Confusion about SSL Certificate and .PEM files

[absoluteblock]

I recently signed up with Cardmember Services after using Paypal for a few months. Evidently, I'm confused about setting up the SSL.

The Linkpoint site has a .PEM file to download. Is this the SSL certificate? If not, do I have to purchase a SSL certificate separately?

Thanks for clearing this up.

[Merlinpa1969]

the PEM file is not the SSL
you will need to speak to your host about their policies on SSL
dedicated and or shared

[DrByte]

An SSL certificate is used to allow secure communications between your site and customers browsers.

The PEM file is another certificate altogether, used to identify your server to Linkpoint so that it's harder for folks to spoof transactions on your account.

You need both.

[absoluteblock]

Thanks for the clarification.