Introduction to Dedicated Servers


A dedicated server is a single computer on a web-hosting network that is leased or rented, and dedicated to just one customer. A service provider monitors the computer's hardware, network connectivity, and routing equipment, while the customer generally controls and maintains the server software. Dedicated servers are most often used by those who've outgrown typical hosting accounts and now require massive amounts of data space and bandwidth, those with mission critical web sites, web hosting companies, or those who have special needs. Dedicated servers are housed in data centers, where service providers can monitor them close-up and have hands-on access to them.

The primary advantage of using a dedicated server over a typical shared hosting account is the sheer amount of resources and control available to you, the customer. In many cases, the client is at liberty to install whatever software they desire, giving them greater flexibility and administrative options. Dedicated server clients do not share resources, as those with shared hosting plans do; but rather, are at liberty to use all the resources available to them.

Managed Servers vs. Unmanaged Servers

There are two types of dedicated servers available today: Managed Dedicated Servers and Unmanaged Dedicated Servers.

An Unmanaged Dedicated Server leaves nearly all the management duties of running a server in the purchaser's control. The customer in this case, updates software on their own, applies necessary patches, performs kernel compiles and operating system restores, installs software, and monitors security. With this type of dedicated server, the consumer is solely responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance. The service provider, in turn, monitors the network, repairs hardware problems, and troubleshoots connectivity issues. Additionally, some service providers offer partial management of services, such as network monitoring, software upgrades and other services, but leave the general upkeep of the server in the hands of the client. An unmanaged dedicated server is best for someone with server management experience.

A Managed Dedicated Server is generally more proactively monitored and maintained on the part of the service provider. When renting or leasing a managed server, the service provider or host carries out the responsibility of software updates and patches, putting security measures in place, performing hardware replacements, and also monitoring the network and its connection for trouble. In other words, when utilizing a managed dedicated server, the host provider will perform both hardware and software operations. A managed dedication server solution works well for the customer with limited server management experience or limited time in being able to perform the duties necessary to keep a server running and online.

Technical Aspects In Choosing A Server

When choosing a dedicated server, there are several things to consider: Operating System, Hardware options, Space and bandwidth.

The Operating System of a server is similar to that on your own personal computer; once installed, the operating system enables one to perform tasks more simply. There are a bevy of server operating systems available today including Linux-based and Windows-based software. The operating system you choose should be directly relational to what operations your server will be performing, which types of software you'll need to install and also, what you're more comfortable with.

Hardware Options are also something to consider when choosing a dedicated server. You'll need to pick a processor that's up to the task, the amount of memory you wish installed, firewall options, and the size of the hard drive.

A certain amount of bandwidth is generally included when renting or leasing a dedicated server. Once you ascertained how much bandwidth you will require, you can adjust that limit with your service provider. The space you'll be given is generally directly relational to the size of your hard drive. Some hosts also give clients the choice of uplink port speed (usually 10Mbps/100Mbps).

About The Author

Emmanuel Eichler

HostLead.com - Webmaster

Business Web Hosting Directory







Related News



The Death Of Storage Hardware - InformationWeek

The Death Of Storage Hardware
InformationWeek, NY -Aug 18, 2008
Typically they are just off the shelf hardware, probably running Linux in some form. The special part is that it is a "known" and no longer a variable. ...

Microsoft Drops Virtualization Fees For SQL Server 2008, Other Apps - InformationWeek

SYS-CON Media

Microsoft Drops Virtualization Fees For SQL Server 2008, Other Apps
InformationWeek, NY -8 hours ago
Microsoft previously tied server licenses to the physical hardware on which the software resided, which limited users' flexibility. In modifying its license ...
Microsoft License Shift Leaves Virtual Machines Half-ShackledCIO
Microsoft: Why we changed our virtualization licensing policyIT World Canada Blogs
VMware ESX Bug Causes OutageComputerworld Kenya
all 49 news articles

Apple Is Flailing Badly At The Edges - Washington Post

Apple Is Flailing Badly At The Edges
Washington Post, United States -16 hours ago
I was pretty excited about my Macbook Air, which packs a ton of hardware into a slim and elegant case. But it was unable to stay connected to Wifi for more ...

A not-so-magic lamp guides me back to my neighborhood hardware store - Bridge

A not-so-magic lamp guides me back to my neighborhood hardware store
Bridge, MN -11 hours ago
We would take the lamp to Welna II Hardware in the morning. For years I’ve heard homeowners proclaim the importance of having a trusted, preferably small, ...

Sharonville building products company buys Centerville business - Bizjournals.com

Sharonville building products company buys Centerville business
Bizjournals.com, NC -7 hours ago
Nisbet Brower is a 138-year-old building supply company established in Loveland as Nisbet Lumber & Hardware. Rippe purchased the company in 1976 and has ...
Local truss maker purchasedDayton Daily News
Nisbet Brower buys Smokey Inc. in Dayton areaBizjournals.com
all 15 news articles

NASA Closes Florida Spaceport for Tropical Storm Fay - Space.com

ABC News

NASA Closes Florida Spaceport for Tropical Storm Fay
Space.com -5 hours ago
By Clara Moskowitz NASA closed its Florida spaceport early Monday to protect its space shuttle fleet and other vital hardware from severe weather associated ...
Video: AP Top StoriesAssociatedPress
NASA'S Kennedy Space Center Closes For Tropical Storm FayMarketWatch
Tropical Storm Fay To Make Landfall In Florida Tuesday MorningKRIS-TV
WKYC-TV
all 8,072 news articles

Andrews Awarded Aerojet Contract to Build Hardware for Sundancer - MarketWatch

Andrews Awarded Aerojet Contract to Build Hardware for Sundancer
MarketWatch -8 hours ago
SEATTLE, Aug 19, 2008 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Andrews Space, Inc. (Andrews) announced today that it has signed a contract with Aerojet of Sacramento, ...


Hardware chain seeks to lend hand to non-profits - Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Hardware chain seeks to lend hand to non-profits
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, GA -5 hours ago
By Allison Kennedy - AKennedy@ledger-enquirer.com -- Each year, as part of its “New Faces for Helpful Places” campaign, Ace Hardware selects ten “Helpful ...

FalconStor Moves To Software-Only Model, Will Drop Hardware - CRN

FalconStor Moves To Software-Only Model, Will Drop Hardware
CRN, NY -Aug 18, 2008
They don't want to deal with 10 different hardware vendors to support their environment." By letting customers use the software with their existing server ...
FalconStor(R) EZStart(TM) Program Provides Channel Partners a ...MarketWatch
all 10 news articles

Wear and tear lead to more hardware - Globe and Mail

Wear and tear lead to more hardware
Globe and Mail, Canada -18 hours ago
Karen Cockburn had just won a medal in her third consecutive Olympics - one of a handful to do it - as one of the world's best and most endurable bouncers, ...