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.

I use $10 virtual accounts at hosts because of a LOT of reasons

I have a dedicated, sure, but you are saying that when I need a new fresh box with a new ip for promotion, I should just grab a new dedicated, when I am only going to be pushing 5-10gb a month through it?

there are reasons people use those virtual accounts, and if you stop thinking like everyone is trying to run an empire off them, you will understand why

That's one of many reasons I prefer to not do business with New YAWKer's. :disgust

I have their lowest plan, which is something I've only demo'd things on over the past year or two. I used to have them doing TGP. Anyway, the site was down any number of times for a variety of reasons. It was nice to have live chat. But fixing the problem so I did not have to use it would have been better.

I would say in my dealings, plus the feedback on GFY would be something to the effect of... if you are going to use them. Get DEDICATED. Their Virtual's oversold, or just unreliable. So you would not want any major traffic site, or critical site you are developing on their virtual.

:2 cents:

im sure they are top notch stand up guys!

i sure wouldn't host with them.

Because they are simply one of the best hosting companies and their support is top :)
Your MySQL problems may be caused by small amount of ram, but you just need to contact them and you will find out what is the problem :thumbsup

i hate them personally

wow, did you even read the thread? haha

Ive been w/Webair for a over a year..... and i'm moving.

I've got a managed server (not shared) and have had a ton of MySQL problems lately that simply arent getting resolved. They apply a band aid to get the sites up again and days later they crashe again, they get it up and it crashes again over and over. I've tried to get someone to address whatever underlying issue is at play to no avail.

They also have had a nasty habit of missallocating IP addresses... so my mainstream sites have come up porn and my porn has come up mainstream... not good.

The live chat is a waste of time imho. It often takes 15-20 minutes to connect and half the time the person assisting seems to be straight off the banana boat.

Their senior techs are good but impossible to get a hold of... you have to spend days dicking around w/the useless grunts before getting problems get escalated and resovled... if at all.

Webair used to be okay but the latest issues are simply inexcusable. I'm off to greener pastures.

:2 cents:

Terrible experience there. Buh bye.

Guys the variety of posts here is just off the wall. first off MC please contact me i'll get you a tech immedialtely to diagnose and fix you up. If at that point you dont like the virtual services I will get you a discounted rate on any dedi you prefer.

Again I personally think we offer a GREAT service at very affordable prices but you have to knwo how to use our systems in odre to make the most of it.


A. 24/7/365 live person chat - there are alwats techs gere to assist you live.

B. PICK UP THE PHONE IF YOU NEEED HELP its tol free 1.866.WEBAIR.1

C. TICKET SYSTEMS are for non time sensative issues. If you need something dome immediately I would opt for a or b.

Please understand we have been in business 10 years and know what it takes to run this biz well. we have over 100K clients and growing. Additionally we have a wide variety of plans and pricing and types of webmasters and clients that we cater to. If you can understand how our system flow you will love us. If you can't follow the procedures we have in place to manage your accout or get help in doing so call me and I will explain it to you and you will never have an issues again =) its a simple plan...

M