Virtual Private Server versus Shared Hosting Print E-mail

Which web hosting package is right for you?

Do you know the difference?

Before you choose a web hosting package you need to learn what is out there and understand the differences between them. We are going to look at what a Virtual Private Server is and how that stacks up against Shared Hosting and then you will be equipped to choose the package that is right for you!

 

Virtual Private Server vs Shared Hosting

There is a lot of technical mumbo jumbo out there and a multitude of advertisements for Virtual Servers or Virtual Private Servers. You have read all of these and have a vague idea of what it is, but do you know enough to make the right choice?

These too descriptors are used interchangeably, but in actual fact they are two completely different kinds of web hosting. So what is the difference?

If you choose to go for a shared hosting package you will be sharing one server with many other websites which all have their little piece, or partition on the disk. They will also all share the same operating system, the same IP address, the same uploading or FTP service and the same email program.

 

If a potential client uses a search engine and clicks on a link, the software program redirects them to the correct site which is residing on the server.

This is the type of package most commonly chosen because of its affordability. But, and there is always a but, there are restrictions and limitations with shared web hosting. You have absolutely no control over which operating system is used and your web host can restrict which kind of software you may want to use on your web site.

On the other hand, there is another tier of service which includes a Virtual Private Server. This tier sits between the shared hosting and the dedicated server that you can lease and have total control over.

With a Virtual Private Server you will still share a server with other websites - however your “piece” or partition on the disk is much larger, giving you greater bandwidth. You can also choose which operating system you wish to use, so if your ‘neighbor’ is using Windows and you want to run Linux that is perfectly acceptable.

With a Virtual Private Server you will have your own email service and your own uploading, or FTP service. Obviously this means you have a much bigger say in how your website is run, but you don’t have to deal with all the technical headaches and expenses that leasing a dedicated server would mean.

So now you know the difference between a Virtual Private Server and Shared Hosting you are equipped to make the right choice for hosting your web site.