Archive for January, 2010

Virtual Dedicated Server

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

A virtual dedicated server is a virtual  system using software to partition a server in such a way that it can be used by several customers at once. Each partition allows the unit to function as many dedicated servers wrapped up in one unit. Each virtual dedicated server is like a condo  in a high rise building  instead of a stand a lone single family townhouse. Each virtual dedicated server has its own operating system, bandwidth and disk space. Each individual can be rebooted without affecting its neighbors on the dedicated web server.

A virtual dedicated server allows  the customer to have  more control then in  regular shared hosting.  VPS is better on the budget, costing less than dedicated servers. Experts do  consider virtual dedicated servers as the preferred hosting solution for most small and medium sized businesses seeking to extend their presence on the internet. Virtual dedicated servers sidestep the limitations of shared hosting giving more flexibility. Virtual dedicated servers are not as flexible as a dedicated server, however. The actual partitioning of the server is done with software to create the virtual environment.

Within the virtual dedicated server,  the client is given added stability, with no fear of disruption caused by  other  users. Those on the other side of the partition. The performance of your website improves, becoming faster, with better load times. Virtual dedicated servers give each client more disk space, CPR and RAM  And it goes without saying there is more flexibility built into this type of system. Before you select a virtual dedicate  server system, you should  do some research and ask questions about the features being offered by each web hosting entity. Ask about the costs of root access for instance. Root access grants you complete control over your VPS account from configuration through software applications.

Ease of operation of the virtual dedicated server  means the server can  handle interface from a control panel application.  Management and support should be similar to a dedicated hosting account, since most VPS  servers require  the client to manage his or her own server. If you don’t have the technical skills ask the company to provide them for you. Good service providers will always actively monitor the network and hardware, thus ensuring security stability. However, ask about this before you sign the contract.

Private Hosting

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Private hosting is a method of specifying which part of virtual space of a certain server is used for a certain purpose or specific client.  This occurs when a dedicated server is capable of hosting multiple clients and users.  Partitioning the physical server into a number of various servers makes private hosting possible. Each private hosting server functions just like a dedicated server, only for a lot less money and operating costs.  Virtual private hosting allows clients the chance to have their own dedicated space in the virtual world.

In virtual private hosting, clients can have their own websites, databases and other applications located on their own virtual server. For example, a large company with multiple locations or dealerships could have their own personal websites operating off the company virtual private hosting server except with names and IP addresses  pointing to their dealership but utilizing company applications to do business. In the virtual world only one private hosting server is needed to do the business of all of the dealerships from one central location. This cost cutting raises the profit margin for all involved.

Private hosting servers require maintenance, however, not as much as dedicated servers. Security is better than on a shared system also. Private hosting is more reliable, and more controllable for the company system admin. All of this is made possible because each partition operates on its own operating system within its private hosting virtual system. Each private hosting server can also reboot without affecting other users on the other side of the partitions. Unlike VPS in a dedicated hosting, the client leases the entire physical server and does not share with anyone.

To put it another way  private hosting server let you the site owner deploy whatever software you want or need to continue to grow your web based business, something not possible in a shared hosting situation. VPS and private hosting servers are what everyone user will be doing in coming years as the industry develops and grows.

Plesk VPS

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Plesk VPS is a software package that automates commercial web hosting. It was designed in Russia in the part of 2003.  Plesk VPS enables a server administrator to create new websites, reseller accounts, email accounts and DNS entries. All of this is done through a web based interface. The administrator is also able to set up client and site templates, which will pre determine resource allocation specifications for the domains and or clients.

Plesk VPS Hosting will work with Linux to support multiple platforms including Debian, Fedora and RedHat Linux to name just a few. Plesk VPS also works with Windows to support Windows 2003 and 2008 operating systems. Recently renamed Parallels Plesk Panel, Plesk VPS can install custom versions of, or manage some versions of MySQL and PostgreSQL databases, Apache, Tomcat and Java platform servers, and Coldfusion game servers.

Many experts contend that Plesk is not secure enough for multi-hosting security, since all VPS hosts are run under the same Apache user and in addition, share the same configuration. Improvements have been made, in particular for Windows, going forward, that all virtual hosts will run under their own worker process group.  However, in order to shore up security for Linux, the administrator must make manual corrections. Plesk VPS, to date, cannot make these corrections.  Plesk VPS users have the where with all to install web applications with a few simple mouse clicks. The downside of Plesk VPS is that it is not always that easy to install or upgrade applications in this way.  Identified security problems may lead to vulnerability of the servers.

Another identified shortcoming is Plesk VPS’ data back up  and restore functionality. Since backup files tend to be very big, the Plesk VPS mechanism limits the usable server storage space, sometimes forcing system administrators to make a choice between not backing up data or leaving large amounts of storage unused.

Managed VPS

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

The term managed VPS is usually defined by the person using the term. The definition varies and is difficult to pin down, since each provider has his own understanding of what managed VPS Hosting means. Commonly, managed VPS is only available by way of a web based control panel. In other words, your provider gives support through the control panel if you have difficulties with your set up.

All custom applications used in your virtual private server are your responsibility. That is okay if your system administrator is on top of things. However, it can mean trouble for those who lack admin/system skills for handling developing situations. This is one of the disadvantages of using a virtual private server. A VPS is actually a partition in a shared dedicated server that functions independently from the other partitions in the dedicated server. It is a cheap way of having a dedicated server to run your business.

The managed VPS runs on its own operating system, has its own applications, software, security configurations and is not at risk from the other users sharing the dedicated server on the other side of the various partitions. Managed VPS delivers  more control than a shared server. But with more control comes more responsibility.  That’s why it is important to shop around before signing on with a web provider’s managed VPS system. You should understand exactly what it is that the provider is responsible for as well as what you as the client are in charge of.

Many providers are also willing to provide IT help to all of their managed VPS clients. But for a cost, however. So it is paramount to decide just how much money you want to spend for the services or whether you want to shop around for a managed VPS system that is within your budget yet handles all that your business needs in order to present the web presence that your business wants to project. Assess your present days needs as well as your future needs before determining what you need in managed VPS. You will be glad you took the time before rather than waited until trouble presents itself.