Web Hosting Summary
by Jimmy Martin
Web hosting involves a server running programs that store, create and distribute web pages. They can be simple "static" pages that never change, or "dynamic" pages that are generated by a computer program, possibly using information from a database. There are three main types of web hosting: shared, virtual private server, also known as virtual dedicated server (VPS or VDS) and dedicated server.
Shared Hosting is the usual starting point for a new website. It is cheap, and there are hundreds of shared web hosts to choose from. The features available, in terms of programming languages and the number of databases you can create, vary between web hosts and hosting plans. Shared hosting is suitable for low- to medium-traffic websites. It has the disadvantage that there are probably hundreds of other websites running on the server, which can slow the server down or in extreme circumstances crash it completely. This brings down all websites on the server. Shared web hosting plans are limited as regards installing software, as you can usually only install software that runs on an available programming language such as Perl or PHP. However, this does include a very wide range of web-related software.
Virtual Private Server Hosting is the next step up from shared web hosting. It allows for different websites to run in completely isolated environments, giving the effect of a private server from each website. VPS has the advantage that the user can install any software they want or host as many websites as they want, just as they can on a true dedicated server. However, it also introduces the difference between unmanaged and managed hosting. It costs more to have a VPS managed for you, but this means that you will not have to concern yourself with security updates. An unmanaged VPS is cheap, but you are fully responsible for the management, and if you mess it up your site could be hacked.
Dedicated Server Hosting is the top end of the web hosting range. A website, or group of websites, has the whole server to run on, with no limitation on the percentage of memory, disk space and processing power used. As with a VPS, the user can install any software they wish, and set up many websites to run on the server. A managed server is more expensive but is professionally managed and will be secure against hackers. An unmanaged server is cheap, but the user is entirely responsible for the setup and security of the server.
You should choose the type of web hosting that is most suited for your website. Normally, a website would start out with a shared web host, and as the amount of traffic grows it would progress to VPS then dedicated hosting, and ultimately to a cluster of dedicated servers if the site traffic becomes extremely high. Special requirements might force a site to skip straight to a VPS or even dedicated server from the start, but this might be avoided by shopping around for a shared host who can accomodate your needs. You should always check out the available options and perform a realistic assessment of your requirements before signing up to a hosting plan. The cheapest plan available might not be the best, or most cost effective, for your needs.