Shared Server Web Hosting: What Dev Needs To Know

Dear Dev, welcome to the world of shared server web hosting! If you’re new to this topic, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explain what shared server web hosting is, how it works, and what you need to know before choosing a provider. So grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s dive in!

What Is Shared Server Web Hosting?

If you’re looking to start a website, you may have heard the term “web hosting” before. Simply put, web hosting is a service that allows you to store your website files and data on a server, which can then be accessed by anyone who visits your site. There are many different types of web hosting out there, but one of the most popular – and affordable – options is shared server web hosting.

Shared server web hosting is a type of hosting where multiple websites are hosted on the same server. Each website gets its own set of resources (such as disk space, bandwidth, and CPU), but all websites share the same physical server. This means that you can get started with web hosting without having to invest in your own server – making it a great option for small businesses, personal blogs, and hobbyists.

How Does Shared Server Web Hosting Work?

When you sign up for shared server web hosting, your website is placed on a server along with many other websites. Each website is given a specific amount of disk space, bandwidth, and other resources, based on the hosting plan you choose. When someone visits your website, their browser sends a request to the server, which then sends back the necessary files and data to display your site.

Because multiple websites are hosted on the same server, each website is allocated a certain amount of resources. The amount of resources you get depends on the hosting plan you choose – more expensive plans typically come with more resources. However, because resources are shared, it’s possible that another website on the server could use up more than their fair share of resources, which could impact the performance of your website.

Advantages of Shared Server Web Hosting

Low Cost

One of the biggest advantages of shared server web hosting is its affordability. Because you’re sharing a server with other websites, the cost of the server is split between all users. This makes shared server web hosting one of the most cost-effective options out there – perfect for Dev if you’re just starting out or have a limited budget.

Easy to Use

Another advantage of shared server web hosting is that it’s easy to use. Most hosting providers offer a user-friendly control panel that allows you to manage your website files, databases, and other settings. This means that even if you have no experience with web hosting, you can quickly get started and manage your website with ease.

Flexible Plans

Most shared server web hosting providers offer a range of hosting plans to choose from. Whether you need a basic plan with a few resources or a more advanced plan with unlimited resources, there’s likely a plan out there that meets your needs. This flexibility allows you to choose a plan that fits your specific requirements and budget.

Disadvantages of Shared Server Web Hosting

Performance Issues

One of the biggest disadvantages of shared server web hosting is the potential for performance issues. Because you’re sharing a server with other websites, it’s possible that another website on the server could use up more than their fair share of resources, which could impact the performance of your website. This could result in slow loading times, frequent downtime, or other issues that could negatively impact your users’ experience.

Security Risks

Another potential disadvantage of shared server web hosting is the increased security risks. Because multiple websites are hosted on the same server, if one website is compromised, it could potentially impact all other websites on the server as well. This means that it’s important to choose a hosting provider that takes security seriously, and to take steps to secure your own website as well.

How to Choose a Shared Server Web Hosting Provider

Consider Your Needs

Before choosing a shared server web hosting provider, it’s important to consider your specific needs. How much disk space and bandwidth do you need? Do you require any specific software or applications? What’s your budget? By understanding your needs, you can choose a provider that offers the resources and features you require.

Check Reviews

Once you have a list of potential hosting providers, it’s important to read reviews from other users. Look for reviews that mention uptime, customer support, and overall user experience. This can give you a good idea of what to expect from each provider, and can help you avoid any potential pitfalls.

Compare Plans and Pricing

Finally, it’s important to compare plans and pricing from each provider. Look closely at what’s included in each plan, as well as any additional fees or charges. Don’t be tempted to choose the cheapest option – instead, choose a provider that offers the features and resources you need at a fair price.

FAQ

What is the difference between shared server web hosting and dedicated server web hosting?

With shared server web hosting, multiple websites share the same physical server, while with dedicated server web hosting, a single website has access to an entire server. Dedicated server hosting is typically more expensive, but offers greater control, customization, and resources.

Can I upgrade from shared server web hosting to a dedicated server?

Yes, many hosting providers offer the ability to upgrade to a dedicated server as your website grows and requires more resources. However, this is typically more expensive than shared server web hosting, and requires more technical expertise to manage.

Do I need any technical knowledge to use shared server web hosting?

No, shared server web hosting is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, even if you have no technical knowledge. Most hosting providers offer a user-friendly control panel that allows you to manage your website files, databases, and other settings with ease.

Hosting Provider	Plan Name	Price (per month)	Resources
Bluehost	Basic	$2.95	50 GB SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth
HostGator	Hatchling	$2.75	Unlimited storage and bandwidth
SiteGround	StartUp	$6.99	10 GB web space, 10,000 monthly visits