Inexpensive Web Hosting - Running Your Own Server Or Not?

As there are so many hosting companies competing for your business, you'd get far less troubles than if you tried to get your own one.

Are you technologically savvy? Do you understand what it takes to secure a server? Do you have access to a broadband connection? Are you willing and able to devote the amount of time it'll take to solve the inevitable glitches that come your way one after another?

To host your own server you will need: a computer that must be used ONLY as a server with enough capacity to manage the amount of requests that may receive, a Network Interface Card (NIC) and a broadband connection with a high upload rate, and an internet service provider (ISP) in conditions to handle web traffic.

If this sounds like it's trying to scare you, then you're following completely. If there are so many inexpensive hosting companies out there, you need a very strong motive to prefer doing it yourself. If one company didn't bring you the service they had promised, it's not enough to stop seeking any other way out. There must be another inexpensive hosting service out there.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about hosting. But don't be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

If your site is promotional in any way - whether you're selling a product, a service, yourself - an amateurish presentation fraught with technical glitches and poor layout could cost you your business. The average web-surfer has a 20-second attention span, and if they encounter one problem accessing your site, they are unlikely to return.

With minimal research, you can really take advantage of the fierce competitiveness in the inexpensive web hosting industry and find a service that offers mouth-watering promotions, and innovative features unique to your needs. Most likely, if you're considering running your own server it's because your website generates a ton of traffic on more than one website or application. Fortunately, running your own server is not your only option. You can find many inexpensive hosting providers that could assign you a dedicated server for a fee, of course.

Then you will have your OWN server and nobody else will be able to use it, you won't share it at all, either storage, memory or bandwidth. And the performance of your site will not be affected by the traffic and usage patterns of any other customer. With a dedicated server you will have your own IP address and root (admin) access. You have full control over server usage and software installation. Dedicated servers allow you an unlimited number of email accounts and databases and the speed is inordinately faster.

These services, offered by many inexpensive providers, can be "managed" or "unmanaged". In the "unmanaged" ones, you are the administrator, so you must have time and skills, that's why most people opt for the "managed" package. i think you should consider an inexpensive dedicated server as a viable alternative to keep your business running smoothly and yourself well rested.

Now that wasn't hard at all, was it? And you've earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert's word on hosting.

Sandra Ruiz-Aguilar is a Native Spanish Speaker and Systems Analyst from Argentina doing freelance English - Spanish Translations for fifteen years. Lately getting into Internet Marketing. Website: http://englishspanishtranslation.4t.com

Choosing The Best Web Server For Your Online Business

What is a web server? Basically, a web server embodies the theory of supply and demand: it supplies your website when the people demand it. When a user wants to view your website, the server finds the URL?s file and uploads it to the user?s browser. However, there are many different kinds of servers to choose from, so how do you find the right one?

The Virtual Private Server is a great choice for larger businesses that have complicated needs. It?s best if you have some experience working the program, because you have to know how to control the settings, but if you can read and understand the manual, you?ll be fine. The plus to a Virtual Private Server is that it?s a single server that branches out, letting you work independently while paying with the other host customers. You can also have up to 50 websites. It can be costly at over 100 dollars a month, but if you?re concerned about security and control, a Virtual Private Server is probably the way to go.

The more popular server is Virtual Hosting. This is a single server that is shared with many users. Because it?s controlled by an administrator, you don?t need to worry about technical skills. However, you don?t have as much control as you would with a Virtual Private Server, because every time you want to change something in your settings, you have to contact the admininstrator. Secondly, you?re only allowed one website, so if you want to start a second site, you have to create a new account. The good news is, it?s a great deal at only about 20 to 50 dollars per month. So if you have a small business with just one or two websites, and you don?t want to worry about technical skills , Virtual Hosting is the best choice.

You also have to think about web server software. One type is Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS). It only works with NT-based server systems, as NT is a Microsoft product. It has crash protection and plenty of support, so you don?t have to worry about viruses. Also, if you use NT, you get IIS free with it.

However, the most popular type is Apache. It?s always free, and while it isn?t supported like IIS, it?s always updated and easy to use. So if you?re looking for something safe, IIS is a great choice, but Apache is more popular for a reason.

These are only a few of the servers and software you have to choose from, but they?re a start. If you do your research and think of what will best benefit your business or webpage, you can make a well-informed decision that will let you be a successful host.

Robert Michael is a writer for Daily Servers which is an excellent place to find servers links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.dailyservers.com

How To Set Up Web Hosting Server

How to set up web hosting server.

First a webserver is the computer that will be responisible for accepting HTTP(Hypertext Transfer Protocol) requests from web browsers and sending them webpages which are html documents and images.A computer software program that is installed on the webserver is what functions the server and manages the web pages.The most common server programs used are:

1. Apache Http Server from Apache Software Foundation

2. Sun Java System Web Server from Microsystems

3. (IIS) Internet Information Services from Microsoft

4. Zeus Web Server from Zeus Technology

Ok get a computer with sufficient memory and lots of hard drive space that has Win 2000,Linux,XP ect...on it.Next install one of the server programs on it.Secure your server by installing a firewall on it for servers.Then subscribe to a cable or dsl ISP(Internet Service Provider) that allows servers.Get a hardware router(a device that shares a single connection with one or more computers to the internet.Hook the cable or dsl up to the router and set the router to work with it.Then give your server a static local IP number you can do this manually. Obtain a DNS account.A DNS is a name server that translates a domain name(www.web.com) into a IP address.There are a few free DNS Services but most are run by large webhosts ISP's.Enter the IP number,primary and secondary name servers into the router and your server is pretty much setup for more indepth help Click Here!

WebDesigner that researches and writes about many topics.

The Need for Dedicated Servers & Managed Hosting

The World Wide Web has brought with it some of the most amazing technological advances ever seen by a single generation. Just ten years ago, it was considered "cutting edge" for a company to simply have it's own website, never mind an interactive page with high-tech graphics and shopping carts. But now if a business doesn't have its own site, they are considered to be archaic by the majority of net surfers. But with all of these advances come some issues, especially for those companies and businesses that require larger or heavily visited sites. For this and other reasons, dedicated servers and managed hosting has become quite popular in the more recent years of the Internet.

Simply put, a dedicated server refers to the manner in which Web hosting is done. A shared Web hosting company may have several different companies' websites on one of their "on-premises" computers, all running at the same time. But larger companies (with the websites to match), maybe with a forum or need for a lot of storage, are much better off with their own computer from a Web hosting company. This is what a dedicated server is- one computer from a Web hosting company that is "dedicated" to the needs of one website. Not only does such a server save the client network administration fees and overall costs, client router, Internet connection and security system, but also can usually be fully operated by you, the client.

Once you've decided that the best interest of your business and website includes a dedicated server, you need to decide on a Web host. The computer that holds all of your website's information (the html, graphics, etc.) is your (managed) web host, which may be either dedicated to you or not, as described above). You pay the web hosting company a fee to keep all of your site's information.

Besides the extra storage space that accompanies a dedicated server, there are many other perks that come along with the package because, of course, a dedicated server is more costly than a shared one. For example, if another website on your shared server were to experience an extremely high level of traffic, your website would suffer drastically. If you want to run your own software on your site, a typical shared server won't allow you to. And the security level on a shared server is much lower than that of a dedicated one.

When it comes to the future of your website, both a dedicated and shared server enable you to upgrade your space and service as needed, but a dedicated server doesn't have the restrictions that a shared server will have. After all, when you share a bedroom with your siblings, you're going to have significantly less closet space than when you have your own room.

John Marshall recommends that you visit http://www.memset.com/ for more information on Dedicated Servers & Managed Hosting.

Shared Hosting VS Dedicated Server

Are you at a crossroads now, deciding which type of hosting best suits your needs? This is definitely an important decision as it will affect how your business will run on the webspace in the future. So, before you start submitting a ticket to the support department or calling the sales department of any hosting provider to ask regarding your confusion, take a look at the guidelines and tips which I'm about to introduce to you.

First of all, ask yourself, which type of web busineses are you planning to get involved in? Next, I'll show you the advantages, disadvantages and features offered to you by both shared hosting and dedicated server hosting. Before I proceed further, let's refresh your mind with the definition of both types of hosting. Shared hosting, as most of you should be well-versed, is hosting where a lot of websites share the same resources in one server. Resources here simply mean the total webspace, the memory, the processor speed, as well as the bandwidth.

Dedicated server on the other hand, give you the freedom of being alone. Alone means you are the sole owner of the server. You can do whatever you want and no other sites share the resources with you. It sure comes with a price as dedicated server is way more expensive than shared hosting. However, if you believe that the advantages which I shall be listing in a short while are the advantages you long to have, then it's wise to conclude that these advantages can outweigh the expensive price (but still affordable) of dedicated server.

Facing the challenges in the world of sharing!
Here's a simple analogy; renting a room on your own or finding a roommate to share the room with you. Simply, that's the problem or risks you might be facing when you opt for shared hosting. Shared hosting is just like you rent a room with a few other roommates. Won't it be congested to share in a small room? However, there is a reason why people choose to find roommates. Price is the main concern. Same goes to hosting industry. Shared hosting is cheaper and more affordable compared to dedicated hosting. Nowadays, you can find shared hosting with the price of USD4 to USD15 per month.

Therefore, if you think that price is an issue and you are still green in hosting world and your online business has yet to achieve heavy traffic, the best solution is to go for shared hosting first. Consequently, you have to bear the drawbacks of shared hosting but if you choose a reliable and experienced hosting provider (probably in a hosting industry for around 3-4 years), the provider will ensure the most minimal drawbacks for its clients. In shared hosting environment, you will encounter certain disadvantages as follows:

Sharing Same IP
Having the same IP address in shared hosting is the main concern when other sites in the server is actually being blacklisted for unethical activities such as spamming or generating illegal script. Since, you share the same server, it's obvious you will share the same IP address. So, when other sites are blacklisted, those sharing the same IP with them will also unfortunately share the same fate - being banned alltogether by search engine. You will be the victim of crime which you don't commit. However, there are times where you can buy yourself a dedicated IP but this usually is not needed unless you are getting yourself an SSL certificate. In cases such as this one, it depends on your hosting provider on how they deal with clients who do illegal and unapproved activities. Usually, a reliable and responsible host will suspend those sites which perform spamming in order to rescue other sites who are innocent. In short, to get yourself a shared hosting, get to know how your provider deal with those sites which are hosted in the same server as you.

Slow Server Response Time
Using the same analogy as above, if you and your roommates want to use the bathroom, you have to queue up, correct? Hence, it will slow down your daily work. Same goes to shared hosting. If one of your neighbours have heavy daily traffic, it will consume most of the bandwidth and when things get tighten up, you will feel the slow response time such as difficulty accessing your website. This is because server will respond to the requested file in order of the queue. If one of the visitor happens to request it later and is on a long queue, that visitor will experience slow response time and might eventually end up leaving your website.

Server Crashes Regularly
The factor to server crashes more often than usual, is the fact that certain scripts are generated and it can overload a server's resources. If webhosting provider does not monitor the server's activity, those poorly-written CGI script can give you more headache than relief. Hence, it's vital for host provider to monitor the server regularly to prevent server from crashes and to protect your site from being affected. You as a client, please do take the initiative to question your providers on how they take precautions for cases like this one. A well-knowledgable and reliable host provider will be able to answer your question to your satisfaction.

Despite aforementioned bad points, a lot of websites also use this shared hosting solution and if a proper provider is chosen, you can be assured that such incidents will barely happen.

Dedicated Hosting - A world of your own
What makes people opt for dedicated hosting instead of shared hosting? Again, the most important criterion is money. If you can afford a costly solution like this, go ahead. However, don't just simply go ahead without weighing the pros and cons of dedicated hosting. Even if you have money, and you are just a small medium enterprise, think twice for investing in dedicated hosting. Reason is because dedicated hosting is mainly for large and busy sites such as portal, search engine, online content provider, heavy traffic forums and etc. In addition, dedicated hosting usually requires more technical-savvy specialist to monitor it. Listed below are some of the advantages why dedicated hosting is a popular option:

You are the boss!
Here, it means you have more control of everything. You can install whatever applications and scripts you want. You can do script testing and if anything were to happen, no one else to blame but yourself. You will have the ability to customise the hardware and softwares installed on your server, which you cannot find this priviledge if you are under shared hosting.

No more limitation in bandwidth usage
Compare to shared hosting, you might get yourself a "warning letter" from your hosting provider if you exceed the maximum bandwidth allocated to you. With dedicated hosting, you have the amount of bandwidth of a server. Hence, downloading and uploading any materials from your site will not be a problem if you have a lot of daily visitors performing such activity.

More Secured
Having a dedicated server is in fact more secured compared to shared hosting. This is because dedicated server will be provided its own firewall. Therefore, the information stored in dedicated server is less vulnerable to attacks by hackers or any malicious codes. In addition, hosting provider will usually provide backup for you with added fee, but, in terms of security, it's actually worth it.

Better Performance
Since dedicated hosting means only you alone are hosted in that server, the response time of the server to requested files will be so much faster compared to shared hosting. Visitors who browse your website will feel happy because your pages will appear on their browser fast enough to satisfy them. Fast loading time will always brighten anyone's day!

Generally, choosing which type of hosting solely depends on your needs. So, to make a wise decision, do more researches and evaluations as well as consult those highly technical savvy people. Remember that a good and smart decision will determine your online storefronts' success. Cheers!

SY Ho
Online Marketing Executive
http://www.exabytes.com