Choosing the right web server will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make with your online business. Why? Because the web server you choose will literally make or break your online business.
Now, let's discuss two types of servers, Virtual web hosting and Virtual Private Servers.
Over the last several years Virtual Web Hosting has been the only way to go when choosing a web server. One of the reasons that Virtual Web Hosting became so popular was because they supported the necessary files and allowed you to have more freedom than other conventional web host services. But now you can have more freedom than ever before with Virtual Private Servers. Virtual Private Servers should not be confused with Virtual Hosts, since they are completely different.
Before I go any further I must explain what the difference is between a Virtual Host and a Virtual Private Server, so that you can fully understand. In this article I will also go over the advantages and disadvantages of both types of servers, to help you decide which is right for you and your business. Let's get started with Virtual Hosting.
Virtual Hosting Accounts
Virtual Hosting is also known as shared web hosting, where you are sharing the physical server and a single set of software applications with other users. Virtual Hosting has been extremely popular in the past for its fast deployment, strong resources, and most importantly for having a very reasonable price. Another advantage to Virtual Hosting is that you have a powerful, reliable, and professionally managed server without having to have advanced technical skills, making it ideal for an individual, small business, or even a beginner.
One of the disadvantage of Virtual Hosting is that you are sharing the server with other users. The server is configured and controlled by an administrator, not you. So basically you have no control, because you have to contact the administrator every time you want to adjust or change your configuration settings. Even if you managed to reach the administrator, they may not fulfill your request. It's up to them to help you or not to help you. They are the administrator. If you were the administrator you wouldn't have these limitations and would have immediate and total control of your servers.
Virtual Private Servers
Virtual Private Servers are usually the best choice these days and for a very good reason. Before I get into the advantages of a Virtual Private Server, let me explain what it is. A Virtual Private Server is a single server that is partitioned at the root into multiple dedicated servers. This allows you to share the cost of the network connectivity, hardware, and system maintenance with other web hosting customers, while maintaining your flexibility and freedom.
The true advantage of Virtual Private Servers is that they allow you to have complete control. You have the security advantages of a dedicated server at the fraction of the cost. You have access to the virtual root, Telnet, web configuration files, and full CGI-BIN access. Don't forget to mention that you also have access to your password, aliases file, and send mail configuration file. For these reasons you can see that a Virtual Private Server is an excellent solution for small to medium size businesses that have increasingly complex needs, but want a server that is reliable and easy to use.
One disadvantage with Virtual Private Servers is that you need to have some program knowledge to control and configure the settings. Sounds overwhelming, most businesses that offer Virtual Private Servers have very detailed manuals making them very easy to configure and control no matter what your program level is. We use HostE because their support staff always answers our questions within a few hours.
Which one is right for you? Well, that all depends on you and the size of your network.
If you have, or plan on having, just one web site and have absolutely no programming knowledge, then Virtual Hosting is the recommended and economical way for you to go. A Virtual Host can cost anywhere around $10 a month for an account, rather than $35 for a Virtual Private Server.
If you have a larger network that requires multiple web sites, and you have some technical skills, then a Virtual Private Server is perfect for you. You can host many web sites on a Virtual Private Server account, instead of having multiple Virtual Hosting accounts, which will cost you more money per month.
When it comes time to get a web server, make sure that the server fits your needs and that it supports the essential software for a prosperous online business. We personally give a 5-STAR rating to HostE because of their low prices, reliability, and excellent 24/7 customer support staff. They really care and really can help you solve your server problems.
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