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Virtual Servers vs.
Virtual Hosting
As a website owner, you should
be aware of an important difference between the types of web hosting
offered. Many of the low-priced hosts use what is called "virtual
hosting" instead of providing you with a true virtual server. What's
the difference? In virtual hosting, you do not receive a dedicated
IP, but instead are given a sub-directory of another domain. The
server software can "fool" most browsers into thinking you have your
own domain name and it will resolve. However, beyond that there are
some serious limitations of virtual hosting:
-
Browsers that are not
HTTP/1.1 compliant cannot see your domain name. Instead they will
see the "root" domain which is often your Web Host's
site.
-
Many search engines cannot
detect virtually hosted domains so they cannot index your site.
many search engines require a dedicated IP address.
-
You will not be given your
own cgi-bin so you can run scripts and forms that will make your
site interactive.
-
You cannot use your own
username if it is already being used by someone else on the
server.
-
You will not have full email
capability for sending and receiving email under your domain
name.
-
You will not receive
telnet/ssh access to your site (which is important for script
debugging and chmod commands).
-
You will not be able to
receive support for SSL Certificates (so you CANNOT accept secure
orders).
Although you may save a few
bucks per month by going with virtual hosting, your website will
definitely be limited and this is not your best choice when you can
get a true virtual servers, with a dedicated IP for as little as $20
per month. With a Virtual Server you can be sure you'll have all of
the following:
-
The ability to setup your
own POP Boxes and send and recieve mail using your domain.
-
Full CGI-Bin access
-
Ability to run custom
scripts and server-side includes
-
Unlimited email
forwarding
-
Telnet/SSH access to your
domain
-
High traffic levels
-
Secure Server support
-
Access to a development
environment - Apache, Perl modules, Java Servlets, mime types,
etc.
You will find that many
providers that offer true virtual servers charge a premium price due
to all of the extras you get -- some may charge you $100 per month
or more. However, at desertWEB our Virtual Servers with SSH,
CGI-Bin and Secure Server access start at just $29.95 per month! For
this incredibly low price you can take advantage of the tremendous
versatility and capabilities of a true Virtual Server. See our features page for
all the details.
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and tips were compiled by desertWEB publishing to assist clients, site
visitors, and the Internet Community. Please feel free to print out
for your personal use. However, these articles and tips may not be
used in whole or in part without prior written permission. To obtain
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