Dedicated Servers – All You Need To Know About It

A dedicated server, also referred to as a dedicated hosting service, is an Internet hosting service where one client leases an entire server for their exclusive use. The customer has full control of the server and can manage the hardware, chief of operating system and so on.

One of the benefits of these servers is that they provide a significant return on investment. Dedicated servers also provide security, stability, and high speed. However, as they are usually accommodated in data centers, dedicated servers often provide redundant power sources. Many of the clients who use these servers are websites that handle a large amount of traffic.

A client may use any one of the various operating systems offered by dedicated hosting providers. Some of the most common operating systems available include the various variations of Linux and Unix. These operating systems are usually provided at no charge. Other open source operating systems include FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and CentOS. For clients who prefer commercial OS, Red Hat, and Microsoft Windows Server.

The choice as to which operating system to use depends on some factor including the availability of the OS, its price and how familiar the client is with the particular OS. Sometimes, the support of a particular operating system by a dedicated server may require updates such as kernel and application updates.

When choosing a dedicated hosting service, one of the things to consider is its bandwidth. Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another and is usually measured in bits per second. Opt for providers that offer large amounts of bandwidth. Some servers offer as high as 3000 gigabytes, although it is not uncommon to find prominent players in the market giving over 1 Terabyte or even higher.

Also, determine the line speed of the server, which is how fast data flows from your server. Find out if your provider uses the total transfer method that is, a calculation of the total amount of data arriving and leaving your site. Typically, providers measure only outbound traffic.

Dedicated hosting offers a variety of services depending on whether the hosting is fully managed, managed, self-managed or unmanaged. For clients lacking much technical knowledge, managed dedicated hosting may be the best option. Managed servers offer increased support to clients. Different providers offer various services for managed dedicated hosting as there are no standards set in the industry.

Find out which services your provider offers. Some of the most common services include operating system updates, server monitoring, security audits and technical support. Some providers may also provide database administration, disaster recovery, backups and restoration, performance tuning and load balancing.

Also Read: VPS Hosting: When do I need one?

The pricing for a dedicated host is usually on a monthly basis and depends on the type of services offered by the provider. The specific software packages offered by the server also influence the pricing model. Most dedicated hosting providers allow the client to select the software you want to use. Your choice of the OS, applications and database will then determine your overall bill.