Dedicated Server Web Host

June 15, 2009

Windows Dedicated Server Vs. Linux Dedicated Server

We have briefly discussed both Windows Dedicated Server and Linux Dedicated Server briefly. We have already seen advantages of both the Operating Systems. We have also compared both the Operating Systems. Thus, we know that both the Operating Systems have advantages and disadvantages ranging from costs to application requirements. Let us try to conclude the difference between them and when shall one select either of them or in what situation.

Programming Technologies and Database Servers

Here lies the main difference between Windows and Linux. If you wish to host MSSQL or ASP or ASP.net web pages then the Windows Dedicated Server is a solution for you. We know that ASP and MSSQL being Microsoft Products, it is possible to host ASP scripts only on IIS web Server and likewise MSSQL Server runs only on MS Windows Server. There are many versions of MSSQL Server. Also, Windows is capable of using many tools that are Linux compatible or which run on Linux platform.

While, if you intend to run software packages such as PHP, Perl and MySQL on your server, Linux would make the best option, being open-source OS.

Technical Expertise

Here it goes. When we decide to consider the web hosting platform, technical challenge is the major factor that is taken into consideration. For those who are starting with the Dedicated server, Windows is the best solution for them. To answer, why, its similarity to Windows Desktop and easiness to use is the main reason to consider Windows. Linux being more complex and it’s commands being hard to remember, it is mainly recommended for those who are technically inclined and gain good technical knowledge. Yes, it is accepted that cPanel, the contol panel, has made things easier for Linux users, however, there are still many things that can discourage a newbie.

Conclusion

To conclude, we can say Windows is easier to use, however, it is not only cost effective and can enforce one to get frustrated of just “clicking”. Whereas, Linux being open source, is freely available, however, its complexity and uneasiness to remember number of commands makes users to not to consider Linux. Thus, it can be said that if you want to host personal site, Windows is the solution while for a business site, Linux is the best to opt for.

June 14, 2009

Unmanaged Dedicated Servers

Unmanaged Dedicated Server is a type of dedicated server where the owner is responsible for every aspect of maintaining the server, from installing softwares, updates and patches upto ensuring server uptime. Low prices and more resources are the beneficial side of unmanaged dedicated servers.

It gives you flexibility for customization. With unmanaged dedicated server you get Complete RDP or Full Root SSH Access. Using the remote access you are responsible to install the applications, monitor uptime etc. You may add any softwares and control panels that you prefer if required. You have rights to reboot the server whenever you wish. The web hosting provider may also set you up fully configured OS, including Apache web server, Exim mail server, PHP, CGI etc. on your unmanaged dedicated servers for an additional cost.

If you are good in technical part of the servers then you can go with unmanaged dedicated servers. However, a situation may come when you are not aware of what you need to do as a system administrator. You might think of getting any kind of technical assistance from the hosting provider, however, in this case you may need to spend a good amount to get the support what you want. None of the hosting providers are responsible to pro-actively monitor or restart the services and ensure uptime. Yes they can, however, need a request ticket from you. Many hosting providers who provide unmanaged dedicated servers do offer paid ticket support 24*7 for which you are charged on an hourly basis. Also it is obvious that unmanaged dedicated servers may take a lot of time to administer and you get less time to develop and design your site, resulting in low quality content and features of your site. So it is always recommended that you consider only managed dedicated servers though they are expensive.

April 19, 2009

Linux Dedicated Servers

Most of the internet’s users know that the basic Operating Systems used for dedicated servers are Windows and Linux. Linux Dedicated Hosting is basically a dedicated servers hosting that use Linux as an Operating program. Linux being free, open-source operating system based on UNIX, is the cheapest form of dedicated servers. You do not have to pay the License fees to install Linux Operating System, unlike Windows Dedicated Servers where you pay the Windows OS License Fee.

Linux Dedicated Servers are most popular and are offered by many web hosting providers. There are different servers available with Linux OS. So depending upon the requirement you can select the suitable server specification. Also if you need or you are looking for customized dedicated servers then you can opt for that. There are many hosting providers offering customized dedicated servers where you can select the hardware specifications as per your requirement. If you get a dedicated server and needs to upgrade any specific hardware, for example, say RAM then you can just ask the hosting provider and they will help you to upgrade RAM. This not possible with shared, VPS or any other plans however it can be considered as an advantage of Dedicated Hosting.

Linux Dedicated Servers are more secure than Windows Dedicated Servers. The chances of servers being hacked are more on Windows than Linux. The possibilities of Viruses attacking your site are very less as compared to Windows. And suppose if a virus takes hold of your Linux System still it becomes difficult for the virus to damage or destroy the system. Unlike Windows, also, if any virus succeeds to affect or hold the Linux based system, it becomes difficult for it to spread to other Linux machines and repeat the same with other systems. I agree that it is completely safe however it more resistant as compared to Windows.

It is best solution for those who host MySQL databases or PHP based applications to opt for Linux. However if you need to host MSSQL, ASP.net or ASP or simply any other Microsoft product then you must opt for Windows Server.

March 25, 2009

Windows Dedicated Servers

Basically a dedicated server comes with two different Operating Systems, Linux and Windows. If you wish to host a business site, Windows Dedicated Server is the best platform for you. Most of the Windows Servers come with Microsoft Windows Server 2003. Windows Server is the Microsoft’s latest OS irrespective of its edition. Windows Server 2003 can be used for many things; making it the perfect server operating system. Windows Dedicated Server comes with Windows Server 2003 installed. Unlike, VPS web hosting or Semi-dedicated Server, you get freedom to customize the server specification and configure the OS you need.

If you wish to host MSSQL or ASP or ASP.net web pages then the Windows Dedicated Server is a solution for you. We know that ASP and MSSQL being Microsoft Products, it is possible to host ASP scripts only on IIS web Server and likewise MSSQL Server runs only on MS Windows Server. There are many versions of MSSQL Server.

There are many advantages of Windows Server. The Windows server can be used as a web server using IIS Web Server. IIS Web Server is an application that is included with Microsoft Windows Server installation. Also you can host it as a media server using Windows Media Server application. Apart from these unique features, Windows Dedicated Server also support PHP scripting engine along with the MySQL database server. Both are capable enough to be hosted on Windows although they work better on Linux.

Windows Dedicated Server are dedicated only to you and aren’t shared with any user so that increases the security of your server and the websites too. The non-shareable environment of Windows Dedicated Servers makes allows it to run faster than any of the VPS with similar specification. Also CPU responses to the requests quickly as it is not split between many VPS. Also unlike any other plans like shared hosting or VPS, you have privilege to add more resources whenever needed.

Hence if you are looking to host ASP.net web pages, MSSQL databases and any complex website then Windows Dedicated Server Hosting is the best way to go for.

March 15, 2009

Managed Dedicated Servers

Managed Dedicated Servers are completely opposite of Unmanaged servers. Unlike unmanaged dedicated servers, Managed Dedicated Server is a type of dedicated server where the provider is responsible for most aspects of maintaining the server, from installing software, updates and patches up to ensuring server uptime.

The providers employ System Administrators who are responsible to maintain the dedicated servers. They will take care of every thing you require on your server, from installation to configuration. They will also monitor the server for you and will also login into the server in case the services get crashed. Most probably providers of Fully Managed Servers do not provide direct root access or Administrator access to their client to keep the servers safe or to make sure that the client does break them all the time.

If you are looking for full access your search ends here. Serving the clients as far as possible, providing them high level of support without any additional costs is the key to success in web hosting business. All of your requirements are being entertained by the provider however if it comes to a 3rd party product or a s/w they are not responsible. They can help you with installing and configuring the 3rd party product if you are aware of how it works. However they do take responsibility of any product that is a part of your OS, like Redhat or Microsoft products, unless it has been severely damaged by some one at your end.

Hence it is the best solution to consider a managed dedicated server if you are new to the World of Dedicated Servers!

March 14, 2009

Types of Dedicated Servers

Now when we are familiar with what the dedicated servers are, lets see what are the types of dedicated servers and try to understand them briefly. Dedicated servers can be mainly categorized in 2 types. They are:-

  • Unmanaged Dedicated Servers
  • Managed Dedicated Servers

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