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Getting your own server Part II
http://www.codecrunch.com/articles/8/1/Getting-your-own-server-Part-II.html
By Cory Crampton
Published on 03/30/2006
 

Now that you understand the basic 'components' of a dedicated server, we can start looking for a host. In my experience, I have run across a few resellers that just didn't quite make the cut, so you need to keep your eyes and internet ears open to suggestion.

The Web Host Search Begins

The always fun web hosting search

Google is our friend, as always, and can be useful to find out some top rated hosts. You can also take a look at some of my web hosting choices. They are listed based on either hosting with them, or were mentioned to me through reputable sources.

There are two main things to keep in mind during your search :

  1. Do I want a managed solution or an unmanaged host?
  2. Can / do I have the ability to keep this server up to date and safe from vulnerability attacks?

Managed solution or an Unmanaged Host

If you would rather spend your time creating and managing, you may be more interested in a managed solution. A managed solution is where the web host will provide and install all software upgrades, all security patches, and even do your kernel rebuilds. If those don't sound like fun to you - then a managed solution is probably sounding good right now.

However, sometimes you want full control over your server. This can be for many reasons, and we'll discuss a few of them on the next page.

Full server control

5 Reasons to aim for full server control

If you're like most webmasters, you like the ability to be creative without limitation. Having full control over your server offers several advantages :

  1. You can adjust about every parameter in every piece of installed software.
  2. You can run tests to increase overall performance.
  3. If something needs to be ported, installed, upgraded, downgraded or tweaked - you have full access.
  4. No turnaround time on fix it yourself type issues. Example = If a simple DNS change needs to be implemented, you can do it yourself without having to wait 3-5 hours for a managed solution tech to do it.
  5. If something breaks - you get the chance to fix it, and learn more this way.

Yes - I am an advocate for webmasters running their own servers. This is simply because the prices have become so competitive, and with the size of the webmaster support community at large, it's almost impossible for you to fail.

Sitepoint is one fine example. They have some of the friendliest and most knowledgable forumites I've seen. Visit them if you need help - and you'll be surprised at the amount of help you'll receive.

To be continued...