5 Myths About Web Hosting
The topic of web hosting often brings up misconceptions and confusing misinformation that can complicate the process of not only selecting the most appropriate web hosting company, but utilizing these services to the utmost of their benefit. When you are trying to decide upon not only the company with whom you wish to do business, but the type of hosting services that will work the best for your situation, it is important that you evaluate the realities of web hosting, and debunk many of the myths that exist regarding web hosting services. Understanding these myths, where they came from, and the truth that can dispel them, can help you to decide what kind of web hosting is right for your site.
Myth #1: Managed hosting is overall more expensive than dedicated hosting.
For this myth it is important to consider not just the upfront cost of the hosting services themselves, but the financial implications of a website for the long run. Managed hosting is a type of hosting service that allows the owner of a website to have a private server, but also the technical support needed to run and maintain such a site. Those that choose not to utilize the services of a managed hosting plan will need to find alternate sources of such technical support. Paying for a team of skilled webmasters that will oversee the monitoring, administration, and upkeep of a website can be exceptionally expensive. This means that if you do not already have these skills, or have someone on staff that can complete these tasks efficiently, choosing managed hosting can greatly benefit you. Though you will spend more on the hosting services themselves, not having to pay another person to take care of these tasks, or dealing with the complications that can arise from poorly executing webmaster responsibilities, can quickly offset these costs.
Myth #2: Only people who are new to having a website need managed hosting.
Some may believe that managed hosting is only for those that are completely technologically ignorant, or that are new to having a website, and that once a person gets familiar with having a site he no longer needs such services. This is not true. Managed web hosting can be a convenient, cost-effective, and simple way of ensuring that sites are well-administered, and that any troubles that may arise will be taken care of quickly and effectively. A company that utilizes managed hosting can focus on the other responsibilities of the business knowing that their website is going to be fully functional and technologically sound.
Myth #3: Shared hosting puts your site into a “bad neighborhood” on the Internet.
The thought once was that using a shared server put your site at risk of negative effects from the others that used the server. One such negative effect was that the processing speeds would be greatly diminished if another user consumed more of the resources than was their share. Though this may have been an issue in the earlier days of web hosting, companies have since developed tactics for minimizing this effect. While shared servers will run more slowly than dedicated servers, reputable companies monitor the usage of each owner and work to resolve over-use issues quickly so they do not negatively impact the others using the shared server.
Myth #4: Shared hosting means you cannot use many new forms of software.
It is the assumption of some people that choosing shared hosting means sacrificing the ability to use the newest software, or having to adhere to strict limitations. The reality is that a good shared hosting provider will allow you to install any software that adheres to the Acceptable Use Policy and will not consume too much of the resources available on the server. Such a host will even offer you the tools needed to install and use such software.
Myth #5: Shared hosting is complicated and confusing.
Shared hosting sometimes conjures images of constant problems and hassle. Fortunately, such hassles are truly a thing of the past. Shared hosting is now an affordable and user-friendly option for many people that wish to maintain simple sites.
Category: Web Hosting
