Starting an Online Business All-in-One For Dummies®, 3rd Edition

Serving Yourself: Don't Overlook Other Server Options

One decision you eventually have to make when you're selecting a host is whether you want to skip a hosting plan and rent your own dedicated server. In that case, your partnership with a particular hosting plan might require you to sign a contract — or two. To help you better understand what you might be getting into, we explain the different types of server options:

• Shared server: The hosting plans we explain earlier in this chapter are examples of how you use a shared server. In essence, you're using the same computer (or server) along with many other Web sites. Although that arrangement translates into lower costs, you have less flexibility in the types of applications you can run, because the server is configured with the same settings and applications to all who use it.
• Dedicated server: Gaining complete control over the type of server you use and the programs you install on it requires that you have a dedicated server. As its name implies, the bandwidth, memory, and storage space on this computer are dedicated entirely to you. You also typically gain root access, which means that you can configure the server to your specifications. This more expensive option is often used when you need to run special programs or when you have multiple sites or extremely high-traffic sites. The downside of using a dedicated server (in addition to the expense) is that you're responsible for installing software, handling regular maintenance, ...