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When you are thinking about hosting your web site in the Unix/Linux server hosting environment there are a few things that you need to be aware of. Unix is an operating system that was designed from the start to be a multi-user operating system. It can handle the needs of advanced users and servers with ease.

Initial releases of Unix were very high-priced, which was something that hindered it’s adoption. However, there are free Unix compatible operating systems, such as Linux that do the same job, but without the large price tag. Linux began life as a university project by Linus Torvalds and has grown to be a main force in web server operating systems.

When thinking about which server operating system to go for you will normally find that servers using Linux will be cheaper that those using the proprietary and expensive Microsoft Windows. Linux tends to have a smaller system footprint and less overhead than Microsoft Windows. The cost savings from all of this can be passed on to the consumer in lower prices.

If you decide to opt for Unix / Linux server hosting then you will also benefit from the large selection of free software, a lot of which is open source and can be personalized to meet your specific needs. There is also a large quantity of developers for these free and readily available software packages and tools.

So what downsides are there to choosing Unix or Linux? One of the disadvantages are that it is quite a complex operating system and requires more technical skill to correctly administer it than Microsoft Windows. There are however loads of knowledgeable and experienced Unix experts and resources that you can fall back on.

A further disadvantage is that unless you are running your own server you are likely to find that your web host will tightly control the environment and may limit how you can access your account through Telnet or SSH.

So, your decision to opt for Unix / Linux instead of Microsoft Windows will come down to price, availability of free and readily available software, and how confident you feel about getting your hands dirty in what may be to you a potentially alien OS environment. However, your budget and desire for a cheap host may ultimately be the determining factor.

One thing is definite though and that is that if you are looking for a cheap host then going down the Linux route will ensure that you should be able to pick up the cheapest deal available. You will also be in great company when selecting linux web hosting as it is the operating system of choice for many of the biggest web sites on the internet. So you can be certain that if it has the power and stability to meet their needs then it must be OK for yours!

Compared to a only some years back, there are now a few companies that are offering cheap dedicated hosting. But is choosing on price only the appropriate thing to do?

Even if all servers were the same the response would still be a categorical ‘NO’!

There are far too many other factors to weigh up, and cost is just one factor out of various. When selecting cheap dedicated hosting you should also think about other things, for example does the hardware meet your needs both now and over the next two or three years? What about software? Does it come preconfigured with the software that you require? Can you set up the software that you require to carry on your business? It’s no good acquiring a cheap dedicated server just to find it is running Linux when you need Windows.

What about support for your server? You should be able to remotely log on and set up software, but what you need help doing so? Will there be anybody there to assist you? How much will it cost?

With a dedicated server you are in the main on your own when it comes to the running of the server. After all, thats the whole purpose isn’t it? You are acquiring a dedicated server so that you can get the benefits of having a server to yourself, without outside meddling from someone else.

You could perhaps go for a managed server, where you pay a premium for the hosting company to handle the technical matters for you, and for many this is the better option, giving the benefits of owning your own server, and eliminating many of the technical difficulties that stop people opting for this in the first place.

Should you rent or buy your server? You can acquire your own hardware and have it installed in the hosts server room, or you can just rent a server from them directly. There are pros and cons with all of these and they are something that you need to deliberate when weighing up your options.

If you decide to rent a server from the hosting company then you will normally benefit from a service level agreement that guarantees your uptime and gives you a refund or some sort of recompense if that uptime agreement is not kept.

If you own your own hardware then you will normally be able to make changes to the specification and expand the hardware, such as adding more memory, as your needs dictate. And because you own the hardware you will be able to do this at as low a cost as you like. It’s under your power.

What about the location of the server?

If you are looking for the cheapest prices in quality cheap dedicated hosting then at some point you are going to have to think about hosting with an overseas company. This is usually a great way to reduce your outlay, but there are a few things to watch out for. Make sure that the company you are thinking about hasn’t just sprung up. If you are willing to be trusting them with your business then make sure that they have a good track record and aren’t just a fly-by-night operation. What about their network connections? Most hosting companies are happy to boast about who provides their connectivity, the speed and size of pipe that connect them to the internet backbone, as well as who they are peering with. Make sure that your overseas company does the same thing, and if you can, check that they actually do have what they claim to have. You don’t want to find out that their connection is little better than dial-up speeds, or they can’t handle the volume of traffic, after you have made the move to them!

So price is essential, but it isn’t everything. Make certain that the hardware and software meets your requirements, that the support is there if you require it, and that the speed and bandwidth are satisfactory for your needs now and for the future – then get all of that at the best price you can. That’s the secret to getting cheap dedicated hosting that you will be pleased with