Virtual Dedicated Server vs. Shared Hosting: Which is Right for You?
Starting a website is an exciting step, whether that is for any small business, private blog or any new online project. This first and one of the most important decisions you make is choosing where your website will stay. This preference often depends on two major options: Shared hosting and virtual dedicated server. Understanding the differences is important for ensuring that a strong base is for your website growth.
This article will explain these both options in very easy words, thereby you will help to decide which option is best for your needs. So read this article carefully to know about virtual dedicated server and shared hosting.
What is shared hosting? Apartment building
Imagine an apartment building. Various different renters live in the same building, sharing all the same major resources e.g. apartment foundation, water supply and electricity. Shared hosting works like this.
The same physical server is divided to host many different-different websites at once. These all websites share major resources of the server: processing power (CPU), memory (RAM), and storage space. This way of doing the website online is a common, affordable and easy way. The hosting company technically manages all the things, so that you can pay attention to your business.
Advantages of shared hosting -
Less cost - It is the most affordable option, which monthly cost is usually just a few dollars.
Easy to use - Hosting providers manage all maintenance, security updates and technical issues. It is very user-friendly.
Good for beginners - If you are beginning right now, then it is an easy and simple solution.
Disadvantages of shared hosting -
Unbelievable performance - Because you share resources, so your website performance slows due to increased traffic of any other website of the same server.
Limited control - You are very less capable of changing server settings or installing special software.
Security risk - Due to security breach on a shared website can affect other websites available on that server.
What is a virtual dedicated server? Your own townhouse
Now, imagine, you are going to your townhouse from an apartment. You are right now a part of a big big complex, you have a private unit with your dedicated resources. This is a summary of a virtual dedicated server.
A powerful physical server is divided into many fully independent, virtual servers. Every server works as its own personal computer. You get your own guaranteed part of CPU, RAM and storage, which is completely different from your "neighbors". It is also called dedicated VPS hosting, which gives the pressure to this thing that resources are fully dedicated for you. When people discover the best Virtual dedicated server, they are looking for an isolated environment.
Benefits of Virtual dedicated server -
Reliable performance - Your website speed and power is not affected to other websites. You get continued performance, which is important for growing businesses.
Full control - You are free to customize the software, security settings and operating system according to your specific needs.
Scalability - As your business grows, upgrading your resources (more RAM, more CPU) is easy without any big interruption.
Disadvantages of Virtual dedicated server -
High cost - It is more expensive in comparison to shared hosting, although is very cheap in comparison to the full physical dedicated server.
More knowledge needed - For managing and configuring the server, often you need some technical expertization, although many providers provide managed services to help in this.
Key Differences: A Side-by-Side Look
Choose shared hosting, if -
You are creating your first website or a common blog.
You have a limited budget.
You are expecting website traffic less to medium.
You have no technical experience and you want that host to handle all things.
Choose a dedicated server, if -
Your website is growing, and you are having to face slow loading speed.
You run an online store, which needs to manage the customer data securely.
You expect traffic regularly or a big amount.
You will have to install customer software or should have specific security needs.
You want a dedicated VPS server environment in which there is no high cost of a fully physical machine.
People who want power and credibility, then investing in a virtual server is a wise decision to them. It provides an ideal solution between a shared hosting limitation and a full dedicated server's high cost.
Read also - Maximizing Performance with a Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS)!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Can I start from a shared hosting and upgrade later.
absolutely! Most hosting providers make it very easy to migrate your website from shared hosting to virtual dedicated server at the right time. It is a very common way for successful websites.
2. Is managing the dedicated VPS server difficult?
If you are not technically an expert, then it can be difficult. Although, many companies present "managed" dedicated VPS hosting plans. It means, they keep to care of technical maintenance, server updates and security for you, thereby it becomes easy much as shared hosting.
3. How much is the cost of a virtual dedicated server?
To the basis of your resource needs prices are highly different. Your basic plans usually $20-$30 per month whereas high configuring plans can pay up to $100+ per month. It is more expensive than shared hosting, but you are paying for guaranteed performance and control.
4. What is the major benefit of a VPD dedicated hosting?
Having dedicated resources is a major benefit. Against sharing with others, your server power is only for you, thereby website performance becomes faster and more stable.
5. Will a virtual dedicated server make my website fast?
Yes. With the guaranteed resources for you, it eliminates the issue of "noisy neighbors" of shared hosting, thereby getting faster and more consistent performance, especially when traffic rises.
6. Is Virtual dedicated server more secure than shared hosting?
Yes. Your virtual server is isolated, meaning there are minimal chances of having impact from the other websites' security issues on your website. You have more control to implement security practices also.
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