If you’re just getting into choosing a dedicated server, meaning you’re a newbie in the game, then probably the best thing to do is to choose Windows dedicated servers to handle your business. This system is more user friendly to the inexperienced than say, a Linux system. Many experts recommend Linux in the long run, however in the short term, a Windows dedicated server is where you should begin.
Windows dedicated servers are good for individuals and small businesses with expanding needs on the web. For instance, it can handle many simultaneous remote logins to your server. The Windows dedicated server comes with a control panel that is competitively priced to enable you to manager your server. The latest versions of the Windows dedicated server also come with an active directory to make life easier.
It is always best to decide what you really need in your system first, before buying or spending money in a lease type situation. Next, decide how much money you need to spend to get up and running. Bear in mind that Windows dedicated servers are expensive. They are probably the Rolls Royce within the industry, at least in price, anyway. The third thing you want to do is to decide what are your long term goals. In other words, how do you plan to expand your system down the line. Windows dedicated servers are good for creating application pools, hosting ASP applications, utilizing MS SQL Server, hosting Microsoft Exchange, as well as hosting Sharepoint, to name a few possibilities.
The Windows dedicated server hosting system is flexible in that it can be added on to any managed or unmanaged dedicated server. Bear in mind that Windows is not cheap. If you find that you really cannot afford to jump into Windows dedicated servers in the beginning, you might consider looking at a Linux based system. Linux is free and makes for a cheaper system. However, Linux is not as user friendly as Windows, so it may be best to go ahead and put out the money for the more expensive, but infinitely more user friendly Windows dedicated servers.
Archive for January 26th, 2010
Windows Dedicated Servers
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Managed Hosting
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010Managed hosting and dedicated hosting may seem like the same thing on the surface. But further examination reveals that other than each having a server solely dedicated to your website is about the only thing these two terms have in common.
Managed hosting began as an additional option created for companies with a big online presence that required a dedicated server. The company, however, did not have time to handle day to day administration of their server. So the web host stepped in and took over system and server administration. The web hosting company can now bill for another feature. In other words they do the client’s daily “grunt work” with the server, while the client focuses on other aspects of the business.
Web hosts provide an endless list of services that they are willing to manage for their clients. These services start with reporting and monitoring and load balancing to name another. Managed hosting also includes server security, storage, database maintenance, application and software maintenance, among other things. Security is especially important in this day and age. It is very necessary to keep the system patched and upgraded to stop hacking attacks and system breaches that may result in identity and records thefts. Managed hosting involves keeping up with system back ups and data storage.
Managed hosting cannot handle everything for the company, but it does let the company choose the level of service and support that it needs to do business on a daily basis, as well as to pursue and accomplish future business goals. Many companies are more than willing to work out an ala carte arrangement with the managed hosting company in order to get the service level they need to function. After all, some needs crop up along the way and have to dealt with as they occur. Something along these lines would include new government regulations going on the books. Managed hosting services can help the client maneuver in a situation such as this.
Other things that you need to consider when choosing a managed hosting service, is speed and reliability of customer support, as well as flexibility built into the web hosting system. If these elements are missing then you should consider moving or trying another managed hosting company.
Managed Dedicated Servers
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010The difference between a managed dedicated server and an unmanaged server boils down a number of things including price. A managed dedicated server is more expensive. The level of support from the web hosting company is also better and includes more than just basic service. Both are leasing situations. Most service providers offer managed dedicated servers to their clients. The basic definition is that a managed dedicated server is a hands on situation by the web hosting company. The other is not.
Leasing managed dedicated servers means spending more money. The cost is included in the monthly fee for renting the server. Bear in mind that these management fees are non-negotiable. Typical services provided by the web host include, server set up, system installation and configuration, installation of firewalls, system oversight, software update installation, security, hardware replacement, troubleshooting of the network and maintenance, and server monitoring. Do some research before settling on a web host for your managed dedicated server in order to find out if the company offers the services you need for your business. Include cost comparisons in your research as there is no standard in pricing on anything offered. Check out what a company means when it says it offers support, since there are varying levels and definitions of support.
Web hosting firms offer businesses in house management to go with the server, thus constituting a managed dedicated server system. So how do you manage a server? Well, the web hosting company provides a manager who continuously monitors the server’s performance. They update the operating system when necessary, including updating applications, performing maintenance, making sure the anti virus and firewalls are up to date, troubleshooting when necessary, installing software as needed, performing regular audits and taking steps to prevent intrusions or hacking.
Managed dedicated server management may also include more tasks as specified by the business operation. Within this system, there are levels of management. For instance, there are fully managed servers, medium managed servers, and self managed servers. A fully managed dedicated server is the most headache free, so choose carefully in making your decision.
Linux Dedicated Servers
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010There is something that needs to be cleared up right now, and that is, that there is no such thing as a Linux dedicated server. Linux is not a server, it is an operating system. Consequently, a Linux dedicated server, is a server that runs Linux software. So the real question becomes, which is better a Linux based system or a Windows based system, for your operation? Some experts suggest that part of the answer lies in your level of expertise. In other words, are you a newbie? Or are you an experienced system administrator?
For newbie’s some experts suggest sticking with Window’s programs because they are easier and more powerful than Linux dedicated servers. But again, it all harkens back to your individual needs and personal expertise. Some administrators prefer running what they call a Linux flavor combined with the Apache web server, while others recommend using the Windows server.
Ask yourself , what other goals you have for your website, after start up? In other words, do you eventually plan to use your Linux dedicated server to host other things on your internal network, perhaps additional email addresses? However, probably the most important question of all is just how familiar are you with Linux, because if you’ve never used Linux before, then you may as well be attempting to read Sanskrit after taking a crash course in Aramaic. For the beginner or newbie, Linux can be difficult to work and understand. But most experts agree that in the long run it just might be the better system to use.
If all you’re planning to do is put up a basic, no frills web page, then do it with Windows. Windows is easier to understand and manage. But it is also very expensive. Linux dedicated servers are less expensive, because Linux itself doesn’t cost anything. It’s free. The Linux system can be downloaded in any number of places on the internet. The benefits of a Linux dedicated server would be more security and use of fewer resources than Windows. The cost is nothing or near nothing. Another reason to go with a Linux dedicated server is that it is updated often. The downside is that it requires more set up and not all hardware is supported.
