Archive for the ‘Dedicated Servers’ Category

Linux Dedicated Servers

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

There is something that needs to be cleared up right now, and that is, that there is no such thing as a Linux dedicated server. Linux is not a server, it is an operating system. Consequently, a Linux dedicated server, is a server that runs Linux software. So the real question becomes, which is better a Linux based system or a Windows based system, for your operation? Some experts suggest that part of the answer lies in your level of expertise. In other words, are you a newbie? Or are you an experienced system administrator?

For newbie’s some experts suggest sticking with Window’s programs because they are easier and more powerful than Linux dedicated servers.  But again, it all harkens back to your individual needs and personal expertise.  Some administrators prefer running what they call a Linux flavor combined with the Apache web server, while others recommend using the Windows server.

Ask yourself , what other goals you have for your website, after start up? In other words, do you eventually plan to use your Linux dedicated server to host other things on your internal network, perhaps additional email addresses? However, probably the most important question of all is just how familiar are you with Linux, because if you’ve never used Linux before, then you may as well be attempting to read Sanskrit after taking a crash course in Aramaic. For the beginner or newbie, Linux can be difficult to work and understand. But most experts agree that in the long run it just might be the better system to use.

If all you’re planning to do is put up a basic, no frills web page, then do it with Windows. Windows is easier to understand and manage. But it is also very expensive. Linux dedicated servers are less expensive, because Linux itself doesn’t cost anything. It’s free. The Linux system can be downloaded in any number of places on the internet. The benefits of a Linux dedicated server would be more security and use of fewer resources than Windows. The cost is nothing or near nothing. Another reason to go with a Linux dedicated server is that it is updated often.  The downside is that it requires more set up and not all hardware is supported.

Dedicated Web Hosting

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Dedicated web hosting is expensive and constitutes the major drawback to creating a web presence for business. However, this is quickly being overcome powered by the constant and steady growth of the dedicated web hosting industry. As more individuals and businesses get into dedicated web hosting, the costs rapidly go down. In the meantime, competition drives up the service level and perks being offered. This trend will continue as more and more small and medium sized businesses work to increase their presence on the internet. The number of web hosts will also grow powered by increased demand for their services.

The two major advantages include stability and control. Another advantage would be security. This is because a web administrator has more control over a dedicated server, which is an innately more secure operation. Security comes from knowing exactly what hardware, software and applications are installed, as well as the number of fingers involved in stirring the pot, so to speak. The fewer, the better.  Having this knowledge allows the system administrator to make the decisions necessary to keep the operation function at maximum configuration.

Another major benefit of dedicated web hosting is reliability, which comes from being able to optimize page loads by playing with page load speed and overall server resource allocation. These things usually translate into customer or client satisfaction as well as a more successful bottom line, and bigger web presence.  There are some downsides, however. The aforementioned cost of dedicated web hosting, while getting better, is still a negative situation. Dedicated web hosting is still much more expensive when compared to shared server hosting or even virtual hosting, to the tune of hundreds of dollars per month. But despite the huge cost outlays many businesses justify the use of dedicated servers through cost analysis, which shows the benefits of dedicated web hosting always win out.

Another disadvantage is in not having a system administrator who has the time or skills that it takes to monitor, install, upgrade and configure programs, or add sites, or deal with potential hacks or other troubleshooting necessities. However, if your business can maintain dedicated web hosting then it becomes a win-win situation for your business. No need to worry about server overload, malicious scripts or too many applications installed by other users in a shared system, because a dedicated system is a secure and reliable environment. In a dedicated web hosting system only applications and software that pertains to the major hosting is allowed.

In dedicated web hosting, dedicated servers allow for very quick page load time, which increases the probability that potential clients will stay engaged with your website, turning them into paying customers. Quick page loading also enhances company image and generates returning customers and increases word of mouth business, as well.

Dedicated Servers

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Big corporations or other large businesses are turning more and more to dedicated servers for their internet presence. Basically, a dedicated server is a web server within a network of computers that is used by one customer. In other words, one server to service one business.  The dedicated server is customized for the one client in both hardware setup and software programming. A single dedicated server allows for faster data access as well as being able to accommodate high traffic without danger of  a website crash.

For instance, say a company called grandowl mopeds, incorporated, runs a chain of dealerships all over California. Each dealership could create its own personal website under the auspices of the parent company and hosted through the company’s dedicated server.  The parent company would be, www.grandowlmopeds.com, while one of the other dealerships might be, www.grandowlmopedssandiego.com.  This can be done for every dealership in the chain. Grouping the dealerships on one dedicated server is better and costs less than operating individually for everyone involved. Point of sale software could be customized and uniform for the whole company, no matter where the dealership is located.

This set up also streamlines administrative and support costs, which makes for easier bookkeeping from top to bottom of the corporation. In some cases, a client can also become a web host using its dedicated server and sub lease their extra space to others allowing the lessees to set up their own websites and domains.  Yet another advantage of having a dedicated server is stability, because, as the client you have a great deal of control over what happens and when it happens. When sharing a server, you are at the mercy of your host, and possibly affected by those with whom you share space.

Dedicated Server Hosting

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Using a dedicated server to host your websites can seem pretty expensive in comparison to shared web hosting in the short term. However, in the long term it could turn out to be more advantageous to your bottom line.  Shared web hosting, no matter what, is never 100% stable or reliable. While having your own dedicated server hosting your own sites will avoid most of the problems affecting the reliability and stability of the server. These problems include overload, bad codes, and scripts that may come from other users of sharing your server. There may also be the problem of too many applications and components uploaded to the server.

With a dedicated server hosting your websites, you will only  have to worry about your software and any applications that you load. No need to worry about other users because there aren’t any.  Your dependency on the web host is also lessened, allowing you to by pass any delays and costs that may occur during the course of operation. Dedicated server hosting allows you to give instant support to your own clients when they need it. This is not possible on a shared server. Quick customer support is the vital for growing your business. It goes hand in hand with reliability and stability and will generate the much needed word of mouth that results in repeat customers.

Most who run a dedicated server hosting offer 24 hour access, which enables round the clock adjustments, corrections or updates needed by the client websites within minutes rather than hours. So how do you know when it’s time for you to get into dedicated server hosting?  Look at your stats, these will tell you how quickly potential customers left your site because it downloaded too slowly. Another clue is how many visitors left your site because it wasn’t up. The people who left could have been paying customers if you’d been up and running. The money lost could possibly pay for dedicated server hosting. If you’re serious about doing business on the web and being successful at it, then dedicated server hosting should be one of your first considerations.