Low Cost Dedicated Hosting
How much is low cost dedicated hosting? The price of dedicated hosting plans can be as low as $30-$50 per month. When choosing affordable dedicated hosting, try to ensure that you get high-quality service, even though you pay less. The following are basic features of dedicated servers, and some notes to keep in mind for affordable servers in particular.
The main beneficial features of any dedicated server are: better performance, full control, possibility to install specialized software, and the ability to have many sites on the same server (you can host hundreds of websites/domains on one server IP). Dedicated servers are often used by companies that re-sell virtual hosting.
Dedicated servers are owned by hosting providers, who store and maintain the server’s hardware. In case of hardware failure, the server staff will perform the required repairs or replace your server. You need to note that hardware failures often cause data loss. Not only will this require re-installing the operating system and restoring the server, but in case of low-cost hosting plans that don’t have backup services, it can result in the loss of all your valued data.
So, when it comes to cheap hosting, the most important aspect is to know whose responsibility data backups are. Some hosts will make it their responsibility by default, others will offer it as an optional service, and others will make it your responsibility. If it’s your responsibility, you may want to consider doing frequent backups of your vital data, and regular backups of all data. For protection, it’s best to store your backups at your premises rather than on the server.
The next aspect is the system administration. Most hosts will install the operating system, assign your server an IP, and connect the server to the network. Once connected to the network, you’ll be able to remotely access your machine through a web-based control panel. In case of cheaper plans, any further configurations, software installation, and administration are on you. More expensive plans may come with the option of the host administering your server, whether partially or fully. These services may be priced as a monthly add-on fee or an hourly rate.
What’s best - Windows or Linux servers? Windows servers are best for ASP, IIS, and MS SQL servers, or other Microsoft products. Otherwise, Linux is more reliable and economical. Linux is a bit more complex to administer though. A more expensive but simpler to administer server is Cobalt RaQ's, which has an easy web-based interface.
Dedicated servers typically don’t allow you to use your own server hardware, but it depends on your hosting provider. They may allow you to use the software that you want installed on your server, or even let you install your own operating system, but that will vary depending on the provider you choose. As you can see, there are a number of factors that depend on a specific service provider. Some of these factors can help you get lower rates, but try to ensure that your server needs and safety are not sacrificed.