not be found. ERROR_MOD_NOT_FOUND)

To resolve:

1) Close MT4 Try
2) download MSVCR71.DLL
3) save to your Windows/SYSWOW64 folder.
4) Restart MT4

MT4 application hang

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:28:14 -0800

Some EA's that require a DLL can conflict with Data Execution Prevention (DEP). DEP is a windows feature to prevent malicious code from running and infecting the operating system. A conflict will often record in the event log as an Application Hang for terminal.exe. It can also make the VPS appear to hang briefly.

It is possible to disable DEP for a specific application.

Click Start
Right-click on "My Computer"
Select Properties
Click the Advanced tab
Under the Performance section select Settings
In the "Performance Options" window, click on the "Data Execution Prevention" tab
Select "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except for those I select:"
Click Add
The open dialog box will open. Browse and select your application.
Click Open
Click Apply
Click Ok
Reboot

How to determine the RAM usage of your MT4 terminals

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:15:46 -0700

From your VE desktop, open the task manager by right-clicking between the start button and the clock. Select task manager.

Switch to the applications tab and right click on a MT4 terminal that is running. Select â€œgo to processâ€. You will be taken to the processes tab with the respective â€œterminal.exeâ€ selected. The RAM usage is on the right, measured in KB. 1024KB = 1MB. A good round number is to simply divide by 1000, so 13,000K = roughly 13MB.

How do I configure MetaTrader to send email?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:41:07 -0700

Click the shortcut on your desktop 'CNS VPS Email Provisioning System' and create an email account. Note the email address and password you setup.

then...

In MT4, tools->options->email

SMTP Server: mail.tradersvps.net
smtp login: leave blank - not required from your CNS VPS
smtp password: leave blank - not required from your CNS VPS
from: enter the email address you just created
to: enter the eMail address to send to

For more information on the email services included in your virtual or dedicated desktop, please see this document.

How many MT4 instances or EA's can I run in a Traders Desktop?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:50:43 -0800

Each Traders Desktop is a virtual environment with a finite amount of resources. We have seen the standard Traders Desktop run as many as 10 MT4 instances, each with their own EA. Others can only run one or two. The reason is behind the individual EA's. Each EA is it's own running program. Depending on the nature of individual EA's, some will require more RAM and/or CPU than others.

Generally, running EA's and multiple instances of MT4 is not a problem. In cases where an EA requires more RAM then the subscriber can add what is necessary in the CP. This saves the subscriber the cost of purchasing an entire dedicated server to only add a few MB of RAM. RAM can be added in increments of 128MB. Usually 128MB is enough (+$US2.56/month), but this should be verified against the requirements of the respective EA. Keep in mind that the first sign of low resources is problems reconnecting to the desktop.

MT4: What is "Old Tick"?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:56:45 -0800

Old tick means that the price for a currency pair, by the time the price reached your VPS was too â€œoldâ€ to consider.

You should first verify your VPS is hosted in the CNS datacenter with the least latency to your broker. We have a chart of brokers and latency from CNS datacenters posted here:

http://helpdesk.commercialnetworkservices.net/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=174

If your VPS not hosted in the CNS datacenter with the least latency to your broker then please open a support ticket and request VPS migration to the correct datacener.

If your VPS is already hosted in the CNS datacenter with the least latency to your broker then it is nearly impossible for the problem to be on the VPS side. This is a problem with the broker where their server is too slow (or overloaded). You should contact the broker and ask for a different MT4 server IP address.

Do you offer incentives for referring new subscribers?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:19:47 -0800

Q: Do you offer incentives for referring new subscribers?

A: We gladly reward current subscribers with a free month of service, up to US$30, when a new subscriber enters the referring subscriber's name in our signup questionnaire. Our Affiliate Program pays one time $20 cash commissions for new subscriptions and our Reseller Program provides opportunities to resell our services as your own company, at your own prices, and with automated billing and service provisioning

My Internet connection is slow and unreliable. What happens if m...

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:13:27 -0800

Q: My Internet connection is slow and unreliable. What happens if my Internet disconnects while I'm on my virtual desktop?

A: It's exactly the same as if you walked away from the keyboard. The virtual desktop will keep running your programs, including your EA's. Simply logon again when your Internet is back up and you will rejoin your running session.

How do I run VTTrader in a Trader's Desktop?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:10:30 -0800

Q: How do I run VTTrader? I keep getting the error "Exception AccessViolation in module VTTrader.exe..."

A: In order to run VTTrader, it is first necessary to disable DEP. Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a set of hardware and software technologies that perform additional checks on memory to help prevent malicious code from running on a system.

To disable DEP for VTTrader, please follow these steps from your Virtual Desktop:

Start->Control Panel->System

Advanced Tab

Click 'settings' in the Performance area (the top button)

Data Execution Prevention Tab

Select the radio button 'Turn on DEP for all programs and services, except those I select'

Click Add

Navigate to the VTTrader.exe, which is probably located in C:\Program Files\VT Trader

Click Ok->ok

VTTrader will now operate. Please test and open a support ticket if you require additional assistance.

NOTE: The latest release of VTTrader can be downloaded from this page: http://www.vtsystems.com/en/products/

Q: My Internet connection is slow. How is the virtual desktop fa...

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:14:10 -0800

Q: My Internet connection is slow. How is the virtual desktop fast?

A: It seems fast because the Internet connection between the virtual desktop and the Internet is extremely fast. Your computer is merely a terminal (i.e. a screen, keyboard and sound), it doesn't take a lot of bandwidth or even CPU to run. There is a second life for old laptops!

What is the difference between the dedicated edition and the virt...

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:16:10 -0800

Q: What is the difference between the dedicated edition and the virtual editions?

A: The virtual edition will throttle back heavy CPU usage and also shares a network port with other VE's. The dedicated edition has dual dedicated CPU cores, dedicated RAM and a dedicated Internet port. The dedicated edition is designed for extremely active traders.

Q: Can I share files between my computer and my virtual desktop?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:15:33 -0800

Q: Can I share files between my computer and my virtual desktop?

A: Yes! The Windows Remote Desktop Client can easily be configured to map your local drives, printers, COM ports, etc.. Instructions to setup these devices are included in our logon instructions. When properly setup, your computer's hard disk(s) will be displayed in the virtual desktop file explorer as maped drives. You can interact with these resources as any other disk. Remember that this is a file transfer between your computer and the virtual desktop, so the speed will be limited to your internet speed.

Please review this document for logon instructions.

http://www.commercialnetworkservices.com/HelpDeskDocs/Library/HELP046.htm#WindowsLogon

I need help installing my MT4 and my expert advisor

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:55:06 -0800

Your Trader's VPS is very much like any other Windows operating system. It's generally easiest to open the web browser in the virtual machine (VM) and visit your broker. Download and run the MT4 installer. Next, follow the instructions of your EA publisher to install the EA.

If you are moving your MT4 terminal from another system then you may want to copy the MT4 folder to the VM, and then run the MT4 installer. During install, direct the MT4 installer to install into the same folder that you copied to the VM. This will generally retain your chart settings.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact CNS Support if you require assistance.

How do I keep my programs running while I'm off-line?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:27:41 -0800

This information is detailed in our streaming video tutorials.

Q: How do I keep my programs running while I'm off-line?

A: Keep your programs running by not logging of the virtual desktop. Disconnect your session instead of logging off.

To disconnect over remote desktop client: Roll the mouse to the top of the screen and a yellow bar will drop down. Click the X to disconnect

To disconnect over Virtuozzo Power Panel: Close the web browser

Note that if you leave the remote desktop by 'start->log off' or 'start->shut down' then you will log off or shutdown the VE, and this will stop your programs. It is important that you disconnect rather than log off.

You can rejoin the running session by logging back in. You can capture a running session on another client by logging in with the same user name. For example, if you leave your PC logged on and want to logon to the virtual desktop from a laptop, simply logon to your virtual desktop normally. The laptop will be connected and the PC will be disconnected.

Distorted desktop from Windows 10 RDP clients to Server 2003 VMs

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 09:37:01 -0700

Some clients are noticing a distorted screen when connecting to Server 2003 VPS via the downloaded RDP shortcut.

A workaround until we have resolved the issue is to create an RDP shortcut from your Windows 10 PC.

To create a new RDP Shortcut in Windows 10.

Go to “Start” > “All Apps” > Find Remote Desktop Connection under “Windows Accessories”

Click on "Remote Desktop Connection"

Click on "Show Options"

In the “Computer” line paste your IP Address:Port /admin

Example: 123.241.231.213:3389 /admin

It will consist of the IP Address:port of your VPS, and /admin (Connects to the Administrator Console Session)

To get the settings for your VPS, Right click your existing RDP shortcut and select “Edit”.

Copy the “Computer” line and paste or type into the new RDP. At the end of the line add 1 space and /admin

User name Administrator

Under “Display” tab choose High Color (16 bit)

Under “Local Resources” tab Click “More”. Put a check in the “Drives” box

Under “Experience” tab choose “Satellite” from the drop down menu

Go Back to “General” tab Save As

Type the name: VPS (Any name you want)

Save in: In the “Desktop” folder (the RDP shortcut will appear on your PC “Desktop”)

Logging into a Windows VE from Windows Mobile phone

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:38:23 -0800

Q: I want to access my VPS on a windows mobile. How?

A: from the phone, start->terminal services client (it may be in programs)

in the server box, enter your VE IP address and click connect

Logon as normal

2FA Google Authenticator token not working

Sat, 14 Feb 2015 08:14:41 -0800

This is often caused by the Andorid application not being ins sync.

This might be because the time on your Google Authenticator app is not synced correctly.

To make sure that you have the correct time:

1. Go to the main menu on the Google Authenticator app

2. Click Settings

3. Click Time correction for codes

4. Click Sync now

On the next screen, the app will confirm that the time has been synced, and you should now be able to use your verification codes to
sign in. The sync will only affect the internal time of your Google Authenticator app, and will not change your device’s Date & Time
settings.

MT4 Error: Trade Context Busy

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:20:39 -0700

MT4 Error: Trade Context Busy

This error is due to an EA trying to place an order when MT4 is not ready to accept the order. That is, only one expert (script) can trade at a time. All other experts that try to start trading will be stopped by Error 146. This may occur if multiple charts with EA's are opened in the same MT4 terminal, and they each try to make a trade at around the same time. Since MT4 can only handle one order at a time, the error will occur with those EA's that can not get through to the trade context.

One possible solution is to install mutiple MT4 terminals for the same account and setup fewer charts in each. Since each MT4 terminal has only one trade context, fewer EAs' will be fighting for it and have a better opportunity to get through.

EA develpers should build code into their products to work around this problem. It is not a problem with the virtual desktop (or your PC), but the EA and its interaction with MT4. Some situations at the broker can also make it come and go. Once you start seeing this problem, you should close MT4 and re-open it in order to free up the thread.

This forum explains the problem and resolution better: http://www.metaquotes.net/forum/1186/ and http://www.metaquotes.net/forum/1560/

For EA coders, how to fix it: http://articles.mql4.com/141

IBFX has published the following regarding the error:

You receive â€œTrade context is busyâ€ when you try to process two or more orders at the same time. If you have placed a trade and do not wait until it processes completely and then try to place the same trade or a different trade the commands go into a loop and you get â€œTread context is busyâ€. The only solution is to close down the platform and restart it.

CNS Autoboot - MT4 build 600 issues

Tue, 04 Feb 2014 07:31:59 -0800

It has come to our attention that MetQuotes has released a new MT4 build (version 600) this new build changes the basic structure and performance of MT4 and will prevent your EAs from working until they have been upgraded to a build 600 compatible version.

Please be aware that this is an automatic upgrade which will automatically be applied to your mt4 terminal and will take affect when the terminal restarts when this happens depends on when your broker releases the update.

You may find that after your MT4 updates to build 600 and you have also updated your EA that you still have problems with your EAs being able to access their files and dlls. Please try rebooting the VPS as we have found that this resolves the issue.

For details on the new MT4 build please check this link :-

http://forum.mql4.com/60555

There have also been issues reported with CNS Autoboot managed platforms that have been upgraded to MT4 build 600. We have been looking into this if you encounter the problem please let us know via a ticket with as much details as you can to help us resolve the issue.

Please contact CNS Support if you identify any new bugs or have an idea for a new feature.

CNS Autoboot is a product of your feedback! -THANK YOU

Is my virtual desktop safe from viruses?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:18:34 -0800

Q: Is my virtual desktop safe from viruses?

A: It's only as safe as you are. It is just like any other Windows computer. Obviously, if you download and install a virus then you will infect your VE (virtual environment). We provide a free virus scanner to help you scan your files. As part of our normal system management, we can also identify most malware running in your VE and help you to fix it.

High RAM utilization by MT4

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:02:33 -0700

Some subscribers have reported a successful resolution by reducing the max bars in the chart and history. This is probably occurring because an extra decimal was added by the broker, which requires more data to store the same chart. It is worth reducing max bars before reinstalling MT4.

To adjust from MT4: tools->options->charts tab. Reduce the number of bars in the chart and/or history. Click OK. close/open MT4.

---
(Wackena) Two possible flaws in current MT4 Terminal.

1) It appears that MetaTrader 4 Terminal M1 tick data received is stored
in RAM. How fast memory is used is proportional to number of pairs
running . When MT4 is re-started, this memory stored tick data is
written to .hst file and memory usage drops. So, the more pairs that
are running, the faster the memory is used. Also, downloaded History
Center data is also temporarily stored in memory. After MT4 is closed,
data is written to .hst file and memory usage drops. I also see memory
usage increase when i open History Center. I believe this is due to
calculating other timeframes from stored received M1 tick data. This may
be a flaw in MT4. It should routinely auto write M1 tick data to .hst
file to reduce memory usage. The only way I see to managed memory
usage is to routinely re-start MT4 terminal.

2) People running the Strategy Tester could really use up memory fast
when downloading History Center data. The more pairs that is being
tested the higher the memory usage will be due to when History Center
is opened, all previously tested pairs will be recalculated. To stop
this, all .hst files need to be deleted or MT4 Terminal needs to be re-
installed.

Note this bug has been reported to MetaQuotes by Wackena.
---

If your VE has exceeded RAM limits from this issue then we also recommend that you reboot your VPS. MT4 and/or the VPS can malfunction if it does not have enough RAM to operate.

You can determine the RAM usage of your MT4 terminal by following the instructions in this CNS KB Article:

https://helpdesk.commercialnetworkservices.net/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/185/1/verify-ram-usage

Note that this may have nothing to do with the strategy tester. We will continue to update this document as we work through the problem.

Can I install my own software or do I need to buy yours?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:16:55 -0800

Q: Can I install my own software or do I need to buy yours?

A: You can absolutely install your software. Our software is available by subscription and always up to date, so it generally will work out to be a better deal (because purchased software usually costs more to upgrade). That being said, you can install your own software. Download and install it from the web browser or send the file through the mapped remote desktop disk(s). Install as you normally would on any other PC.

How do I setup a free CNS email account?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:38:30 -0700

Up to 10 free CNS email accounts are included at no charge to all VPS subscribers. To setup a new email account or to change the password on an existing one, please use the "CNS Email Provisioning" link on your VPS desktop or go to http://mail.tradersvps.net:81 from your VPS browser.

You can access your messages via CNS webmail (from any machine), please direct your browser to: http://mail.tradersvps.net
Your full CNS email address is required to logon.

No authentication is required when sending from your VPS using our email server. The settings below can be used to configure your email client.

SMTP Server: mail.tradersvps.net
SMTP Port: 25
Alternate Ports: 587 and 2525

If you are accessing the mail server from outside our network then authentication will be required. Use your full CNS email address as the login.

Do I have unrestricted access to the Internet?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 03:10:41 -0800

Yes! Our virtual desktops have a US IP address and full unrestricted access to the Interent. Because you're actually using the browser on the desktop, your client IP address is not seen by anyone. Simply open the web browser on the virtual desktop and start surfing.

CNS VM 2012 Platform Driver Update

- NA - — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:07:55 -0700

For all Windows based CNS VPS subscriptions, including Traderâ€™s VPS and Windows Desktop.

This installer will update the drivers in your Virtual Machine(VM), install new software to bring your VPS image current and further optimize the OS settings.

Please be sure to save any open documents and close all applications. Your VM will reboot after this update is completed.

Effective May, 2013 all Windows based CNS VPS subscriptions will have the Remote Desktop connection port randomized for better protection against Internet threats. If you do not already have your connection port changed from the Microsoft default setting of TCP 3389 then you will need to download a RDP shortcut from the Control Panel in your Client Area after installing this update.

Simply click "My Products & Services"
then the "View Details" button to access the Control Panel
Next, scroll down to the "RDP Shortcut Creator"
Configure your settings in the box
Then use the "Download/Open RDP Shortcut" button to Save the file to your PC or Open it when using a Public PC to access your VPS

THIS UPDATE REQUIRES A REBOOT â€“ Be sure to save any open documents and close all applications. Run from your CNS VPS.

After installing this update, your VM will be placed into the pool for migration to our new 2012 hosting platform. You will receive an email with instructions when we are ready to migrate your VM. Please contact CNS support if you require assistance.

Link: http://helpdesk.commercialnetworkservices.net/cnsdownloads.php?PACKAGE=CNSVM2012PlatformUpdate.exe

Autoboot crashes with "Cannot load Counter Name data because an i...

Sun, 06 Oct 2013 18:15:49 -0700

Autoboot will crash if the Windows performance counters are broken. To resolve, repair the Windows performance counters by entering the following into a command prompt:

lodctr /R

lodctr "C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.20506\corperfmonsymbols.ini"

Note that path may be differ regarding to installed .NET version.

Troubleshooting remote printing in a Windows VE

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:27:52 -0800

When a user logs on to a Windows Terminal Server with the Microsoft Remote Desktop Client, the client sends information about the clientâ€™s printers to the Terminal Server. The Terminal Server uses this information to auto-create printers in the userâ€™s session that correlate to the userâ€™s local or network printers. If the name of the client printer driver matches â€œexactlyâ€ that of a printer driver that is installed on the Terminal Server, or is listed in the ntprint.inf (the file that lists the printer drivers that are built-in to the Windows Server installation, and can be loaded on demand) the client printer is successfully auto-created. Print jobs created in the userâ€™s session are routed from the Terminal Server to the associated client printer by way of a virtual channel in the RDP Protocol.

If an exact name match does not exist between the client and Terminal Server printer driver, auto-creation fails and errors 1111 and 1106 are written to the system event log.

Most issues with remote desktop printing are due to one of two things:

1) The 'printers' checkbox has not been selected in the remote desktop client (local resources tab)
2) The same printer driver is not installed on both the VE and the remote desktop client.

If the printers checkbox has recently been selected and an open session on the VE already exists then it is necessary to log off the open session on the VE and log back on to effect a redirect of resources.

If the printers checkbox has been selected then it is probable that the same printer driver is not installed on both the VE and the PC. It may be necessary to update the PC printer driver in order to ensure the same version is loaded on both the VE and PC.

It may be difficult to obtain the printer driver files on their own, for install into the VE. For example, HP only offers an installable file that only works with XP. The server *does* accept installing a printer driver for XP, however it does not accept an executable driver installable file intended for XP. In cases like these, here's the workaround to extract the driver and install it into the VE. This workaround illustrates HP printers. The same method can be used with other manufacturers, but keep in mind their file names are probably different.

1) Extract driver files from executable driver installation file downloaded from hp.com: On an XP machine run the executable file, let it unpack all the files until it is ready to install. Locate the temporarily unpacked files in your Temp dir (C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Temp\hp_webrelease) and copy the entire folder to your server.

2) Install on server:
Go to: Control panel -> Printers -> menu:File -> menu item: Server -> tab:Drivers -> button: Add -> button: Have disk -> locate file "hppipnsa.inf".

How do I log in to my Windows VE with my Windows Mobile phone?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:19:10 -0800

Q: How do I log in to my Windows VE with my Windows Mobile phone?

A: Use the terminal services client program, already installed in your phone.

start->Programs

Click on the icon "Terminal Service". It appears as a window inside a window.

Enter the IP or host name of your VE and click connect. Proceed as usual.

How do I activate two-factor authentication?

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 20:53:32 -0800

Q: How do I activate two-factor authentication?

A: If you already have a VPS subscription, you only need to install the software. If you do not yet have a VPS subscription, please check the 2FA box during signup.

Please reveiw the 2FA guide.

I frequently can't connect to my Windows VE over remote desktop (...

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 05:59:54 -0800

Virtual environments are designed to allow you to add resources as your needs grow. Being unable to connect frequently is a strong indication of low resources. In this case, it is recommended to add RAM first and then CPU to your service plan.

Depending on what you are running, you may want to first look at a buggy program that could be consuming resources.

CNS VM Backup 1.3.4.6

- NA - — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:09:11 -0700

CNS VM Backup with Duplicati can be used to store files outside of your VPS for safe keeping. Included free with all Windows and Linux VM subscriptions, CNS VM Backup enables the subscriber to backup and restore individual files rather than reverting an entire VM to a previous checkpoint.

Run this installer to enable the feature in your CNS VPS.

***It is not currently advised to use the predefined file locations when configuring your backup. Please use the custom backup feature to select specific files and folders when creating your backup. You will also want to be sure that your backup name and description do not include any spaces. We are currently looking into these issues and they will be resolved in a future release.

Link: http://helpdesk.commercialnetworkservices.net/cnsdownloads.php?PACKAGE=CNSVMBackupSetup.exe

My VPS Disk is filling or full. How can I find files and clear s...

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:47:21 -0800

One great tool for finding where your disk space is being used is called WinDirStat. It will display the files to you in a "tree" view showing the largest folders/files first and also in a graphical block view where bigger blocks are bigger files. Clicking on an item in one view will highlight the item in the other view for you making it easy to identify those items in both views. For example, clicking a folder in the tree view will create a rectangle around the blocks representing the files in that folder in the block view. Please keep in mind that your OS will occupy most of the disk space in your subscription we expect ~5 GB of space will be free for storage in a new subscription which is generally more than enough for a few trading platforms depending on your logging requirements. WinDirStat Download

Of course if your disk is already full then we will need to take special care with the VPS. Please open a ticket with our help desk and we can try to clear some temporary files and see if we can't perform the analysis for you. After freeing space it is best to reboot your VPS if the disk has gotten completely full so everything can get a fresh start.

Most subscribers will likely want to delete their MT4 .log & .hst files periodically to prevent the VPS hard drive from becoming full, which can lead to serious issues. Be sure that you will not require the data in those logs before proceeding. It is easy to configure with a scheduled script.

You can also run the commands below via a command prompt window to delete the files once.
To access the command prompt: Click Start > Run... Then type cmd and press ENTER

Create a log/hst delete batch file

Open notepad and input the following text:

If deleting .log files:
For 2003 32-bit: del /S "C:\Program Files\*.log"
For 2008/2012 64-bit: del /S "C:\Program Files (x86)\*.log"

New for MT4 with 2008/2012: del /S "C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\*.log"

If deleting .hst files:
For 2003 32-bit: del /S "C:\Program Files\*.hst"
For 2008/2012 64-bit: del /S "C:\Program Files (x86)\*.hst"

Save the file to your C drive as "deletefiles.BAT"

NOTE: If you have changed your default MT4 installation directory you will need to change "C:\Program Files\" & "C:\Program Files (x86)\" to the correct installation path.

Configure the script to run on schedule - Server 2003

Click Start > Control Panel > Scheduled Tasks, then select add a task

Click "Next" then "Browse"

Navigate to the file you just saved, C:\deletefiles.BAT and select it

Under "Perform this task", select "daily" and click "next"

Set a time to run the batch and click next

In the user name field, enter "Administrator"

Enter your Administrator password in the password fields

Click "Finish"

The MT4 log files will now be deleted on your schedule. The current log file may not be deleted since it could be in use by the platform.

Configure the script to run on schedule - Server 2008

Click Start > Administrative Tools, then select Task Scheduler

Click "Create Basic Task..."

Enter a task name, click Next

Select a trigger condition

Select "Start a program", click Next

Click Browse, navigate to the batch file that was created, C:\deletefiles.BAT and select it

Click "Finish"

The MT4 log files will now be deleted on your schedule. The current log file may not be deleted since it could be in use by the platform.

What is the difference between a virtual desktop and a virtual se...

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:48:02 -0800

The difference between a virtual desktop and a virtual server is the configuration, the software available and likelihood of reboots.

Virtual desktops were initially created to reduce problems with new Windows VPS configurations, to be used as a desktop. We found that many new subscribers did not know what a SQL server was, but since it's an available software package for servers they ordered it anyway - along with everything else possible. This caused problems with the desktop performance because many software packages that were not intended to be run on one server were running on a desktop. It also opened the VPS to security risks.

From this, virtual desktops were created and customized. The applications available to desktops are desktop apps - not database or web servers. The desktops are also configured with dual firewalls where the servers are initially only behind a shared firewall and must enable the software firewall. Since our services are popular with traders, desktops are never intentionally rebooted between Sunday afternoon - Friday afternoon (FOREX hours). Where a traditional server may be rebooted at any off-peak time, as needed.

The price points are exactly the same. The same configuration side by side would cost the same. Our desktops actually include slightly more CPU then a base server at the same price (this is by design). The servers are intended to be customized, and rarely is a server actually ordered with a stock configuration. The best part of virtualization is the ability to customize. You no longer need to order an entire server, only to use a few key resources. Instead, a subscriber can order exactly what they need, and pay only for those resources. Some need more RAM, others more CPU or traffic - or both! It depends on what the server is being used for.

Our desktops are the best configuration for desktop users, based on our experience, monitoring and interaction with them. A standard windows VPS is probably not enough and will likely provide random errors normally associated with low resources.

How do I start or reboot my VM or Trader's VPS?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:27:35 -0800

Q: How do I start or reboot my VM (Virtual Machine) or Trader's VPS (Virtual Private Server)?

Using the Service Control Panel:

Login to the Client Area
Click on "My Products & Services"
Scroll down, you will find the VM controls

Manually reboot your VPS: Reboot from inside the VM.

Click "Start", then click "Shutdown"
In the "Shut Down Windows" window, under "What do you want the computer to do?", select "Restart" from the drop-down menu
Under the "Shutdown Event Tracker" section either select an option in the "Option" drop-down or enter a comment in the "Comment" box
Then click OK to restart your VPS

Please wait 1-3 minutes before reconnecting to your VPS. If it is down any longer than that please open a support ticket and we will take a look at your VPS for you. Also if you require us to do the reboot for you do not hesitate to open a support ticket with the Help Desk.

Autoboot User Guide - PDF

- NA - — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:28:52 -0700

CNS Autoboot User Guide - PDF

Last updated: 11/26/2011

An HTML version with no screenshots can be found here.

How do I logon to my Windows Virtual Desktop or server?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:26:45 -0800

A Remote Desktop shortcut is the easiest and most convenient way to login. Your control panel will help you to configure your Remote Desktop settings file to have the connection resolution and shared devices exactly as you want. We recommend that you save the file to your regular PC desktop, then simply double-click on it to connect to your CNS VPS.

If you are away from your regular PC you may want to Open the Remote Desktop shortcut, rather than saving it.

Steps:

1) Login to your CNS Client Area account and click "My products & Services" then the "View Details" button

2) This is the main Control Panel for your new CNS VPS. Here you can control many features, such as checkpoints, rebooting, RDP configuration and password. Scroll down to the "RDP Shortcut Creator", shown here:

In the example above, the Remote Desktop port is 3281. (You should only need to remember the IP address and Port number if you are not utilizing the provided Remote Desktop shortcut.)

Adjust the Remote Desktop connection settings as desired. We recommend 15-bit color, unless you specifically need higher color depth (16-bit will be visually better). Keep in mind that if a higher color depth or resolution are set it will require more RAM in your VPS and will increase the bandwidth required to maintain a stable connection between your PC and the VPS.

3) Click the Download/Open RDP Shortcut button.

4) Your browser will prompt you to Open or Save the file. If you are working from your regular workstation, we recommend that you Save the shortcut to your PC's desktop. You can then double-click the file to connect. (If you have multiple VPS subscriptions with us, select "Save as" and give your shortcut file a more specific name.) If you are not at your regular workstation, then Open the file in your browser to connect (without saving it).

In most cases, you will want to click the "X" in the top bar of your connection window to Disconnect the session and leave your software running. Logging out of the VPS by clicking "Start" and then "Log Off" will STOP any software running in your session until you log back in.

Logging in from Macintosh machines or other devices, such as Android and iOS, etc.:

Microsoft Remote Desktop Clients are available for nearly every device through their respective app store these days, best of all they are free. Google Play for Android, iTunes for Apple Mac / iOS, it is already included in every version of Windows. You can find some direct links to those downloads in this Microsoft Technet article: Microsoft Remote Desktop Clients - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn473009.aspx There are also some other RDP clients that can be found in the stores but there may be a cost and not all may be compatible with your subcription.

When connecting from your mobile device you will want to gather the information from your VPS details page to use with your Client. The main settings you will need from that page will be:

IP Address - Noted in your Product Details, may also be called host address or remote server in your client.
RDP Port - Noted on the RDP Shortcut Creator.
If you're connecting to a VPS running Windows Server 2003 be sure to Enable the Console option in your Client so that you will see the same session as when connecting from your PC.

Autoboot User Guide - HTML

Marques F — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:45:40 -0700

CNS Autoboot User Guide - HTML

A PDF version including screenshots can be found here.

Introduction

CNS Autoboot will start designated applications without any user action after a Windows reboot. To accomplish this, CNS Autoboot configures the selected application(s) to run automatically as a Windows service, allowing the operating system to start the application at system boot. This results in significantly faster startup time because no users need to be logged in. It is also more resilient because the service is monitored by the operating system.

CNS Autoboot also allows the user to configure the designated startup order. By starting applications one at a time, resource overutilization is eliminated at boot time. This results in faster startups of all applications and an extremely low rate of failure. Since the task is accomplished without creating any user sessions, it is not dependent on user profiles and eliminates the possibility of double logged on sessions. The only way a program can be started twice is if the user intentionally starts it manually from the Start menu.

CNS Autoboot starts the designated applications automatically and will take action for events based on the application's Autoboot configuration. The first user logged in will be able to interact with the applications - and should NEVER log off (Start-> Log Off) but should Disconnect instead (click the X in the top bar).

CNS Autoboot is compatible with all CNS Windows Server 2003/2008/2012 Virtual Private Servers.

Please review the entire Autoboot User Guide before using CNS Autoboot.

Please contact CNS Support if you identify any new bugs or have an idea for a new feature.

Autoboot is a product of your feedback - THANK YOU!

Installation

NOTE: CNS Autoboot is preinstalled in all Trader's VPS Packages. You will find the shortcut to edit the Autoboot configuration on your VPS desktop.

Upgrading from Autoboot 2

These steps can be skipped if you are not upgrading from Autoboot 2.

1. To remove a previous version of Autoboot begin by going into your Autoboot configuration and remove the settings for all of the applications that were configured to be automatically started.

2. Place a check in the checkbox for "Confirm Start/Stop ALL" then click "Stop ALL".

3. Select your applications and then click "Remove from AutoBoot".

4. After all applications have been moved to the box labeled "The following items will be removed from Autoboot" place a check in the checkbox labeled "Check to confirm removal" then click "Apply Changes".

Download and run the Autoboot installation file

The current release of Autoboot can be found here:

http://helpdesk.commercialnetworkservices.net/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/167/

Run the downloaded executable and follow the prompts to install Autoboot.

Initial Configuration

Setup your Autoboot credentials

1. Click "Edit".

2. Select "Global Autoboot Settings".

3. Click the "Windows Account" tab.

4. Input the Username and Password that you use to login to your VPS.

5. Click "Save Changes".

Setup your notification email information - Optional

1. Click "Edit".

2. Select "Global Autoboot Settings".

3. Click the "Events" tab.

4. Click "Configure".

A. Destination e-mail

· Send e-mail notifications to e-mail: The email address that you would like the notification email to be sent to.

Example: cnstrader@tradersvps.net

B. Mail details

· From Address field: The email address that the notification email will be sent from.

Example: cnstrader@tradersvps.net

· From Name (optional): The name that will show up when viewing the notification email.

Example: CNS Autoboot

C. Mail server details

· SMTP Mail server address: The mail server that you will be sending your notification email through.

Example: mail.tradersvps.net

· SMTP Mail server port: The port that is used when sending mail from your mail server.

Example: 25

· SMTP Server requires an encrypted SSL connection: When checked it will allow you to send your notification email over Secure Socket Layer if your mail server supports it.

Default: Unchecked

· SMTP Server requires authentication: When checked it will use the account information that is stored in the Login and Password fields to send notification emails through your mail server.

Default: Checked

D. After your email information has been configured you can click the "Send test message" button to send a test notification email to the destination email address.

E. Click OK to save your settings.

Application List Modification

Adding an application to the startup list

1. From the main Autoboot window click "Add new application" in the application action bar.

2. Navigate to the location of your application executable.

3. Select the application executable that Autoboot should automatically start then click "Open".

Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\terminal.exe

4. You should be presented with the "Edit/View Application" window click "Save Changes" to complete adding the application to your Autoboot startup list or continue configuring your options.

Enable or Disable a startup list application

1. From the main Autoboot window select the application in the startup list that you should be enabled or disabled.

Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\terminal.exe

2. Click "Enable" or "Disable" in the application action bar.

Removing an application from the startup list

1. From the main Autoboot window select the application in the startup list that should be removed. Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\terminal.exe

2. Click "Remove" in the application action bar.

3. You will be asked to confirm the application removal. Your application will also be stopped after confirmation.

4. Click "Yes" to confirm the removal from the Autoboot startup list.

Reorder your application startup list

1. From the main Autoboot window select the application in the startup list that should be reordered.

Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\terminal.exe

2. Click "Move Up" or "Move Down" until the application is in the desired start up position.

Advanced Configuration

Common Autoboot Event Actions

· Send e-mail: Autoboot will send an email to the address specified in your Notification Email Information settings.

· Restart Application: Autoboot will restart the application when the configured event is triggered.

· Stop Application: Autoboot will stop the application when the configured event is triggered.

· Restart Computer: Autoboot will reboot your VPS when the configured event is triggered.

Low RAM Event

Autoboot can be configured to execute an action when your VPS is low on RAM.

· To reach the Low RAM Event settings:

1. Click "Edit".

2. Select "Global Autoboot Settings".

3. Low RAM settings will be in the "Events" tab.

Low available system RAM

· Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take when your VPS has reached the RAM amount set in the "Minimum" field. Send e-mail, Restart all Autoboot applications, Stop all Autoboot applications, Restart computer.

Recommended: Send e-mail, Minimum: 100 MB

Application Configuration - Edit/View Application Window

General Tab

· Executable path: The full path to your application executable.

· Arguments (optional): Application launch arguments can go here.

· Enabled/Disabled state: (checkbox) Checked: startup via Autoboot is enabled. Unchecked: startup via Autoboot is disabled.

· Minimize application after start: This setting will minimize your enabled application after it is started.

· Wait before starting application: The amount of time in seconds to wait before starting the next application in the Autoboot application startup list.

Program Health Monitoring Tab

· Unexpected Exit (Crash): Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if your application unexpectedly stops working.

· Expected Exit: Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if you exit your application or it completes without error.

· Application Hungup: Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if your application hangs or does not respond.

· High Memory Usage ADVANCED: Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if your application uses more RAM than specified in the "Maximum memory for application" field.

· High CPU Usage: Select the action(s) that you would like Autoboot to take if your application is using high amounts of CPU for an extended period of time. This event is triggered when the application is using more CPU than defined in "Maximum CPU usage for application" for longer than the amount of minutes specified in "High CPU usage should last".

NOTE: You must ensure that the Maximum memory for application field has a reasonable RAM usage size assigned or Autoboot could keep restarting your application. It is recommended that you initially leave this option disabled or use the Low available system RAM setting instead.

Logs Monitoring Tab

Autoboot can monitor your log files and look for keywords. When Autoboot matches a keyword in your log file it will execute the configured action.

· Log file 1 for monitoring and Log file 2 for monitoring can be set to the path of a log file that will be monitored by Autoboot by clicking the "..." button for either field.

· Set the log file(s) to be monitored

1. From the Logs Monitoring tab click the "..." button next to the respective log file field.

2. Navigate to the directory where your log file is stored.

3. Select your log file then click "Open".

Example: C:\Program Files (x86)\CNS MetaTrader 4\experts\logs\20110928.log

· Monitoring mode:

· Monitor latest by date, similar to specified in folder: This option updates the log file name monitored according to the current date for terminals that create a new log each day.

· Monitor only the specified files: Monitor only the exact file name specified.

· Configure keywords for log monitoring

1. From the Logs Monitoring tab click "Add keyword".

2. Click on the "New keyword" that was created.

3. Click "Rename".

4. Enter your keyword in the highlighted field.

5. Configure the action associated to your keyword or click "Save Changes" to save your changes and exit.

· Configure the keyword action

1. From the Logs Monitoring tab click the arrow for the dropdown box that is associated to the keyword.

2. Select the action that will be executed when the keyword is matched.

3. Click "Save Changes" to save your changes and exit.

How do I disable a lost or stolen two-factor token?

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:31:29 -0700

REPORTING LOST/STOLEN:

If you lose your mobile device then you should immediately report it to CNS so we can deactivate the user account. This will prevent anyone from logging into the account as the user who the device belongs to. Deactivating a device requires a form is filled out by the subscriber and faxed to CNS for immediate processing, 24/7/365. However, because deactivating does not require confirming your identity with a third party, it will not restore access - only prevent anyone from logging in. This first step is required to secure the account and regain access.

Please download and print the attached document "2FA_deactivation_order.pdf". Fill it out, sign it and be sure to include a copy of your government issued ID. If you do not have your government issued identification, please include some other personal documentation such as a utility bill. Also be sure to let us know in the notes.

Then, FAX the document to +1 (206) 350-9151

We will immediately deny new logins to the user account, however any running servers or open windows sessions will not be impacted.

In some cases, when we are able to positively verify your identity through a previously established relationship with CNS, this may be the only document required to regain access.

REGAIN ACCESS:

To regain access to your account, please download and print the attached document "Two-factor_Authentication_Identity_Confirmation.pdf". This document must be filled out and notarized.

Then, FAX the document to +1 (206) 350-9151

We will then remove the block so you can login to your control panel account and register a new device.

The Low Latency Advantage in Online Trading

Barry Bahrami (Import) — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:45:15 -0700

The Low Latency Advantage in Online Trading
by Barry Bahrami of Commercial Network Services

Latency is arguably the most important and often disregarded factor for the online trader. It is often neglected because it sounds like a complicated computer term, but understanding what it is can quickly and substantially increase the traders earnings. Computer networks communicate by sending packets of data through the Internet. Latency is the time required for data to travel from the source to destination network. It is measured in milliseconds, or 1/1000th of a second.

It is a public misconception that everyone enjoys the same Internet. Data traveling over the Internet can be compared to delivery vans on the road carrying packages to their recipients. The recipients of the packages are all over the world, and so some delivery vans must travel a lot farther than the others in order to reach their recipients. Some experience delays due to detours and traffic jams. Others experience lost or damaged packages and need to restart the delivery again at the expense of time. The delivery van that travels only a city block or two will get to the destination first and with little chance of damage to the packages. This is because the other delivery vans travel hundreds or even thousands of miles farther to reach the destination, which increases the time required to deliver the package and likelihood of a problem or detour along the way.

With online trading, latency is even more crucial because data must travel round trip to make a single transaction. That is, a price quote must travel from the broker's server to the trader's VPS to be processed and then the data must travel the same distance back to the broker's server to enter or adjust an order. Since the market waits for nobody and will continue to move while price quotes are in transit, the trader with the lower latency VPS will always have a more true and real-time reading of the market then the trader with a higher latency VPS. If the market is volatile and latency high then the price quote will not be fresh and current when it is finally received by the recipient.

The financial advantage of a low latency VPS over any other VPS can be staggering to the trader. To understand why, we only need to adjust our previous example to better reflect the real chain of communication in an online trading scenario. That is, data must travel from the broker to the VPS and back to the broker.

Imagine two traders; one is located in an office two city blocks off Wall Street and the other in a costume shop 880 miles away in Atlanta, Georgia. Both are using the same NYC broker. For the purposes of this illustration, imagine the price quotes and orders are sent by taxi from the broker to the trader and back.

For the first trader in NYC, the data must only travel from the broker down the street two blocks. That trader then sends the taxi back another two blocks with instructions for the broker to open or edit an order.

Although both taxis left the broker at the same time, the second trader will not receive their same price quote before the first trader has already sent their taxi back and entered an order with the broker. This is because the second taxi must travel an additional 880 miles just to deliver the price quote - the first ½ of the round trip. It must then make the return trip back, all while the market continues to move during their journey to the destination. The first trader will have completed many round trips for every one made by the second trader. During periods of volatile market activity, the price quote received by the second trader may not even be current due to the longer time required to deliver data. Clearly, the trader only two blocks away from the broker has a tremendous advantage over the other nearly 900 miles away.

Although data really travels much faster over the Internet then cars do on the road, the distance data must travel and the time advantages are virtually the same in real world online trading. The result is that the trader closer to the broker will receive price quotes and execute orders significantly sooner and with fewer errors then any other trader, and always have the most current representation of true market conditions.

Errors?

Yes, errors in trading. Higher latency connections are more prone to packet delivery delays and loss. It is a missed opportunity for the trading terminal every time the expert advisor receives a late packet or experiences connection problems with the broker due to the longer path the data must take through the various networks that make up the Internet.

The proof is in the results

If you think this is only theory then think again. The difference can be substantial and will vary with the strategy employed by the EA. Just how much of a difference can be demonstrated by reviewing the same exact EA to the same NYC broker from two different Commercial Network Services data centers, each located on opposite coasts of the United States.

On April 26, 2009, Commercial Network Services restarted all demo expert advisors at US$25,000 to better illustrate the importance of low latency to the online trader. In the most drastic example, the Bogie-NN-v8 expert advisor in the CNS NYC data center enjoyed a 284% larger profit than the same EA in the CNS SDCA (US west coast) data center to the same NYC broker. While the EA managed to earn a US$870 profit on a US$25,000 account after only 9 days from the US west coast VPS, the same EA with a low latency NYC VPS to the same NYC broker earned a US$2,475 profit during the same time period - nearly 3X more profit. The advantage in this example can be dwarfed by scalping EAs, such as FapTurbo and Megadroid.

In reviewing the statements side by side, it's easy to see how lost packets along the way and the higher latency from the increased distance can result in less favorable or missed trades. Every lost or delayed packet is a lost opportunity for the EA.

After reviewing the MT4 log details, William (Wackena) Boatright, the author of Bogie NN-v8 and 2nd place winner of the 2007 Automated Trading Championship said:

I did not find reason for difference by reviewing logs. I was hoping to find login to server issues. If both demo are running on same server URL, the west coast demo did not see all of the same trade signals that NYC had. Only reason I can think of is server connection difference. I have not seen on my CNS vps, but on my local PC, MT4 terminal will lose connection to server without a log entry to ID. I manually login again and then MT4 terminal reconnects.

Best regards,

William (Wackena)
Bogie Enterprises

In another example, the advantage of a low latency VPS for EA's that enter market orders can be realized. Reviewing the following Artemis Breakout statements side by side demonstrates price advantages for the lower latency VPS with market orders. The Artemis Breakout EA was started on April 30, 2009 in identical VPSâ€™s within CNS data centers on opposite coasts of the United States. After just a few short days, the lower latency VPS is already securing better prices on executions over the higher latency VPS. Notice the time of the two highlighted orders are the same, but the lower latency VPS secured the better price for the market order. Indeed, the profits realized from the better entry prices will add up quickly.

ABO with NYC VPS to a NYC broker:

Ticket	Open Time	Type	Size	Item	Price	S / L	T / P	Close Time	Price	Commission	Taxes	Swap	Profit
7536067	2009.05.04 09:43	buy	0.30	eurusd	1.3324	1.3224	1.3424	2009.05.04 13:02	1.3254	0.00	0.00	0.00	-210.00
7548618	2009.05.04 13:59	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3251	1.3250	1.3151	2009.05.04 14:18	1.3231	0.00	0.00	0.00	20.00
7550432	2009.05.04 13:59	sell	0.20	eurusd	1.3251	1.3234	1.3151	2009.05.04 15:28	1.3234	0.00	0.00	0.00	34.00
7611494	2009.05.05 09:07	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3378	1.3377	1.3278	2009.05.05 09:22	1.3357	0.00	0.00	0.00	21.00
7612336	2009.05.05 09:07	sell	0.20	eurusd	1.3378	1.3370	1.3278	2009.05.05 09:41	1.3370	0.00	0.00	0.00	16.00
7627067	2009.05.05 12:45	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3379	1.3378	1.3279	2009.05.05 17:23	1.3359	0.00	0.00	0.00	20.00
7648898	2009.05.05 12:45	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3379	1.3359	1.3279	2009.05.05 17:50	1.3338	0.00	0.00	0.00	41.00
7652389	2009.05.05 12:45	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3379	1.3356	1.3279	2009.05.05 18:01	1.3356	0.00	0.00	0.00	23.00
7734699	2009.05.06 16:33	buy	0.30	eurusd	1.3349	1.3249	1.3449	2009.05.06 17:06	1.3278	0.00	0.00	0.00	-213.00
7794522	2009.05.07 09:25	sell	0.30	eurusd	1.3262	1.3362	1.3162	2009.05.07 13:06	1.3333	0.00	0.00	0.00	-213.00
7810434	2009.05.07 13:06	buy	0.10	eurusd	1.3339	1.3340	1.3439	2009.05.07 14:49	1.3359	0.00	0.00	0.00	20.00
7821351	2009.05.07 13:06	buy	0.20	eurusd	1.3339	1.3347	1.3439	2009.05.07 14:58	1.3347	0.00	0.00	0.00	16.00
7825195	2009.05.07 15:22	buy	0.30	eurusd	1.3348	1.3248	1.3448	2009.05.07 15:36	1.3267	0.00	0.00	0.00	-243.00

ABO with west-coast VPS to NYC broker:

Ticket	Open Time	Type	Size	Item	Price	S / L	T / P	Close Time	Price	Commission	Taxes	Swap	Profit
7536069	2009.05.04 09:43	buy	0.30	eurusd	1.3324	1.3224	1.3424	2009.05.04 13:03	1.3254	0.00	0.00	0.00	-210.00
7548624	2009.05.04 13:59	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3251	1.3250	1.3151	2009.05.04 14:18	1.3231	0.00	0.00	0.00	20.00
7550436	2009.05.04 13:59	sell	0.20	eurusd	1.3251	1.3234	1.3151	2009.05.04 15:28	1.3234	0.00	0.00	0.00	34.00
7611496	2009.05.05 09:07	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3378	1.3377	1.3278	2009.05.05 09:22	1.3357	0.00	0.00	0.00	21.00
7612337	2009.05.05 09:07	sell	0.20	eurusd	1.3378	1.3370	1.3278	2009.05.05 09:41	1.3370	0.00	0.00	0.00	16.00
7627069	2009.05.05 12:45	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3379	1.3378	1.3279	2009.05.05 17:23	1.3359	0.00	0.00	0.00	20.00
7648896	2009.05.05 12:45	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3379	1.3359	1.3279	2009.05.05 17:50	1.3338	0.00	0.00	0.00	41.00
7652382	2009.05.05 12:45	sell	0.10	eurusd	1.3379	1.3356	1.3279	2009.05.05 18:01	1.3356	0.00	0.00	0.00	23.00
7734587	2009.05.06 16:33	buy	0.30	eurusd	1.3350	1.3250	1.3450	2009.05.06 17:06	1.3278	0.00	0.00	0.00	-216.00
7794538	2009.05.07 09:25	sell	0.30	eurusd	1.3264	1.3364	1.3164	2009.05.07 13:06	1.3335	0.00	0.00	0.00	-213.00
7810433	2009.05.07 13:06	buy	0.10	eurusd	1.3339	1.3340	1.3439	2009.05.07 14:49	1.3360	0.00	0.00	0.00	21.00
7821324	2009.05.07 13:06	buy	0.20	eurusd	1.3339	1.3347	1.3439	2009.05.07 14:58	1.3347	0.00	0.00	0.00	16.00
7825194	2009.05.07 15:22	buy	0.30	eurusd	1.3348	1.3248	1.3448	2009.05.07 15:36	1.3261	0.00	0.00	0.00	-261.00

It is also interesting to note in the ABO trades dated 09:25 and 13:06, the higher latency VPS appears to have secured the better price. However, this is really reflecting the movement of the market during the time required for the signals to reach the higher latency VPS and make the return trip back to the broker. In the trade dated 09:25, the market continued to move up with the trade, and so the higher latency VPS entered the order after the lower latency VPS. This demonstrates how the market will continue to move during the extended time the data must travel round trip to the trading terminal and broker. In this specific case, it worked out in favor of the higher latency VPS - but this can not be relied on for long term performance. Had the market turned quickly, the lower latency VPS will have been better able to respond quicker than the higher latency VPS. Scalping EAs will realize the largest advantage in low latency trading.

What's low latency to one VPS is not necessarily low latency to the other VPS

It is important to remember that latency is relative to the distance between the broker' server and the VPS. The same east coast VPS can not be expected to perform nearly as well with a west coast broker, when compared to the same EA running in a west coast VPS.

How to use latency to your advantage

Most traders already have an account with a broker before they setup a new Trader's VPS. Since the location of the broker is known, the trader only needs to setup in a VPS that is located physically closest to the broker. The VPS that is physically located closer to the broker will have the least latency to that same broker. After the VPS is setup, the trader can transparently enjoy all the benefits of the low latency trading platform and not worry about it again. It is important to note that some brokers may give away a free VPS with a trading account, but these VPS's do not necessarily (usually) have the least latency to the broker. Many brokers will sponsor a CNS VPS for their traders, and the trader can always select which CNS datacenter to host the platform in.

Commercial Network Services publishes latency to major brokers from CNS data centers in the Knowledge Base, allowing subscribers to setup or move their Trader's Desktop to the data center closest to their broker. This document also contains information how to test the latency to your broker from any VPS or PC.

Verify RAM Usage

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 07:37:27 -0700

Current RAM usage is calculated by adding Physical RAM usage + Page File usage. The Page File is a large file on disk that the operating system will begin to utilize as Virtual RAM when Physical RAM runs low. Due to the mechanical nature of disk I/O, this can cause your application (or the entire VPS) to freeze/slow down while Windows works to expand the Page File or retrieve data that should otherwise be stored in RAM.

Before checking your RAM usage you may need to increase your Command Prompt window's buffer size so that you can view all of the systeminfo data that is output to that window. After opening the CMD window right-click the CMD icon in the upper-left of the window then select Properties. Input your settings on the Layout tab.
We suggest using the following values for your CMD window sizes:
Screen Buffer Size: Width 120, Height 600 / Window Size: Width 120, Height 30

To check RAM usage:

Open a CMD window by clicking Start > Run...
In the Run box type "cmd", then click OK (A command prompt window will open)

In the command prompt window type "systeminfo", then press ENTER

The command will output your VPS' current system information. Look for the following lines near the top:

Total Physical Memory:	511 MB
Available Physical Memory:	166 MB
Page File: Max Size:	1,023 MB
Page File: Available:	648 MB
Page File: In Use:	375 MB

*This VPS has 512 MB of RAM. It is reflecting 511 MB because 0 is the first increment when your RAM is counted by "systeminfo".

In a Windows Server 2008 R2 VPS the "Page File" values will be replaced by "Virtual Memory" values.

Keep in mind Windows will always use some amount of swap, but anything more than 250 MB will begin to degrade performance.

We use this formula to calculate VPS Total RAM usage:
Total RAM usage = (Total Physical Memory - Available Physical Memory) + (Page File In Use - 250)

In the above case, VPS Total RAM usage is:
(511 - 166) + (375 - 250) = 470 MB of Total RAM used (in a 512 MB Physical RAM subscription)

You should always be sure to have 80-100 MB of Physical RAM over your Total RAM usage.

If your Total RAM usage is above subscribed Physical RAM then it is likely this is causing your application to hang or crash. Try reducing RAM usage or add more Physical RAM to your VPS subscription. Keep in mind that virtually everything you do will use RAM, especially using the Internet Explorer web browser.