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ronbotx · 01-14-2007, 10:34 AM

Dedicated may not be the only option for you.

The problem with shared, is that the machine resources cannot be segregated amoungst the various users. You can limit the bandwidth and disk storage pretty easily, but you can't easily limit the amount memory or CPU an individual uses.
Its possible tha one or two users on a shared server who have sites with heavy traffic, or that use scripts or databases, can bring a server to a grinding halt for everyone.

In order for a shared server to work well, the web host must first must not "oversell" the server, meaning that they simply must not put too many users on the box. Secondly, they must monitor the box closely, making sure that certain users do not monopolize the resources. If they find a user who is consistently using more than "his piece of the pie", he needs to be forced to upgrade his plan, or removed from the server entirely.

One solution that might work for you is a "semi-dedicated" plan. This is like a shared plan, but typically there are only 2-4 users per server, unlike potentially hundreds on a typical shared account. This can still be abused, but obviously it is much easier from the webhost to manage, and you get a "bigger piece of the pie" in terms of resources. IMHO, both Swiftwill and ISprime run fine semi-dedicated plans.

Another alternative is a VPS(Virtual Private Server). Basically a VPS has an additional layer of software that partitions the box so that it acts like a dedicated server. You usually get root access, and the ability to do whatever you want without effecting other users. You can reboot your personal VPS. In my opinion, a "high-end" VPS may be better than a "low-end" dedicated server in that you might get features like raid arrays, nightly backups, and management. You do need a host really understands the technical issues of running a VPS. One that I use is a company called ServInt.

Be aware that you can get a dedicated box for $100, but are you prepared to manage it, harden it against hackers, and do performance tuning?

Lots of things to consider. Good luck.

01-14-2007, 10:34 AM
ronbotx Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 1,634	Dedicated may not be the only option for you. The problem with shared, is that the machine resources cannot be segregated amoungst the various users. You can limit the bandwidth and disk storage pretty easily, but you can't easily limit the amount memory or CPU an individual uses. Its possible tha one or two users on a shared server who have sites with heavy traffic, or that use scripts or databases, can bring a server to a grinding halt for everyone. In order for a shared server to work well, the web host must first must not "oversell" the server, meaning that they simply must not put too many users on the box. Secondly, they must monitor the box closely, making sure that certain users do not monopolize the resources. If they find a user who is consistently using more than "his piece of the pie", he needs to be forced to upgrade his plan, or removed from the server entirely. One solution that might work for you is a "semi-dedicated" plan. This is like a shared plan, but typically there are only 2-4 users per server, unlike potentially hundreds on a typical shared account. This can still be abused, but obviously it is much easier from the webhost to manage, and you get a "bigger piece of the pie" in terms of resources. IMHO, both Swiftwill and ISprime run fine semi-dedicated plans. Another alternative is a VPS(Virtual Private Server). Basically a VPS has an additional layer of software that partitions the box so that it acts like a dedicated server. You usually get root access, and the ability to do whatever you want without effecting other users. You can reboot your personal VPS. In my opinion, a "high-end" VPS may be better than a "low-end" dedicated server in that you might get features like raid arrays, nightly backups, and management. You do need a host really understands the technical issues of running a VPS. One that I use is a company called ServInt. Be aware that you can get a dedicated box for $100, but are you prepared to manage it, harden it against hackers, and do performance tuning? Lots of things to consider. Good luck.