Web Hosting

From GLUG-Wiki

Contents 1 Types of Hosting 1.1 Shared Hosting 1.2 Dedicated Server 1.3 Virtual Private Server 2 Locations of Hosting 2.1 Local 2.1.1 Pros 2.1.2 Cons 2.2 International 2.2.1 Pros 2.2.2 Cons

Types of Hosting

Web hosting can be divided into 3 basic categories:

• Shared Hosting
• Dedicated Server
• Virtual Private Server (VPS)

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is a form of web hosting in which the hosting provider uses a single machine to host multiple web sites for customers. The customer typically has a control panel interface which they can use to manage their hosting account.

Dedicated Server

Dedicated server hosting is a form of web hosting where the customer uses a whole single machine to themselves. Customers with dedicated servers are able to host as many sites on their server as the server can handle, with no interference from the hosting company.

Dedicated servers also come in two flavours:

• Root Server
  A root server is a machine that the customer has complete root access to. They manage the machine from the ground up.
• Managed Server
  A managed server is maintained by the hosting service, so that the customer does not need to concern themselves with the nitty gritty details of running the server.

Virtual Private Server

A virtual private server is a virtual machine that is hosted on a physical machine. The virtual specifications are usually fairly low, since the VPS is one of a number on a physical machine. Customers are given root access and have to maintain the VPS themselves, but it's easy to upgrade these since they are virtual.

Locations of Hosting

Here in South Africa, the location of web hosting can be an important thing. With our terrible bandwidth constraints, some folks have started opting for accounts that only provide local access. Any site located outside of South Africa cannot be reached on a local account.

Local

Local hosting is often preferred for sites that cater specifically to the South African market. The servers are physically located in South Africa.

Pros

• Local access in South Africa is fairly fast (as compared to international) and so a locally hosted site makes sense.
• Folks with local-only accounts can access your site.

Cons

• Hosting is more expensive than international.
• Bandwidth is far more limited than international.

International

For those who aren't concerned with whether or not their sites can be accessed by locals, or those who are specifically catering toward overseas customers, international hosting is better.

Pros

• Hosting is cheaper than local.
• Bandwidth is plentiful.

Cons

• International access in South Africa is slower.
• Folks with local-only accounts can't access your site.