Win Web Hosting

Shared servers mean there are other websites on the same physical server. They usually should be much less expensive than a dedicated server.

Dedicated servers have only YOUR domain housed on a physical computer/server. That usually costs a little more, it also means YOU have to admin the box! The administration of a web server can be a big deal so unless you have someone who knows how to check the logs, configure the services, check for security issues, update the systems AV, firewalls, etc. and keep the OS updated.. get a shared one.

Shared servers usually have an admin to accomplish the fine details of day to day operations of the box.

A dedicated server is the better option. Here’s why:

1) Dedicated! No one is competing against your website for the resources (CPU, memory, hard drive, etc). This leads to a better performance. In shared environments, providers can share the server with 100 other websites. This can greatly impact performance and responsiveness of your website.

2) Security! Has better all-around security. No other website is running on the same server as you so there’s less chance of another user tampering with your database or important files.

3) Management! The server is managed by the same firm that provides the service. Make sure to get a fully managed one.

4) Flexibility! with shared, you can’t simply install any software you need. You are bound by the fact that you share a server and if the owner of the shared refuses to install such software, you’re out of luck. Whereas on a dedicated server, you can install any software you please.

5) Growth! the sky is the limit as far as how much you can grow when getting a dedicated server. Whereas on a shared, again, others compete and suck up all resources so you’re left with a somewhat less responsive website.

By the way, my name is Joe and I help run a Web hosting business here in Houston, Texas. Let me know if you have any additional question.

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