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It’s safe to say most people wonder what a dedicated server actually is. In all honesty, a dedicated server isn’t that complicated a product. In simple terms, a dedicated server is a normal computer that’s hosted in a secure datacentre with a fast internet connection. The large majority of server hosting providers are experts in this. Having the right setup and environment is essential for dedicated server web. Now lets look at what a dedicated server really is. And now, the various descriptions that make a dedicated server.

A dedicated server is a computer

The main difference is the computer sits in a normal case, which sits snugly on a desk. Dedicated servers utilised special cases. Approximately 3″, 1U is a special measurement used in datacentre environments. These specialised cases are made to fit in datacentre racks. Racks, specially made for datacentre ennvironments ensure the best air flow and network cable arrangement. Probably the best known server manufacturer would be Dell. Who as you will know also provide laptops and home PC’s. So the main difference between a dedicated server and a home computer, is the case the components are housed in. While dedicated servers are generally more high powered and high end (some can have an array of multiple hard disks for redundancy), they aren’t that far unrelated from the modest home PC!

Data centres and dedicated servers

The normal hosting servers will be in a 1U case. If you imagine a pizza box, its about the same look, although longer. And of course a dedicated server contains high powered server components, and not yummy pizza! A good example is the R200 server by Dell. These consume around 0.6 amps, so in a 16 amp rack you’d fit around 26 servers- often more. These servers fit in racks via rackmount rails, so they appear to be stacked on top of each other. At the back of the dedicated server is a power port, and a network port. Each rack will have power supply units and at least one switch for the server to connect to. There will be aisels of racks in a datacentre. Some racks host specialist network equipment, switches and routers connected to the internet backbone. For this sort of setup, a provider such as Melbourne who specialise in dedicated servers would be ideal.

High powered connections for server hosting

The majority of home connections run at around 10mbs. This isn’t enough for a dedicated server. A 100mbit connection is expected for dedicated servers. Website such as video sites require this high connection. So in conclusion, the right hardware, a good datacentre and fast connection are needed for server hosting.

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