What it Takes to Run a Dedicated Server

July 17, 2008

This dedicated server hosting checklist is designed to help you understand what it takes to run a dedicated server. After all, it’s not just about purchasing a box - you need to know how to manage and work with it too. So here’s what it takes, your checklist for running a dedicated server:

  • A powerful web hosting platform
  • Managed Hosting
  • 24/7 technical support - through email is best, so you can document errors and solutions
  • State of the art data centers - the more data centers a provider runs, the better chances of redundant uptime for you and your server
  • Guaranteed RAM
  • Easy upgrades
  • Great dedicated hosting deals - amazing coupons to help lower your monthly costs or incentives for staying longer
  • Ability to perform website backups

Data Center Checklist

March 18, 2008

As you realize the importance of a reliable dedicated hosting provider, you’ll also notice that that correlates to the reliability of the web host’s data center. This is because the data center is the backbone of the entire web hosting operation – if the data center is not secured or unsafe or loses power, your website could go down as well for the same undetermined amount of time. So choose your reliable dedicated hosting provider carefully!

Just for your safety, here’s a Data Center Checklist for you to use when comparing dedicated web hosts and their data center operations:

tick.gif Enhanced Building Security – You don’t want just anybody gaining access to a data center and essentially your dedicated servers, so make sure the data center itself has enhanced security measures.

tick.gif Backup and Redundant Power – Firstly, you don’t want you server to crash but if something does happen (i.e. the power goes out during an electrical storm), you need to know how long it will take to get your servers back up and running. The best dedicated web hosts won’t have an ounce of downtime because they offer redundant power and backup generators for every emergency.

tick.gif Temperature & Weather Controlled Environment – If humidity can be a bother to your hair, imagine what that kind of heated moisture could do to your computer or dedicated server! Choose a dedicated host who can provide cooling to support your dedicated servers, one who offers humidity and climate control, and one with AC for sure.

tick.gif Disaster Recovery – If something horrible happens (an earthquake, a terrorist attack, a flood, or any disaster), does your dedicated web host know how to handle it? Make sure they do!

These data center tips are very important, so make sure you know them before you buy!

What is RAID?

February 25, 2008

Although also a bug-killing insecticide, RAID in dedicated server hosting terms stands for Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (also known as Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Drives or Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks/Drives) and is an important aspect of your dedicated server hosting plan.

Especially if you are running a large, data-driven website that requires a larger disk or hard drive storage space than normal, you can use RAID technology to combine multiple hard drives to increase the amount of available storage space for your pictures, videos, music, files, documents, and more. RAID is also said to increase the redundancy and reliability of your server, offering better general performance of your servers and bigger hard drive volume through collection.

There are Standard RAID Levels (from 0 to 6) which can accomplish the RAID in alternative methods, and there are also Nested and Non-Standard Levels. RAID can be software or hardware based and is normally split between three major concepts called mirroring, striping, and error correction.