Hey. I have read that it is best to have your own server rather then use a shared hosting account. I need some sort of host for my Network of sites, they will be built up with three units. I will have a; ~Website, ~vBulletin Forum, ~Self Hosted Blog. I need to know as much information on hosting as possible. If I do indeed need a server rather then a shared host (for speed) would you guys be able to give me some good websites that provide good servers. Thanks, BlueEew.
Well, of course the optimal situation would be to have your own dedicated server but the main issue is whether you are familiar with Server Administration and if you are willing to dedicate the time to manage the server. The beauty about the shared hosting account is that you do not need to worry about managing the server and all you need to worry is getting your sites up and promoted. Of course, you will then need to depend on your web host for support and like the same said, you be sharing resources with the hundreds or thousands of other websites on the server. Of course, the vBulletin can be a resource hog especially if it gets really very busy and you may need a dedicated server for that when it is very popular. The issue now are :- 1) How confident are you in managing your own server ? 2) How familiar are you with the underlying operating system and security elements ? Would you be able to troubleshoot if you face any issues ? 3) How much are you willing to pay ? 4) Do you have the time to manage the server ? Probably an hour a day. Of course, there are managed dedicated servers but they may come at a price in excess of $250/mth. The other option may be a Virtual Private Server which is still shared hosting but you get your own slice of the computer and can have full control over that VPS through SSH. A number of providers offers managed service so they can take care of some of the security elements and troubleshooting. However, your resources are jailed so to speak meaning you are guaranteed a certain amount of RAM, disk space and CPU time and other customers' activities on the server will not affect you. It may not mean that it be faster than a uncrowded shared hosting but then again, you are less likely to get booted out of a VPS than a shared hosting account. The price is about 1/2 or 1/3 that of an unmanaged dedicated server, depending on the specs and if you get it managed or unmanaged.
1) I am slightly confident, as I can learn very quickly. 2) Probably not at first as I have no experience at all with servers. 3) As I am only 16 years old, and I am still in school, I will be willing to pay a fair amount. But not an over proced amount. 4) I have the time, I spend time on my forum all day, everyday. The forum I want to host hopfully will one day be as popular as this forum www.pokerealm.net/forums/ so far the forum is hosted free with phpBB at www.pokeproject.forumup.org. I am backing up and moving to vBulletin. As long as I can run a fast vBulletin forum, one websites, and one blog I am intrested in any type of server possible.
In system admin and server mgmt stuff, dont think a fast learner makes you do all things miraculously...its not that easy as your school stuff!
No, as far as system management is concerned, it makes no difference if it is a VPS or a dedicated server. Because a Virtual Server gives you the same Shell Access and same controls and the same thing you need to do.
Oh okay. I am not sure if I would be able to run an VPS then, or would I get support from the provider to help me going?
Support from VPS depends on whether you get a managed or unmanaged VPS. A managed VPS will mean you get some kind of assistance but the definition of what 'managed' is is not set in stone so you need to ask them or check their websites of what is included. I would think that a shared account either in the form of the individual or reseller's account should suffice for the start. Most web sites do not suddenly grow super huge in a span of a few months. It takes time to grow. Just find a web host who is understanding enough about your needs and can allow you to scale up the plans as and when you need. I guess you just have to weigh your needs and pick out what matches them best, sometimes you just need to sacrifice a few things along the way.
It may be..but its still SHARED one. As far for dedicated server, you must have good knowledge of linux commands unless you are willing to waste another $30+ for a control panel like cPanel, Plesk etc. Managing a server is very hard. Also, you may want top consider management services like platinumservermanagement.com They are also good and have positive reviews...