Dedicated web server- A dedicated web server, sometimes called a dedicated server, is one of the choices that people setting up web hosting are often given. This article explains what are dedicated web servers and some pros and cons of dedicated servers.

What Is a Server?

A server is a computer system that is shared by multiple users in a computer network. It may refer to the actual computer on which the system is installed, including any ancillary devices, such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, or to the software that does the serving. Servers may reside locally, with the network, or may be housed elsewhere. Not only IBM-compatible computers (sometimes called PC's), but also Linux and Unix computers and Macs can be servers.

There are a variety of types of servers. There are database servers, email servers, file servers, intranet servers, print servers, remote access servers, and web servers, for example. Web server refers to both a computer system and its attendant software, protocols, and files that is used to respond to browser requests for web pages, applications' needs for files, and the execution of server-side scripts, using the HTTP protocol, and to software that manages this process. For business operations, the web server might include an HTTP server for web pages, an FTP server for downloads, and an SMTP server for email.

When you search for hosting options, you are likely to find five different types of web server mentioned:

• Shared servers

• Virtual private servers (VPS)

• Virtual dedicated servers (VDS)

• Dedicated (managed) servers

• Dedicated (unmanaged) servers

The first thing you need to know is that this list shows some category overlap.

• Virtual private servers, though advertised differently, are the same thing as virtual dedicated servers. The word privacy emphasizes that—although they are on a shared server—they are protected from other's resource hogging or other potentially damaging activities. The word dedicated emphasizes that the protection from others' resource hogging is a feature shared with dedicated servers.

• Shared servers, virtual private servers, and virtual dedicated servers are all servers with multiple clients' websites on a single server and share at least some resources. Only the last two listed server types have all the characteristics of dedicated web servers.

• Virtual dedicated servers, dedicated (managed) servers, and dedicated (unmanaged servers) all have some resources that are dedicated to your site, and your site alone.

• Shared servers, virtual private servers, virtual dedicated servers, and dedicated (managed) servers) are all on servers that are managed by the web hosting provider.

Dedicated web hosting differs from all types of shared web hosting in that there is one client per web server. Thus, no other client's resource use, inappropriate behavior (such as spamming or transmitting pornography), or uploading of an incompatible application or software will affect your website(s).

If the dedicated server is managed by the host, then they will take responsibility for all server software and other software updates, maintenance, and any troubleshooting required to keep your site functional. If you choose to have unmanaged hosting, then you or someone you appoint takes responsibility for overseeing all of the intricacies of keeping the server up-to-date and in working order. The first relieves you of technical responsibilities that not all businesses that want to host a website are equipped to handle. The second insures your business's privacy and control.

A dedicated web server is available from most hosts in either a Windows or a Linux version., and sometimes UNIX. There are several versions of Windows server still in use, and a variety of Linux distributions to choose from, certain ones being better for certain purposes. Because Linux is free, open-source software, Linux web servers are less expensive for hosting than Windows servers, which use proprietary software that must be licensed.

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