The Difference Between a Dedicated Server and a Shared Server
What is the difference between a shared server and dedicated servers? How will dedicated servers help your business to survive in the long run? These are all questions that may be posed by a webmaster, and as a result, many hosts have found a need to offer package incentives that make the dedicated option look that much better. That being said, let’s talk a bit about the differences between shared and dedicated. Once you read the following features, you will undoubtedly be ready to make the switch so long as you truly require it.
Shared Hosting
On a shared box, you will have to share your resources as the name implies. No matter how much RAM the box has, it will always be shared with other users. Typically, a new user name is made for everyone that signs up and pays for the space and on a UNIX based machine, every user will have a few things in their directory by default:
Home Folder: /home/user
Web Folder: /home/user/www
These are two very important folders and you will see them on every type of server, shared or dedicated. You will be able to use them, though your resources will be quite limited in the end. If you are running a very basic webpage that only has a small amount of traffic, then you should not be hindered by the shared box.
Dedicated Server
If you are experiencing a high traffic load and simply cannot keep up, then a dedicated server might be your next best option. This is the option that the majority of web providers will choose, and by doing so you will have the advantage over other webmasters who tend to stick with the shared option. Here are a few of the benefits you might enjoy with a dedicated server:
-More Space: Because you are not sharing the hard drive with anyone, you can use the entire drive for your personal content.
-More Resources: You will have exclusive access to the RAM and processor, meaning your operations will go unhindered.
When you rent a dedicated box you are essentially paying for a computer that sits in a cooled environment, ensuring that it is never tampered with and that it never overheats. It might be expensive, but it is always nice to know that you have a high-powered machine sitting there, ready whenever you or your customers need it.
This is the difference between shared and dedicated server. When you are able to move up to a dedicated box, you will know that you’ve arrived. You will have the ability to serve your customers in ways that you never could have imagined, and in the end, you will believe that this is money well spent. There are plenty of hosting plans for you to take advantage of, most of which can easily be found online. If you’re ready for the big leagues, then you’re ready to get out there and find a dedicated hosting plan for your business.
