The Best Virtual Dedicated Server Hosting plan is easy to choose once you have a working layman’s knowledge of the basic server components. At first – if you are new to dedicated hosting, you will find the terminology to be hard as Greek – especially if you are not computer savvy. But if you’ve dipped into the web hosting waters deep enough to know that shared hosting is quite confining to your growing business needs, you’re ready.

That’s where the “dedicateds” enter. A dedicated server is a powerful computer that functions solely as a network server for one domain name. That means only one person or organization can lease or outright own the server. A dedicated server is housed remotely with the hosting company where data is stored and maintenance can be performed. This server can be configured into any imaginable super-wamped up computer to suit the user’s needs.

A virtual dedicated server hosting plan (VDS) is slightly different. It is virtual – meaning it is configured to function AS a dedicated server (the leasee choosing a set of options and running it as he or she pleases) for a cheaper cost. But in reality, the server may be split for other uses by the hosting company. This is much cheaper, but again there are limitations. Instead of controlling the domain for the dedicated server, for example, the virtual dedicated or private server hosting plan usually includes 1 to 5 IP addresses. This is helpful for many things, one of which is emailing.

Managing

The first thing you need to decide when looking for a Virtual dedicated server hosting plan is how much you want to manage it. VDS host companies offer client control ranging from fully managed to un-managed. A managed account includes just about everything you need except your website and (yes) content. That’s reassuring if you don’t know much about running a server, but it can be inconvenient as well. The hosting company will have more say about your usage such as software etc. and may shut your account down if you over-perform the transfer, for instance.

An un-managed virtual dedicated server, on the other hand, gives you the free reigns. This can be daunting and, no doubt, it is a big responsibility. Typically this is reserved for dedicated servers, but some some host companies do offer un-managed plans in VDS. The host company will basically provide the internet connection, essential hardware and operating system. Other than that, you’re good to go. You can add your own software, run mailers and other things the company might squawk about if they were managing it. You also get your very own domain. Internet marketers who own many websites are dedicated users.

Hardware

The hardware is the most important component to your server. If the hard drives, processors and storage (RAM) are shoddy, it pretty much doesn’t matter what kind of support the company promises to offer. Your website needs to be up and running fast all the time. This requires reliable hardware. (Note: In a dedicated server, sometimes you have the option of buying your own preferred hardware, piece by piece.)

Connection

While the hardware determines if your server is up, the network connection determines if your site is up. A bad connection will make you a grumpy site owner! Up and down, down and up – it’s not dependable, depending on who know’s what! If you ever used a dial-up internet connection versus a dsl line, you know the difference!! The server shop talk is the letter “T” and then the number “1,” “2″ or “3″ – with the lower number providing the higher connection. (A T1 line is better than a T3.)

Bandwidth

Ah yes, you knew this was important! Bandwidth is crucial to all internet use; it determines how much data can be transfered and how fast it can be transfered. If you are running a Timbuck2 Missing Music Legends download site, for example, it is crucial for you that your customers can surf your site and download as fast as possible. If each page takes ages to load, they simply won’t stay. They’ll flee to your competitors! (We’ve all done it.) Look for speciifics, not just a blanket “UNLIMITED” claim. And find out to increase it should you need to Before commiting to a Virtual dedicated server hosting plan.

IP

IPs matter so much, usually even a VDS (VPS) will offer at least one – sometimes as many as five. If you have an online store, for instance, you want as many seals of security to increase buyer confidence (since you aren’t Amazon, yet.) In order to get that coveted SSL security seal, you MUST have a separate IP address. There is no way you can run Sappy’s Auto Parts and Bella’s Bridal from the same IP and get that seal. Also if you are testing the waters with setting up your own auto responders and you get blacklisted, you have another IP or two to fall back on.

Backup

You do not appreciate this until the day you accidentally loose your content! It is way too easy to delete the wrong files when you are using a new FTP software, and if you don’t have backups, it becomes vitally important for your host company to have them. Usually there is a recovery fee attached to restoring accidentally deleted data – but not as much as the cost of recreating the lost stuff! Check out the backup and restoration features.

Support

Though this is last on our list of must’s for a great Virtual dedicated server hosting plan, it is still quite important. The main idea of support is the same as the adage for children: seen and not heard. Though they are Not in the business of hand-holding or upsells, your host provider should always be available for help. Many companies realize this and offer relay support. But there are a few that make you wonder if they ever heard the word before.

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