While this may seem like a simple choice, it is a lot more complex than it is on the surface. Free and paid SSL certificates have their advantages and disadvantages that site owners should be aware of.

Today, we are going to look at how free and paid SSL certificates stack up against one another and see which one is the better choice.

What Is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that encrypts the information sent between the website and the user and helps authenticate who owns the website. You can easily tell if a website has an SSL certificate by checking the site’s URL.

If a website has an SSL certificate, it will begin with “https://” whereas if it does not, it will start with “http://“.

Both search engines and web browsers expect websites to have an SSL certificate today. If they do not, these platforms send several warnings that will scare away the majority of users from the site. In the case of search engines, many these sites simply fail to appear in search results.

It’s also worth pointing out that a lesser-known feature of SSL certificates is that they can essentially act as insurance for fraudulent activity. SSL certificates mean the website is legitimate, thus if they are issued incorrectly, money is paid out to users who were wronged financially.

The value is different for every certificate. You will need to find the right one for your needs. As such, every successful site today has an SSL certificate.

What Do Free SSL Certificates Include?

Let’s start with the obvious – a free SSL certificate does not require any payment method. This means any website can have an SSL certificate without having to pay a penny for it. Generally speaking, these certificates work great in nearly any situation.

However, like most things, there are a variety of options you can choose from, even when it comes to the free option. Let’s take a look at some of the major factors you’ll need to consider when picking a free SSL certificate.

Authority

The first major factor of an SSL is where its authority is issued from. Let’s be honest, no one will believe an SSL certificate that was made by your uncle. No, instead, you need an actual organization that has a track record to ensure authenticity.

Simply put, when another business scans your SSL certificate, they are trusting the issuer, not you.

While there are several options to choose from, the most widely accessible and used option is Let’s Encrypt, which is owned by the Internet Security Research Group (ISRG). As a GreenGeeks customer, you get access to an automatic installation from Let’s Encrypt.

Again, there are other options, but when it comes to free SSL certificates, Let’s Encrypt is the most widely used.

Validation Type

In total, there are three types of SSL certificates that are differentiated by their validation level. When it comes to free SSL certificates, you can only get the first level of validation, which is Domain Validation.

Essentially, this form of validation confirms that you do own the domain and nothing more. It only takes a few minutes to obtain this validation, which is why it is the most common form of SSL certificate seen on the internet.

The other two levels, Organization Validation SSL and Extended Validation SSL are not available for free as they have greater verification requirements. Usually, you will need to pay an active subscription to maintain these levels.

Site/Trust Seal

You may have scrolled down to the bottom of a site before and seen a list of badges and seals that tell you about what powers the site, what it is protected by, and so on. One of those seals may have been a site or trust seal that comes from an SSL certificate.

Realistically, these seals do not have any actual importance in protecting your site. They are simply a visual representation of the SSL.

When it comes to free certificates like Let’s Encrypt, they do not have one for you to display. They believe having the “https://” in the URL is enough, thus you won’t have anything you can place on your site to prove you have one besides the URL itself.

Warranty

A warranty can help protect you from any fraudulent activity performed on or against your site like data theft or other security breaches. In the event these occur, the warranty will provide the site with a small sum to help pay for the damages incurred.

As you might expect, free SSL certificates do not offer a warranty.

Support

This is a bit of a tricky one because technically speaking, Let’s Encrypt (or many other free options) does not include any level of technical support you can access. Instead, they provide all of the information you need and leave the rest to you.

However, that isn’t really the case. In truth, most web hosting companies offer customers free installations of their SSL certificates. Thus, you essentially get free support alongside your free SSL certificate if you pick a good web host like GreenGeeks.

Just to be clear, not every web host does this.

What Do Paid SSL Certificates Include?

There are multiple premium options for SSL certificates. SSL certificates are not a one-time purchase but usually work as a subscription. How often you pay generally depends on the plan you select, with the most common kinds being annual.

The cost is also dependent on the plan you choose. Naturally, an SSL certificate with a warranty of $10,000 will cost less than one for $1,000,000, and there are many other variables to consider. Let’s take a deeper look into paid SSL certificates.

Authority

In the case of a paid SSL certificate, it is nearly identical to how a free one works. A Certificate Authority (CA) will issue you a certificate after receiving your payment. The main difference here is that generally speaking, these CAs who issue paid SSL are very trustworthy.

While there are many to choose from, the most popular is Sectigo. It is trusted by major brands and handles all types of validation levels for sites of any size. Choosing the most trusted name in the industry makes the most sense for anyone looking to buy an SSL.

Validation

Unlike free options that only offer domain validation, paid SSL issuers can offer all three types. We’ve already discussed domain validation, so let’s explore the other two options, Organization Validation and Extended Validation.

Organization validation is the next level of SSL that not only confirms ownership of the domain but also confirms that it is a legitimate business. This usually only requires simple information like verifying the business name, confirming the address, phone, and so on.

Unlike domain validation, because this process is more extensive, it typically takes around three days to receive your SSL.

Extended validation is the most comprehensive form of SSL. This is because, unlike organization validation, this one requires a human specialist. They manually review all of the information, which makes it less likely that it is a fake business or proxy.

Naturally, this also takes more time due to the manual review of the information, and can take around 5 days at most to receive an SSL.

Site/Trust Seal

Paid SSL options almost always offer a site seal or trust seal that you can display on your site. For example, Sectigio includes a seal that you can download and add to your site at any time. These seal images are typically placed in the footer area of pages.

That said, they are not limited to the footer. You’ll also see them placed in forms, checkout areas, and so forth.

The point is to let users know your information is secure and safe from prying eyes. This can create confidence from shoppers that the site is legitimate and they won’t face any problems in the future.

Warranty

Unlike free SSL certificates, most premium options come with some form of warranty, although some do not. Generally speaking, this is where plans come into play when choosing a premium SSL (alongside validation level).

Warranties can cover as little as $10,000 or cover as high as $2,000,000. That said, there are probably even higher warranties available on enterprise-level sites, but that information is not available.

So how does this work? Well, the money does not go to the site owner, it goes to the visitors who lost money by making a transaction on a site that was given an SSL certificate by mistake.

This helps make CAs more accountable and raises standards to ensure only legitimate businesses receive an SSL.

Support

This is another big advantage of paid SSL certificates. Since you are paying for a service, it is only natural to receive support to help you make the most of it. In many cases, these services will help you set up the SSL certificate in a wide range of environments.

They can also help you access resources when needed related to your SSL. One thing that isn’t often mentioned is that an SSL can cause serious errors on your site. As such, the support team can help you identify the problem and provide solutions.

The kind of support depends on the business, but you can expect all of the normal support channels, such as email, live chat, and phone support. Simply refer to your CA for information on what support options are available.

Which Is the Best SSL Certificate?

Well, simply put, you get a lot more from a paid SSL in comparison to a free one. If we were looking at them objectively, yes, the paid option is simply the better option for sites, especially those that deal with financial transactions (eCommerce).

With that said, that’s not the whole story. Truthfully, most sites will do fine with a free SSL license from Let’s Encrypt.

Again, the main advantages are really for eCommerce sites that sell products, collect user data, and so on. The SSL is meant to add security for the visitor, which it does even at a free level.

When just starting out as an eCommerce site, having a visible trust seal from a respected company like Sectigo is a great way to show you are a legitimate business. Let’s face it, customers are less likely to purchase from a site they’ve never heard of.

Now, in the case of a blog, it is not necessary to go beyond a free SSL certificate. Most users will create an account to leave comments or sign up for a newsletter, with the only piece of information given out is an email address.

Thus, I would say the best SSL certificate for blogs is free, while eCommerce is paid.

Free Vs. Paid SSL FAQ

Get An SSL Certificate on Day One

An SSL certificate is not optional. Search engines and web browsers have made them mandatory to protect users against scams and other nefarious things you can find on the internet.

Not having one will ensure you do not appear in search results, and users who do manage to find your site will be met with warning messages instructing them that the site is unsafe. Naturally, this is a death sentence for any site.

Thus, when you launch your website, make sure you have an SSL certificate. Your website cannot succeed without one.

Which SSL certificate do you use on your site? What was the biggest factor when deciding between a free and paid SSL certificate?

The post Free vs Paid SSL Certificates: Pros, Cons & Best Choice appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

In this article, we’ll dive into the key differences between cloud hosting and traditional hosting, weighing their advantages and drawbacks. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether cloud hosting aligns with your overall business goals.

Let’s begin by breaking down what cloud hosting is and how it works.

What is Cloud Hosting?

Cloud hosting means using a network of computers, both physical and virtual, to make websites and applications available online.

It’s similar to how streaming services work. Instead of downloading all the movies or songs to your device, you stream content from a cloud. Cloud hosting works the same way: your website or app is served from a network of computers, so it’s fast and flexible, without needing to store everything in one place.  

Instead of relying on a single server, cloud hosting connects multiple computers, allowing a website to use the resources from many different servers.

Types of Cloud Hosting

Public Cloud Hosting

In this setup, resources like storage and computing power are shared among multiple users across a network of servers managed by a cloud provider. The infrastructure is owned and operated by a third-party provider, and clients share the same hardware while maintaining their own data security.

Private Cloud Hosting

This type of cloud is dedicated to a single organization, providing more control and security. It can either be hosted on-site or by a third-party provider. This type of cloud hosting has greater control, security, and customization, making it suitable for businesses with strict regulatory or security requirements, such as healthcare or finance.

Hybrid Cloud Hosting

Hybrid cloud hosting combines elements of both public and private clouds. In this setup, businesses can keep sensitive data in a private cloud while utilizing the public cloud for less critical workloads or for scaling during demand spikes. It offers the flexibility to choose where to store different types of data and provides a balance between scalability and security.

Managed Cloud Hosting

In managed cloud hosting, the cloud provider handles all the technical aspects of running your cloud environment, including maintenance, updates, security, and backups. It eases the burden on in-house IT teams and ensures your cloud environment is always optimized and secure. 

How Cloud Hosting Works 

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how cloud hosting works:

1. First, you need to choose a cloud hosting provider and sign up for an account. You’ll select a plan that fits your website or business needs. Most providers offer flexible pricing, like pay-as-you-go, so you only pay for what you use.

2. The provider will give you virtual servers (called VMs) that work like independent computers. You’ll set these up by choosing how much storage, memory, and processing power your website or app will need. Some providers might also offer managed services, so you don’t need to configure everything manually.

3. After setting up the servers, you’ll upload your website or app files to the cloud. This is done through a tool like an FTP client or the cloud provider’s control panel.

4. As your website grows and gets more visitors, the cloud automatically adjusts and provides more resources, like storage and bandwidth. If needed, you can also manually adjust resources using a dashboard.

5. Your website’s data is stored across multiple servers in different places. If one server fails, another takes over, so your site stays online without any downtime.

What Is Auto-Scaling in Cloud Hosting?

Auto-scaling in cloud hosting is a feature that automatically adjusts the amount of computing resources based on the demand of your website or application.

If your website experiences a sudden increase in traffic, auto-scaling ensures that additional resources (like servers) are allocated to handle the load, keeping your site running smoothly. Conversely, when traffic decreases, unnecessary resources are automatically scaled down to save costs.

How Does Auto-scaling Work?

1. Monitoring: Auto-scaling continuously monitors your website or app’s usage metrics, like CPU usage or network traffic.
2. Scaling Policies: Based on preset rules, when the usage exceeds a specific threshold (e.g., CPU usage above 70%), the system triggers scaling.
3. Scaling Up/Down: When triggered, more servers or resources are added (scaling up) or removed (scaling down) to handle the change in demand.
4. Load Balancing: A load balancer ensures that the increased resources are efficiently distributed across multiple servers, preventing overload on any single server.
5. Cost Efficiency: Auto-scaling ensures you only pay for what you need, making it cost-efficient by removing extra resources during low-traffic periods.

Cloud Hosting vs. Traditional Web Hosting 

Now let’s look at the difference between using cloud hosting and traditional web hosting.

Traditional Web Hosting

In traditional web hosting, your website is stored on a single server, which holds all your files and content. When someone visits your website, their web browser downloads the files from this server.

There are four main types of web hosting:

1. Shared Hosting 

In this setup, many websites share the same server. It’s the most economical option because all the websites split the server’s cost. For instance, Greengeeks’ shared hosting plan can start at only $2.95 per month.

However, since they all share resources like storage and power, your website can experience slowdowns if the server gets too busy.

2. Dedicated Hosting

In dedicated hosting, your website gets its own server, giving your website more power and space. This type of hosting is ideal for high-traffic websites like e-commerce stores.

With dedicated hosting, you have the option to manage the server, which can be a lot of work. Or you can choose managed hosting, where the hosting company takes care of everything for you like security, updates, and backups.

It’s a good option if you don’t have the skills or time to manage a server yourself.

3. Virtual Private Server (VPS)

A VPS is like a mix between shared and dedicated hosting. You still share a server, but you get your own part of it. In this type of hosting, your website is placed in a virtual space on a single physical server. 

The hosting company uses software to divide the server into separate parts, so each website gets its own space. Some people call VPS a “private cloud” because it feels like you have your own little piece of the server.

Greengeeks offers managed VPS hosting plans that are fully managed and have multiple data center locations from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting, on the other hand, uses different connected computers around the world. At the same time, many cloud hosting providers offer Content Delivery Network (CDN) services as part of their package or allow you to integrate with third-party CDNs.

Using a CDN with cloud hosting can improve website speed and reduce latency, especially for users far from the primary data center.

Advantages of Cloud Hosting for Your Business

Scalability

One of the biggest strengths of cloud hosting is its ability to scale resources up or down based on your needs. This means if your business experiences a sudden spike in traffic, the cloud can automatically allocate more resources without downtime or manual intervention.

Cost-Efficiency

With cloud hosting, you typically only pay for the resources you use, which can lead to significant cost savings. There’s no need to invest in expensive hardware or pay for unused server capacity, making it a more economical choice for many businesses​.

Reliability and Uptime

Cloud hosting spreads your website or application’s data across multiple servers. This means that if one server fails, another can take over, minimizing downtime and ensuring your site stays up and running.

Improved Performance

Cloud hosting typically offers faster load times because it allows data to be stored in different locations around the world, closer to your users. This reduces latency and speeds up access, which is crucial for businesses with a global audience.​

Enhanced Security

Cloud hosting providers often invest heavily in security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and automated backups. For businesses, this means their data is better protected, sometimes with higher security standards than they could afford on their own​.

Disaster Recovery and Backup

Cloud hosting services frequently include automatic backups and disaster recovery solutions. In case of a failure, your data can be quickly restored which reduces the risk of permanent data loss.

Disadvantages of Cloud Hosting

Limited Control

With cloud server hosting, you typically have less control over the underlying infrastructure compared to dedicated server hosting. This can be an issue for companies that need full control over hardware or highly customized server configurations.

Security Concerns

Although cloud providers implement strong security measures, the shared environment introduces risks such as data breaches, unauthorized access, or vulnerabilities in other users’ applications. Some industries with sensitive data (e.g., finance, healthcare) may have regulatory concerns.

Downtime Risk

While cloud hosting is generally reliable, there’s still a possibility of downtime due to provider maintenance, network issues, or unforeseen outages. Businesses relying on 24/7 availability may find these occasional disruptions costly.

Performance Variability

Cloud server hosting can experience performance fluctuations due to resource sharing among users. In some cases, high demand from other users on the same infrastructure can affect your website’s speed and performance, especially with lower-tier plans.

Vendor Lock-in

Moving from one cloud provider to another can be complex and costly. Migrating data, applications, and settings may require significant time and resources. This makes businesses dependent on a particular vendor’s ecosystem and pricing model.

Cloud Hosting Pricing Models: Pay-As-You-Go vs. Fixed Plans

When it comes to cloud hosting pricing models, two of the most common options are Pay-As-You-Go and Fixed Plans. Here’s a simple explanation of both.

Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG)

This model allows you to pay based on your actual usage. You only get billed for the resources you use, like storage, computing power, and bandwidth. Because of its flexibility, this option is ideal for businesses with fluctuating or unpredictable traffic. 

For example, if you’re running an e-commerce website with seasonal spikes, PAYG adjusts your resources automatically, so you pay more during high-traffic periods and less when traffic is low.

Advantages

• Flexibility: You can scale your resources up or down based on demand.
• Cost-Effective: You only pay for what you use, which is perfect for startups and businesses with varying needs.

Disadvantages

• Unpredictable Costs: If your traffic suddenly spikes, your bill can increase quickly, making it harder to predict monthly expenses.

Fixed Plans

With a fixed plan, you pay a set fee for a predetermined amount of resources, regardless of your actual usage. This is similar to a subscription where you pay a flat rate each month. It’s good for businesses with consistent and predictable traffic, as it offers cost stability.

Advantages

• Predictable Costs: You know exactly what you’ll pay each month, making it easier to plan your budget.
• Simplicity: No need to constantly monitor resource usage, as your plan is fixed.

Disadvantages

• Limited Flexibility: You might end up paying for resources you don’t use if your website traffic is low, or you may need to upgrade your plan if your website grows beyond its limits.

Which One Is Right for You?

Well, the answer would really depend on your needs. You should choose PAYG if your business has variable or seasonal demand where there is a significant difference in the cost of hosting during your high and low seasons.

Use Fixed Plans if you have steady, predictable traffic and want a simple pricing model to stick to your budget.

Types of Businesses or Individuals That Can Benefit from Cloud Hosting

1. Small to Mid-Sized Businesses That Need Scalability

Cloud hosting is a great option for small to mid-sized businesses that are growing rapidly and expect fluctuations in website traffic.  

Say, for instance, you’re selling clothing online and you’re experiencing higher traffic during holiday sales or special promotions. With cloud hosting, the website automatically scales to accommodate more visitors, preventing crashes or slow loading times.

This means that your small to mid-sized business won’t have to invest in expensive hardware or worry about running out of resources during peak traffic times.

2. Startups 

Startups often have limited budgets and unpredictable growth. Cloud hosting provides flexibility with a pay-as-you-go model, meaning that startups only pay for the resources they use. This is especially useful for new businesses that may see rapid growth or fluctuating demand, as they can scale their resources without upfront costs. 

When Server Hosting Might Be Better

Companies Needing Complete Control Over Server Configuration

Some businesses require full control over every aspect of their server, from the hardware to the software environment. Dedicated server hosting is ideal for companies in this situation because it provides complete customization.

Unlike cloud hosting, where certain aspects like resource allocation are managed by the provider, dedicated hosting gives you total control over hardware choices, operating systems, software installations, and security configurations.

This control is crucial for companies with specific performance needs, security protocols, or compliance requirements. 

For example, industries like finance or healthcare often need to follow strict data protection and regulatory standards. In such cases, businesses might need to customize firewalls, encryption standards, and backup systems beyond what’s possible in a cloud hosting environment.

Larger Enterprises with Heavy, Predictable Traffic

If your business has consistent, high traffic and can afford the cost of dedicated infrastructure, server hosting could be a better option. A dedicated server provides guaranteed resources that aren’t shared with other users, which can offer better performance for high-demand applications or services.

For example, platforms like Netflix or Hulu stream video content to millions of users simultaneously. A dedicated server infrastructure ensures that video streaming is seamless and high-quality, even during periods of heavy use.

They benefit from the dedicated resources that allow for high-speed data delivery and uninterrupted service.

FAQs About Cloud Hosting

Wrapping Things Up

As you consider your hosting options, think about the specific needs of your website and if cloud hosting can support your website growth.

Cloud hosting offers powerful solutions for businesses of all sizes, providing flexibility, scalability, and enhanced security. But there are also instances when other hosting options can provide better value for your website.

No matter which direction you choose, GreenGeeks offers reliable and eco-friendly hosting solutions tailored to support your business’s success. Click here to learn more about what we can offer our customers.

The post What is Cloud Hosting and Is it Right for You? appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

It has gained market dominance by offering users the most flexible environment to run a server. As such, it has become the go-to web server software that nearly every web hosting company offers.

Today, we will be discussing what exactly Apache is and what does it actually does.

What Is Apache?

Apache is a web server software that is responsible for accepting HTTP requests from visitors and sending them back the requested information in the form of web pages.

Or in simpler terms, it allows visitors to view content on your website.

Another way to look at it is that Apache is responsible for ensuring that the server your website is stored on can communicate with the device a visitor is using. It’s what connects the visitor hardware to your own.

Without web server software, your website will not work and it directly impacts the performance of your website.

What Is A Web Server?

Before I can explain how Apache actually works, it’s important to define what a web server is as it is an integral part of the process.

When most people think of a web server they imagine a physical system that houses all of the data your website uses. And this is completely accurate, when you sign up for a web hosting plan, you are actually renting one of these servers.

However, this is where is it gets tricky.

Generally speaking, Apache is the software that the webserver is running on, but when you look around the internet, a lot of people use the terms interchangeably.

Without Apache or another software, you can’t really call a web server a web server, it won’t work. It’s just hardware with no software running.

This is why Apache is often referred to as the Apache Web Server.

So when most people refer to a web server, they are referring to the software behind it.

How Does Apache Work?

Apache is the software running on the web server. The first step is for it to establish a connection between the server and web browsers. This allows users from those web browsers to send requests to the server, and Apache is responsible for handling this.

So for example, if a visitor clicks on your homepage from Google, their web browser is sending a request to that server to display the information. Apache accepts this request and then sends the necessary data from the server to the browser.

The end result is that the visitor gets to see the content on that web page.

This is just the basics of it. Apache has a host of features to take advantage of that come in the form of modules. These include key features like security and caching.

This is what gives the platform so much flexibility; it can be altered to fit into just about any web development environment.

Advantages of Apache

Flexibility

The internet is a huge place full of millions of websites that all have unique needs.

Apache can be used by so many websites because it provides a flexible closing environment that allows it to operate as needed. In truth, two Apache web servers could be very different from one another, and that’s necessary for websites to be unique.

Easy to Setup

For the most part, new websites are typically made by individuals with no web design experience.

As a result, the industry has gravitated into easier web development platforms that use as little code as possible, like WordPress. Apache is the perfect web server software for beginners. It’s easy to install and works out of the box for most CMS.

Huge Userbase

There is power in numbers, and when a community gets large, so do the helpful resources.

Apache is the most widely used web server software available, and as such, it has the most support available. Beginners can easily find answers to the questions they are looking for.

Many take this for granted, but trust me, if you use another web server, finding answers is much harder.

Disadvantages of Apache

Customization Can Lead to Security Vulnerability

While Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of the software, there’s no denying that it is a double-edged sword.

Customizing various aspects of Apache gives you greater control over everything, but it can also open up security vulnerabilities. These modifications can create an open door for hackers to exploit.

More experienced web developers can avoid this, but the fact remains, it can be dangerous.

Apache Modules Are Hard to Recognize

There are a lot of modules that add specific features to your web server. Many are quite useful.

However, some of the features may be unnecessary or serve no purpose. It really depends on the website. In those cases, it can be troublesome to recognize which modules are necessary and which are not without being knowledgeable about the software.

Updates

This really depends on the individual, but the number of updates Apache may roll out can be…a lot.

In the grand scheme of things, this shouldn’t impact anything you do, but many people don’t like to update often. However, in the case of Apache, it’s really important. The updates often close security vulnerabilities that are found.

Not staying up-to-date can make your website vulnerable to hackers.

FAQ

Does Apache Work With WordPress?

Yes, and right out of the box.

Most web hosting companies will default to Apache as the main web server software. Some may offer additional options, but due to the ease of use, popularity, and resources available, most WordPress sites stick with Apache.

It’s also worth noting that a lot of WordPress plugins are built with the assumption you are using Apache. These plugins will make that clear, but it’s something to be aware of.

Otherwise, those plugins could fail.

How Does Apache Perform Under High Traffic?

It’s no secret that when a website gets a lot of traffic, it starts to slow down, and the web server software is typically to blame.

In the case of Apache, every time a request is made, the software generates a new process to handle that new connection. This isn’t an issue for smaller websites, but when a lot of traffic occurs at the same time, you could generate hundreds or thousands of processes in seconds.

That’s when websites start to take a very long time to load. The good news is that there are workarounds, but they require reconfiguring Apache to handle it.

To be completely fair, just about every web server has the same problem, some just handle it differently.

If you are looking for a better alternative for a high-traffic site, Nginx gets better performance in this case.

How Do Other Web Server Softwares Compare to Apache?

Apache is not the only web server software available. You have a ton of options to consider.

In general, each web server software has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Thus, it really depends on what kind of website you run and how much traffic you receive.

However, the market share of Apache speaks volumes.

For those interested, some of the main competitors of Apache include:

• Nginx
• Tomcat
• Microsoft IIS
• Litespeed

Each of these has its own pros and cons just like apache. Just keep in mind that web hosting companies typically default to Apache. You have to request a different web server, and that is not available on a shared hosting plan.

Is It Really Free?

It may be hard to believe that the most popular web server software is actually free, but it really is.

However, it’s not that rare. In fact, you could go as far as to say that Apache forced other web server software to become free and open source. It’s very hard to compete against a free product that performs very well.

In this regard, it’s quite similar to WordPress.

How Does Apache Make Money?

Apache is a 501(c)3 charity, not a company.

Instead, it makes its money from donations from the millions of users it has, especially bigger corporations. And this money funds the development of the Apache software and multiple other projects they produce.

For those not familiar with the US tax system, donations made to a 501(c)3 charity are tax-deductible. Essentially, companies get to donate money and write it off and in turn benefit from the software produced.

It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

What Languages Does It Support?

Apache was written in C but supports a multitude of coding languages.

These include PHP, Python, Java, HTML, and more. As a whole, this is just scratching the surface. There are multiple third-party modules you can install to gain access to more languages.

It’s a big reason the platform is so widely used.

Apache Is A Great Piece of Web Server Software

A server running on Apache is a great choice for most websites. It’s easy to use, customizable, and has a vast library of resources for users to take advantage of. As a result, it is the best option for beginners, especially in WordPress.

That said, it is always good to be aware of the other options that exist. Depending on the nature and size of your website, another option may be better.

What web server software do you use and why? Do you think Apache is a good choice for beginners?

The post What is Apache and What Does it Do for Website Development? appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

Both of these are known as Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS), which tend to be the most popular type. This is due to them having better organization tools, which make them easier to use.

Today, we are going to take a look at what each one of these is, how they differ, and why it even matters.

What Is A Relational Database Management System?

Before we specifically talk about MySQL and SQLite, let’s talk about what an RDBMS actually is.

An RDBMS is a type of database that stores data in a table format, which can be used in relation to other stored data. The tables are often referred to as relations and can hold a lot of information.

Due to this structure, information is very easy to find within the database while compiling correlations to one another.

For instance, finding customers who bought a certain item who live in the state of Texas. This is a relational query within the database table sets.

As a result, RDBMS has become the most popular type of database in regard to web development. In most cases, when someone says database, they are referring to an RDBMS. These databases bring a wide array of benefits, which have made them so popular.

These include:

• Easy to Manage: Tables within the database are easy to manipulate. In other words, it’s easy to make changes or update tables. And you can grant certain users acces to certain tables. This ensures staff members only see the info they need.
• Scalability: The information a website collects and stores over time is constantly growing. And to hold all of this data, your database has to grow alongside it. That is a core strength of RDBMS. You can easily extend your database, although you may need additional hardware to do so.
• Maintenance: One of the top recommendations to increase site perfromance is to optimize your database. And when it comes to RDBMS, it’s really easy to do as most have built in tools to help optimize the perfromance and avoid duplicate data.

Overall, this type of database is the perfect solution for websites, which is why they are used today.

What Is MySQL?

MySQL is an open-source RDBMS based on Structured Query Language (SQL) that is by far the most popular database. It currently sits at a staggering market share of 44.49%, which makes it the dominant force when it comes to databases.

In most web hosting environments, MySQL is the default option. In many cases, you cannot use an alternative depending on your host. This is because MySQL requires a server to run, and it is typically preloaded into that server.

This is especially true for shared hosting environments.

This database is ideal when you have multiple users. Each user can be assigned access to a specific part of the database. This helps ensure that sensitive information is only viewable by the roles that need access to it, like customer payment details.

It supports over 25 unique data types, which makes it usable in just about any situation.

What Is SQLite?

SQLite is a software library that provides a lightweight RDBMS solution. For comparison’s sake, the SQLite library is roughly 250 KB, whereas MySQL is around 600MB. And to top it off, all of this data is stored in a single file, which makes it really easy to copy and move.

Normally, an RDBMS requires a server to operate. SQLite separates itself from the rest by not requiring an actual server. Instead of having to communicate with the server to a client/server architecture, the application is integrated into SQLite.

Or in simpler terms, you can directly read and write on files within the database. While all of this will result in a much simpler database to use, it is not as robust or versatile as other RDBMS solutions. This is part of why it only has a market share of 3.1%.

That said, it is ideal for small projects that do not require multiple users.

So What is the Difference Between SQLite and MySQL?

Now that we know what each one is and some of what it brings to the table, it’s time to specifically talk about how they differ from one another.

A great starting point is the requirements for use.

MySQL requires a server to operate, whereas SQLite does not. This makes SQLite much cheaper for smaller projects, however, due to some of the SQLite limitations, it may not be possible to do what you need.

One such limitation is that SQLite does not support multiple users very well. While it is possible to use multiple users, it is not recommended. For instance, if you have two users trying to write at the same time, the database will briefly lockdown.

This isn’t an issue in MySQL. In fact, multiple users are one of its greatest strengths. As I mentioned earlier, you can assign specific permissions to each user and multiple users can write on different files simultaneously.

This is a big reason why it is so popular.

Another shortcoming with SQLite is that it can’t handle a lot of data at once. Once you exceed that capacity, the performance of SQLite will degrade. This is why SQLite is only used for small projects and sites. In comparison, MySQL can easily scale for the user’s needs.

That said, you will need to buy more hardware to extend the database, but you will always have the option, unlike SQLite.

Ultimately, SQLite is a lightweight solution designed for small projects that will only have one user, while MySQL works for projects of all sizes and supports multiple users.

Due to these differences, MySQL has become the go-to for RDBMS solutions.

Which One Should I Use?

Well, it really depends on what you need an RDBMS for, and if you actually have a choice in the matter.

First, you need to know if your web host will support another database. In general, shared hosting environments will limit you to MySQL (or MariaDB, a MySQL fork). This is because a shared environment needs to work for everyone using it.

However, if you purchase a managed VPS account, some web hosts will install another database if you request it.

It really depends on the web host.

If the web host supports a different database, then deciding on which one to use should come down to two main factors:

1. How much traffic does the website recieve?
2. Do you need multiple users?

If your website exceeds 100 hits a day and requires multiple users, MySQL is what you want to use. If not, SQLite is a fine option. However, if you think the answers to these questions may change, MySQL is probably still the better option.

FAQ

Do All Websites Use Relational Databases?

No.

Many websites will opt for other options. Recently, NoSQL (non-tabular databases) have become more popular. They come in a variety of forms, and In many cases, websites will use relational databases in conjunction with others.

Again, it really comes down to what you need to use a database for. There are a lot of solutions that may perform better in a certain set of conditions.

What is the Difference Between SQL and MySQL?

This remains one of the most asked questions for beginners. To put it simply, SQL is a language used to communicate with databases, whereas MySQL is a database that uses the SQL language. The most confusing part is the name, but there is a good explanation.

Michael Widenius was one of the inventors of MySQL, and he named the database after his daughter, My.

Do Both SQLite and MySQL Support XML?

MySQL supports XML. You can export tables into the XML format to store them outside of the database, which can help back up important information.

On the other hand, SQLite does not support XML, at least not natively.

There are workaround tools you can use to like SQLiteToTxt. It’s more convoluted than MySQL, but the option exists if you absolutely need it.

My Web Host Has MySQL Installed, What Can I Do?

Using a different database from the default option on a web host can be tricky. Mainly because you typically need to make a request. To do so, simply contact your web host and submit the request to have them install a different database on the server.

These requests can only be made on dedicated servers or VPS. Shared hosting environments will not accommodate these requests because it affects everyone on that server.

If the web host supports another database like SQLite, they may have resources on how to use it.

Is It Worth Changing Databases?

For most standard websites, it’s not really worth the effort to switch from the default database. At least, assuming your web host is using something like MySQL or MariaDB. These databases will perform very well for every type of website.

Realistically, the only reason you would swap databases on a standard website (blog, e-commerce, etc.) is that you prefer one over the other. It’s very similar to choosing a CMS.

They all accomplish the same tasks, and you’re going to pick the one you know how to use.

Do Both of These Support Running SQL Scripts From A File?

Yes.

Running SQL scripts from a file is a great way to save time when setting up a website. Experienced web developers often have files they run when building a site from scratch.

This ensures that every database can be set up in an identical way.

More importantly, running scripts from files can save you a lot of time manually entering the information. That said, there are many instances where using files to run scripts is not recommended, so proceed with caution.

How Often Should I Backup My Database?

This really depends on the volume and frequency new data is added, but I always recommend doing it at least once a week. This will ensure that if anything does go wrong, like a hard drive failure, at most you only lost a few days.

One of the best ways to do this is to set up automatic backups. This makes it easy for you to manage and keeps your data safe. Just remember to store your backup in a different location from the original.

If the hard drive fails and you lose both the original and backup, well, it’s not pretty.

SQLite And MySQL Both Work on WordPress

Which one you use really comes down to preference and individual needs, but you can rest easy that both of these and many other databases work with WordPress. While I would recommend MySQL due to the plethora of resources available, the choice is yours.

Just remember that ultimately, the option you can use for databases is determined by your web host. If you are not satisfied with those options switching to a web host that supports what you need is a great option.

Which database do you prefer using? How big of an impact did the database a web host offers make on signing up?

The post SQLite vs MySQL: What is the Difference and Does it Matter? appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

However, the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work when choosing your web host. Every website has its requirements when it comes to storage, performance, features, and price. Even though most businesses choose a hosting package without giving it much thought, they soon realize that it doesn’t meet their site’s requirements.

Most business owners and webmasters think twice about switching to another hosting provider for fear of downtime, hurting their rankings, and losing business.

The fact is, it’s fairly straightforward to switch web hosts quickly and easily. This post is aimed at guiding you through the process of migrating to another hosting provider.

How Can I Move My Website to a New Host?

If you are planning to migrate your site, you can either do a manual transfer or outsource the task to the new hosting provider. Let’s look at both options.

OPTION 1 – Transferring Your Site Manually

Before you begin the process, check if your new host offers free (or affordable) migration. If yes, we’d recommend you go for option 2, as it will save you a lot of effort, especially if you aren’t a tech geek.

But if you are planning to do this manually, here’s a look at the process.

Opt for a New Host

Today, we have a variety of hosting options, each providing different configurations and features. Choose the one that best suits your needs based on the cost, the required space, and server configuration.

Move Your Site’s Files

If you run a static website (no database), just download all the files and folders from your existing host and upload them to the new host. This is easy with FTP/sFTP programs like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or Core FTP Pro.

For a dynamic website, you will need to move the database (MySQL) from the old host to the new one. If you are on cPanel, you will have to use phpMyAdmin to export your database.

If you are using a CMS like Joomla or WordPress, install the applications on the new host before uploading the database. WordPress offers import/export functionality that allows easy transfer of these data files.

Test Your Site

Once you’ve loaded the files, it’s time to check if everything’s working correctly. This will allow you to troubleshoot any issues. There are a few ways to test your new site before you make the big domain switch. This is the time to check for site navigation errors, database errors, and missing links.

Move Custom Email Accounts

Moving email accounts is one of the toughest parts when manually switching to a new host. Here are three possible scenarios.

• If your email is hosted on a domain registrar like GoDaddy, you will have to log in and go into DNS settings and change the MX Record Entry to point to your new hosting provider’s mail servers.
• If your accounts are hosted with a third party, ensure that your MX records are updated in the DNS.
• If your accounts are with the old web host, download your email accounts and files from the cPanel File Manager and upload them to the new host. Here’s a handy tutorial that will guide you in the process.

Update the Domain Nameservers

Updating the domain name will take the visitors to the new version of your website without any downtime. Locate the nameservers for your new host in your hosting dashboard or welcome email. Alternatively, you can ask the support staff to guide you.

Test Again

The new nameservers can take up to 24 hours to be updated (usually faster, sometimes instantaneous). Once that’s done, take time to browse through pages and test your forms to make sure everything’s working as required.

OPTION 2 – Outsourcing the Migration to the New Hosting Company

For busy company owners and people who aren’t tech-savvy, it’s best to outsource the migration process to a web hosting service. Several hosting companies offer free website migration services, including us! All you need to do is to sign up and request a migration. Their support staff will help you through the process.

How to Avoid Downtime When Migrating Your Website

A lot goes on behind the scenes when moving a site from one host to the other. Regardless of the speed, the transfer of DNS servers between the old hosting provider and the new one can cause your site to go dark for several hours.

This can be fatal to a business. No one wants their site visitors or customers to experience extended downtime.

Here are a few tips to avoid this situation.

1. Don’t Cancel Your Existing Hosting Plan Till the Move Is Complete

Though it’s essential to notify your old hosting provider about your switch, doing so before the transfer is complete can result in downtime and a loss of critical database information.

Many hosting companies take down a site the moment they are asked to cancel a plan. They often do not wait for the expiry of the current month’s service and give a prorated refund of the balance fees.

While this can be a good thing, it means that you will have no opportunity to retrieve any lost files. Plan ahead and transfer them before calling.

2. Procure a Compressed Backup of the Files

Login to your cPanel and get a backup of your site files and database information. Make sure that both the hosting services employ the same web-based administration technology, allowing the data to be backed up quickly and easily.

Now, it’s time to locate the group of settings and control panel pages that’s labeled ‘Backup.’ This holds the tools to back up the site’s main ‘public_html’ folder and subdomains. Plus, it will help you take the backup of the MySQL database.

Next, click through the relevant cPanel administration page in the ‘Download Backups’ option and download the relevant files (in compressed form).

3. Don’t Decompress the Files

Make sure not to decompress these backup files as the process will be undertaken by the new server. In most cases, the new host sends an email, mentioning the IP address details and domain name servers. You can view your site’s content using the new IP address.

4. Check the Databases

Make sure that your database backup files do not carry usernames, passwords, or permissions associated with MySQL databases. This information needs to be entered using the interface of MySQL databases found in cPanel.

5. Use the New Domain Nameservers

Once you’ve completed all of the steps mentioned above, it’s time to switch to new name servers. This is the final step in the migration process where you need to inform the domain registrar that you’ll be using the new domain nameservers and view the files and data on the other server.

Common Issues Encountered in Web Hosting Migration

Migrating to another hosting provider isn’t always a smooth ride. It requires careful planning and knowledge of what can go wrong. This will help you proactively avoid issues when planning to make the switch.

Here are a few things that can go wrong during the host migration process.

1. It Can Hurt Your SEO

Switching to a new host can jeopardize your search engine ranking in more ways than one.

Firstly, Google checks a site’s IP address. Proximity to a user is one of the factors that influences ranking. Make sure you choose your server location wisely.

Secondly, if your site is loading slower on the new host, your ranking is bound to drop. This means the new server should be optimized to handle the hits.

Finally, any downtime during the migration will impact your ranking. As mentioned above, it’s advisable to leave your original website up until the transfer is complete. Then, allow 72 hours for DNS propagation to be completed and ensure that the search engine bots properly crawl the site on the new server.

Shut down the website on the old host only when you’ve completed these steps.

Migrating Customer Data, Passwords, and Transaction History Is a Significant Issue

This is a common complaint we come across from our eCommerce clients. When transitioning to a new host, you want to avoid a negative customer experience.

For instance, a customer with an account on your old site should be able to sign in to the new one without any hurdles. However, in most cases, the hosting providers encrypt passwords and similar sensitive data to protect the users. It isn’t easy for the new host to decrypt this information. This can make a direct handover of login credentials very difficult.

Similarly, you would want the transaction history to remain intact on the new site. However, migrating this data to a new host is a laborious process.

These challenges are surmountable in various ways. However, businesses should be aware of them and develop a proactive customer data migration strategy to avoid running into such issues.

3. Loss of Critical Files

During a web host migration, there’s nothing worse than losing your site files and database information. This issue can prove to be quite expensive and time-consuming as it means going back to the earlier version of your site.

You can avoid this issue by taking a backup of your files before starting the migration process. CMS like WordPress offer plugins that are made for this purpose. Some options are Duplicator, UpdraftPlus, and WP-DB-Backup.

4. You’ve Forgotten to Procure the Necessary Web Access Data

Even if both your old and new hosting providers are switch-friendly, you need administrative access to every aspect of your website. If you’ve missed acquiring these elements, the transition won’t be smooth.

Make sure you get your hands on the following before commencing the transition.

• FTP (file transfer protocol) hostname, username, and password
• Web host login and password
• Email client login and password
• Social media and social media manager credentials
• Domain registration credentials
• Google login and password (especially if you use Google-based tools and plugins)
• CMS credentials

5. phpMyAdmin Timeout

If you’ve had your website for a while, the odds are that your database will be rather large. The default 2mb upload/import limit for phpMyAdmin can prevent you from exporting your database through the web interface.

When this happens, there are a few options:

• Increase the limit in your server’s php.ini file.
• Use Mysqldump to export your database from the command line.
• Use cPanel’s built-in database export and import features to import your database if available.

If you use WordPress, simply use the WordPress import/export features to migrate your site.

6. 500 Internal Server Error/Permission Errors

Even though you transferred over all the files, the new host might sometimes be missing files due to transfer or permissions errors. Double-check your FTP client upload message log to ensure no failed transfers and that all the folders on your new hosting have the same folder permissions as your existing provider.

Also, check your .htaccess file, rename it, and reload your site.

Why You Need to Safeguard Your SEO While Migrating Your Website

Website migrations are intended to improve user experience, boost traffic, and generate more business. However, migrations that aren’t managed effectively hurt the site’s SEO.

Safeguarding your SEO when migrating your site will help your team mitigate several risks and ensure a constant flow of traffic to your site after the migration. Here’s how a poorly-managed website migration can damage your ranking.

1. Content Errors

Content is the reason customers stick with brands. Unfortunately, if site migration isn’t managed properly, it will lead to issues like broken redirects, missing or incomplete content, or other unforeseen gremlins that can hurt your SEO.

Therefore, it’s important to keep a checklist of all of your existing content, settings, and configurations to ensure nothing is missed.

2. Domain Errors

Changing hosting providers is a slow and complicated process. If anything goes wrong with these steps, your migration can hit a roadblock, and your site’s performance can suffer:

• Not unlocking the domain with the previous host
• Making a domain transfer request outside of the lockout periods
• Not fully configuring the settings with the new host

3. Website Errors

Issues like 404 errors can be fatal for your site’s online ranking and reputation. These broken pages hold back the flow of your site’s ‘link juice,’ thus devaluing your standing in the eyes of Google.

Website Migration SEO Checklist: How to Avoid Losing Traffic

Here are a few things to keep in mind during a website migration. Considering these will help you fix unforeseen issues before they have undesirable ramifications on your rankings and traffic.

1. Design a Foolproof Site Migration Strategy

When changing web hosts, you are likely aiming at an improved user experience or enhanced security. Make sure to create a sound migration strategy for a seamless transition.

(UNABLE TO ACCESS IMAGE TO PLACE)

• Audit your content and webpages to see if they are showing up on the new site. You also need to set 301 redirects, allowing a visitor to be sent to the new webpages.
• Make a backup of your site.
• Verify that the canonical tags have been updated to the new version. This is critical as you don’t want multiple URLs showing the same content.
• Record your analytics data. Most historical benchmarks tend to get erased during migrations. Take time to review and record this data.

2. Update Your Site’s DNS Setting

You will need to change your DNS settings so that they point to the new IP address. Coordinate with your IT team and have them schedule the DNS update outside of your peak hours to avoid site performance issues.

3. Tell Google You Have Changed the Domain Name

If you are sending all the traffic to a new domain name, it’s important to tell Google about it. This will make sure you don’t lose your SEO ranking.

To do this, you need to verify your new domain name in Google Search Console (GSC) and fill out the Change of Address form. Also, watch out for alert messages from the Search Console. Here’s an interesting post from Google that will prove to be useful.

4. Monitor GSC for Issues

You have made some major changes to your website. As such, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your GSC account for indexing issues. Track reports like index count, crawl errors, and search queries to see if the bots can crawl your pages properly.

When to Contact an SEO Agency

Since website migration impacts SEO to such a degree, the process can require an experienced search professional, especially if a lot is invested in the site. Whether in-house or an external agency, an SEO team can offer valuable guidance during the process. They can ensure that your business doesn’t lose traffic, leads, and revenue.

Here’s when you should involve an SEO agency in the website migration process.

1. When You Find a Dip in Traffic (Or Aren’t Getting Relevant Traffic)

Website traffic is the first indicator of whether or not your efforts are working. If you are tracking Google Analytics and find that your site isn’t getting the traffic it used to, an expert will be able to help.

2. When Your Site Doesn’t Show Up (or Has a Lower Ranking) in the SERPs

Look for your site on Google. Is your site in the results? Has your site reached the next page in the SERPs? If it’s tough to find your business on page one of Google’s SERPs, you can be sure that your customers aren’t finding you.

3. You Need a Hands-Off Solution

Website migration is a time-consuming process that demands a lot of effort. If you lack the technical skills or are too busy to get yourself in this process, it’s wise to get in touch with an SEO agency with experience managing such projects. They can help you transition smoothly while getting you quality traffic.

Summary

Website migration to another hosting provider isn’t uncommon. However, it’s not an easy undertaking. Mess it up once, and it can permanently damage your traffic, reputation, and revenue.

It is therefore important to understand the nitty-gritty of migrating to another web host. We hope the information shared above will help you perform a successful migration.

The post What to Consider When Migrating to Another Web Hosting Provider appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

What’s New in PHP 7.4

Some welcome changes and new features have been added as PHP continues to adapt and improve.

Most of the changes are “non-breaking,” meaning you can upgrade and your site will continue to work normally. (Assuming you’re upgrading from an earlier version of PHP 7.)

But some changes might have an effect on your existing code. You can check this list of backward-incompatible changes to see if your codebase is affected.

Here are the most interesting PHP 7.4 changes to be aware of.

• Arrow functions – also called “short closures,” arrow functions allow you to write shorter, single-line functions.
• Typed properties – allows for type-hinting in class variables.
• Preloading – improves performance by loading PHP files (say, from your favorite framework) into server memory on startup. That way, they’re always available for requests.
• Type variance – improvements have been made to allow for covariant return types and contravariant arguments.
• Weak References – previously available as an extension, weak references let you refer to objects without preventing them from being destroyed.
• Null coalescing assignment operator – lets you create shorter null coalescing operations.
• Spread operators in arrays – allows for the use of a spread operator in arrays and numerical keys.
• Numeric literal separator – allows you to use underscores as a format to separate numeric values.
• Custom object serialization – introduces two new magic methods, __serialize, and __unserialize.

That’s not absolutely everything, of course. Here’s a list of all of the changes.

What’s Going Away

The introduction of new versions always means some old methods and functions are retired and deprecated. PHP 7.4 is no exception.

The following functions are deprecated in PHP 7.4. They will likely be removed in PHP 8 (the next PHP major version release).

• The real type.
• Magic quotes legacy.
• array_key_exists() with objects.
• FILTER_SANITIZE_MAGIC_QUOTES filter.
• Reflection export() methods.
• mb_strrpos() with encoding as 3rd argument.
• implode() parameter order mix.
• Unbinding $this from non-static closures.
• hebrevc() function.
• convert_cyr_string() function.
• money_format() function.
• ezmlm_hash() function.
• restore_include_path() function.
• allow_url_include ini directive.

When Is the Right Time to Switch to a Newer Version of PHP?

At the beginning of this article, I mentioned that PHP 7.4 is the last update before PHP 8. I know some of you out there are still using PHP 5, so that might come as a surprise. You may be wondering when you should consider making a move to a new version. (Not to mention, what the heck happened to PHP 6?)

Like any software, PHP limits how long they support a particular version. Unsupported versions typically aren’t updated unless a serious security flaw is uncovered. Beyond supporting versions, they also set a time frame for “end of life.”

After the end of life date, security flaws may not even be patched. So, it goes without saying that it’s best not to use any software past its end of life.

Most web hosting companies will gradually phase out end of life server software like PHP. When that happens, your account can be involuntarily upgraded to a more recent version.

And therein lies the answer to the “When should I switch versions?” question. The answer is, before the end of life!

“Can” VS “Should”

When I say hosts will phase out outdated software “gradually,” I do mean gradually. GreenGeeks, for instance, like many hosts, will still let you use some PHP 5 versions that reached their end of life almost ten years ago.

But just because you can continue to use those old versions doesn’t mean you should.

If you stay as up to date as you can, upgrading is much less painful. PHP 5.6, for example, reached its end of life less than two years ago. But when you update a PHP 5.6 site to PHP 7.x, you’ll find that there are some significant changes that have to be made.

Especially for sites that use databases (and which site doesn’t these days?).

Often we find ourselves with older sites that we maintain for archival purposes. Maybe there’s still useful information on them, but we don’t necessarily add anything new. It’s easy to avoid (or simply forget about) upgrading the infrastructure of those kinds of sites.

But if you ignore those sites, you could find yourself facing an involuntary upgrade. If that upgrade is likely to break the site, you’ll be forced to make changes quickly. That’s not the best way to approach any website update.

Often, sites that fall into disrepair are simply abandoned, and in many cases, that’s a loss for all of us.

So take some time now to do an inventory of your websites and which technologies they use. If necessary, schedule some time to update them. It’s not fun or glamorous work, but it will save you potential trouble down the road.

If You’re a GreenGeeks Customer

GreenGeeks will make PHP 7.4 the “native” PHP version on all servers on October 1st, 2020. The previous native PHP version was 7.2.

We have tested PHP 7.4 thoroughly throughout our platform. PHP 7.4 includes important improvements over the existing native version, PHP 7.2, and boasts increased performance and efficiency.

If you want to switch to PHP 7.4 at any time before our update, here’s how to do it.

If you have any questions or concerns about PHP changes, contact us! We’re always available to answer your questions.

The post Using PHP 7.4: What You Need to Know appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

What is a VPS?

To put it in terms that are easier to understand, a VPS Hosting setup splits one powerful server into multiple virtual units. While the one server does have multiple users, there is a spot on it reserved specifically for only you. Private is exactly what it means, as you will not have to share RAM, CPU, or any other type of data with other users on the server.

Let’s dig deeper and talk about VPS Hosting and when you may want to get it for your website.

How Does VPS Hosting Work?

What VPS Hosting actually does is simulates or gives you the experience and feeling that you are on a dedicated server. This happens despite the fact that you are still sharing the physical server with other users.

Here is how it works. Basically, the web-hosting provider will install a virtual layer on top of the operating system (OS) of the server using the aforementioned virtualization technology.

Doing this separates the physical server into individual compartments that now have virtual walls. These separate virtual walls in the VPS Server allow each user to install their own OS and software.

Since a Virtual Private Server separates all of your files from other users on the OS level, it gives you the full private server experience. This means that your website is now in a secure container area that is private and dedicated to only you. You are guaranteed resources like memory, disk space, and CPU cores. You will not have to share these with anyone else.

With VPS Hosting, you are essentially getting the same type of root-level access that you would get with a dedicated server, but getting it at a much lower cost.

Comparing VPS to Other Types of Hosting

There are actually several different types of web hosting available. Each allows different levels of performance and customization on your server. They all vary in things like pricing, uptime, speed, performance, page load times, and overall service.

Let’s take a look at some other types of web hosting available.

Shared Hosting

Shared Hosting is the perfect solution for website owners who have websites with low traffic. This type of hosting is actually the starting point for most small business websites and blogs. It is very popular and usually what someone purchases when they are first searching for web hosting.

When you select a shared hosting plan, you are actually sharing a physical server with all the other clients that the web hosting company has as well. You may be offered a certain amount of bandwidth , storage, and disk space, but you are still sharing these resources with others. You do not get dedicated resources provided to you like you would with VPS Hosting.

Shared hosting is still very solid, especially with the right provider. It just does not provide you with a private, dedicated resource system.

Cloud Hosting

If you choose Cloud Hosting, you actually do not use a single server, but you use a cluster that runs in the Cloud. Every server in the cluster that is running in the cloud will store a copy of your website that is up-to-date.

When one of the servers gets too busy with traffic spikes, the cluster will automatically redirect traffic to a different server in the cluster. This usually means better page load times and no downtime. There will always be a server in the cluster that can serve up all requests coming from website traffic.

This is another popular hosting solution, and can provide you with a lot of upside. Cloud hosting is usually more expensive, though.

WordPress Hosting

WordPress Hosting is specifically designed to offer hosting to people who use WordPress, just like it sounds. This type of hosting will come with a set of specific features that you will only be able to use and take advantage of if you have a WordPress website.

Some of these features may include things like one-click installation, pre-installed plugins, or a WP command-line interface. These servers are specifically designed for all WordPress needs. It should also be noted that WordPress Hosting is also part of a shared hosting setup. Though if you want to, you can definitely choose VPS Hosting for your WordPress website.

Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated Hosting is basically you paying for an entire physical server to host your business or other types of websites. A Dedicated Hosting setup is most ideal for very high traffic websites that suck up a lot of resources.

A Dedicated Hosting setup gives you tons of flexibility, they are fully customizable, and are often exceptionally fast. However, it will come with a much heftier price tag.

VPS Hosting will allow you to choose and configure your operating system and server applications. However, Dedicated Hosting will let you go even further. With the ability to configure all the software and hardware, the entire server is also yours and you can run it from wherever you would like.

Pros and Cons of VPS Hosting

As is the case with most anything you are researching to make an educated decision, there are both pros and cons of VPS Hosting. Running a Virtual Private Server may be the most ideal thing for you. However, let’s take a look at some benefits and drawbacks of VPS Hosting.

Pros

Running a VPS Server environment comes with a lot of pros. Some of them include:

• It is faster and more reliable than a Shared Hosting environment.
• All of the server resources available in the VPS plan you choose are guaranteed.
• There is little to no fluctuation in the resources available.
• Traffic surges and other issues on the server will not affect you.
• You get much more privacy and security. All files and databases are locked from other users.
• VPS Hosting is easy to scale. If your site gets bigger and you need more resources, then you can easily upgrade resources like RAM, CPU, disk space, and bandwidth.

Cons

Even though VPS Servers have a ton of upsides, there are also some cons that you should be aware of. Here are some of those things that affect VPS Hosting:

• Higher pricing. It is more expensive than a Shared Hosting setup.
• It will require you to have more technical knowledge to be able to run it properly (though many VPS Hosting setups are managed).
• If you configure the setup the wrong way, it can lead to security vulnerabilities.

When Should You Switch to VPS Hosting?

There are several things you want to look at before making the decision on whether or not switching to VPS Hosting is right for you. One main thing to consider is if your website outgrows all the resources available on a high-end Shared Hosting plan, then it is probably time to move on to a VPS Server.

Other things you want to think about when considering a possible switch include:

More Security Features

Worried about possible security issues you are already facing? A jump to VPS Hosting can really help. A Virtual Private Server will give you:

• Enhanced Security Features
• Advanced Monitoring Capabilities
• More Backup Space
• Improved Website Reliability
• More Security For Online Payments

A jump to VPS will definitely improve overall security.

Website Traffic is Rapidly Increasing

If your website has started experiencing significant traffic increases, then it may be time to make the move. High traffic volume on a shared server can significantly slow your website down, or even worse, crash your server. VPS Hosting can easily handle these high traffic spikes.

Website is Already Running Slowly

High spikes in traffic are not the only reason a website can run slowly. As you add more content over time, your website will grow and use larger amounts of RAM. You will start seeing page load speeds slow down because you are pushing your available limits. Making a switch will allow you to easily scale this and get your site running smoothly again.

Your Website Has an Online Store

If you plan on running an online store, or already have one running, then you should already have switched to VPS. Why? You will have a secure and dedicated Virtual Private Server where you are more likely to pass a PCI compliance test. Furthermore, as mentioned above, much better security when dealing with personal information and online payments.

You Keep Getting Server Errors

Have you been experiencing “Internal Server Errors?” Are you receiving “Service Unavailable Errors?” If you are seeing these type of messages often, then chances are website visitors and customers are as well. Of course, you can diagnose downtime issues with your hosting provider, but switching to VPS Hosting will also take care of this.

Other things you may want to consider when thinking about moving to VPS include:

• VPS is pricier, but not nearly as expensive as a dedicated server.
• You Need to Install Custom Software
• You are a developer that builds websites for clients.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know more about VPS Hosting and all that it covers, you can make a more educated decision on whether or not it is right for you. A Virtual Private Server will fully control and guarantee your resources.

This is a perfect selection for websites with medium to high traffic or eCommerce websites running a full-blown online store. You will experience little to no downtime for your website, and the privacy you get from other server users can’t be overstated.

I hope that you better understand VPS Hosting now. This should have given you some good insight into how it works and why it is beneficial for you. If you have more questions, feel free to check out the Support Center at any time.

The post What is VPS Hosting and When You Would Want It appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

Should you use shared hosting, similar to most small website owners? Or do you need the more robust features of Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting?

Figuring out the right hosting plan is crucial when getting your website online. When deciding between these two types of hosting, it’s important to match your website’s needs with what each hosting option offers.

But first, let’s clarify what web hosting is and why it matters for your site.

What is Web Hosting?

Web hosting is a service where a provider stores and maintains your website files on a server and makes your website accessible online. 

Think of web hosting as renting an apartment for your website. Just like you need a place to live, your website needs a place to reside online. The server is the building where your website lives, and web hosting providers are the landlords who maintain the building.

When you rent an apartment, you don’t have to worry about repairs or utilities; the landlord handles that. Similarly, web hosting providers handle technical aspects, like server maintenance and security.

In web hosting, your website’s data is stored on the provider’s servers. Your website’s files and data stay safe and accessible because the hosting provider keeps the servers running smoothly. The server that hosts your website is a physical computer.

VPS vs Shared Hosting

There are various types of web hosting that you can use based on your needs and budget. VPS and shared hosting are just some of these types.

Going back to our apartment logic a while ago, shared hosting is like renting a bed space or sharing a unit with some roommates. You share the space and amenities with many other guests, which keeps costs low. Each guest has their own bed and small area, but all share the kitchen, bathrooms, and common areas.

Shared hosting works well if you have modest needs for your website and a limited budget.

On the other hand, VPS hosting is like renting an entire apartment on your own. You still share the building with other tenants, but you have your separate unit. This gives you more privacy and control over your space.

VPS hosting costs more than shared hosting but offers more resources and flexibility, making it a better choice for growing websites with higher traffic.

Understanding Shared Hosting

In a shared hosting setup, disk space, CPU, and memory are shared among all users.

Each website on the server gets a portion of the total bandwidth, power, and memory. Since resources are shared, it’s not suitable for high-traffic sites but works well for smaller ones. This makes shared hosting an excellent starting point for new website owners.

Benefits of Using Shared Hosting

User Friendly 

Shared hosting often comes with user-friendly control panels that simplify website management tasks. This means you can manage your website, email accounts, and domains without needing technical expertise.

Comes with Pre-Installed Software

Most shared hosting plans also include pre-installed software and one-click installation for popular applications like WordPress.

Allows for Multiple Domains

Shared hosting lets you host multiple domains with one account. This is helpful if you have several websites or projects. You can manage all your domains from one control panel, making it easier and saving you time.

Drawbacks of Shared Hosting

Shared IP

With shared hosting, you also share an IP address with other users. Unlike a dedicated IP, you can’t use a shared IP to access your site if you have domain name problems.

Performance Issues

If your website is growing fast on a shared hosting plan, you might reach server limits quickly. Shared hosting offers some scalability, but it can’t handle large growth.

Now that you know what shared hosting is, let’s explore VPS hosting, its benefits, and why you might want to switch.

Understanding VPS Hosting

Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting falls between shared and dedicated hosting. It divides a single physical server into compartments, making each website owner feel like they have a dedicated server. You have exclusive access to your allocated hardware and resources, even though the physical server is shared with others.

Here’s how it works: Each VPS acts like a separate compartment within the server. A hypervisor divides the server into virtual compartments, allowing each compartment to operate independently with its own operating system and software.

Although resources are shared among users on the same physical server, the resources allocated to your VPS are guaranteed. In fact, VPS hosting has a faster load time of 15 to 35% as compared to loaded shared plans. 

You pay for a specific amount of resources reserved solely for your VPS, ensuring they are always available and not used by other accounts. VPS hosting is particularly suited for websites needing more power, flexibility, and control than what shared hosting provides.

Managed and Unmanaged VPS Hosting

When choosing VPS hosting, you can opt for either managed or unmanaged services. 

In a way, managed VPS hosting is like shared hosting. The provider handles most of the technical details including server setup, maintenance, and security updates.

With managed hosting, you can focus on your website content and design, using a simple dashboard to manage everything. 

In contrast, unmanaged VPS hosting offers more control but requires technical know-how. You get a bare server and must install the operating system, manage updates, and secure it yourself. 

Unmanaged VPS hosting is often cheaper than managed ones. However, it demands a higher level of expertise and is best suited for users comfortable with server management.

Benefits of VPS Hosting

Access to the Server

VPS hosting gives you more control over your website. Unlike shared hosting, which often limits certain functions, a VPS gives you greater control over applications. For instance, you can create custom mailers or provide FTP access for your users or coworkers.

Better Performance

VPS hosting helps your website load faster. It uses advanced hardware like SSD storage and high-performance processors. These tools reduce delays and speed up data access, making your site more efficient.

With optimized server settings, VPS hosting can handle more traffic and perform better than shared hosting.

Migration Flexibility

VPS hosting makes it easy to move or upgrade your website with minimal interruptions. It also offers strong backup and disaster recovery plans to protect your data. You can update or transfer your site smoothly and quickly so that it stays online without much downtime.

This kind of hosting is perfect for keeping your website running efficiently, even during upgrades or when switching to a different server. It’s a dependable choice for anyone who needs a reliable hosting solution that can easily adapt to new demands.

Resource Efficiency

Using server resources efficiently with VPS hosting helps lower energy use and reduces the need for extra physical servers. In effect, this cuts down on environmental impact and promotes sustainability.

By optimizing resource use, VPS hosting contributes to a smaller carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendly choice for your web hosting needs.

Compliance

VPS hosting enhances data protection and helps meet industry-specific standards and regulations. It’s a good choice for businesses that need to follow strict data protection rules.

For example, you can set up firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure data backups. VPS hosting also provides isolation from other users, adding an extra layer of security.

Apps Support 

VPS hosting supports a wide range of applications. It is compatible with popular web platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Magento.

In addition to popular applications, VPS hosting is great for custom-built solutions. With full root access, you can install any software or libraries your custom application requires.

Enhanced Collaboration

With VPS hosting, you get centralized management of your web projects. This setup makes it simpler for team members to collaborate and access server resources remotely

Additionally, VPS hosting allows easy remote access to your server. Team members can work on projects and make updates from anywhere

Drawbacks of VPS Hosting

Requires Technical Knowledge

Managing a VPS often requires more technical skills than shared hosting. Even with managed VPS hosting, you still need basic technical knowledge.

You need to handle tasks like setting up the server, installing software, configuring security, and maintaining the server. If you don’t have these skills, you might need to hire a system administrator, which can be expensive.

Hardware Failures

Hosting providers do their best to prevent problems, but no system is perfect. It’s important to be aware that your VPS can be impacted if the main server has a hardware failure.

This risk is always present, so it’s crucial to choose a reliable hosting provider with good safety measures in place.

Key Differences Between VPS and Shared Hosting

Resource Allocation

VPS Hosting has dedicated resources to each virtual server, with each virtual layer specifically assigned to one client. Even though you share the same server with other websites, your resources like RAM, CPU availability, and processing power won’t be affected.

With VPS hosting, you also have more control over resource allocation and you won’t have to compete for these resources with other websites. As a result, your website remains stable and performs consistently, even during peak times.

In shared hosting, several websites use the same server resources like disk space, processing power, and bandwidth. This setup divides these resources among all users sharing the server.

Additionally, server resource sharing can slow down your site, especially if another site on the server gets a lot of traffic or uses many resources.

Hosting Cost

Shared hosting is a budget-friendly choice for website owners. It hosts multiple websites on one server, and the cost is split among users. This makes it affordable for small businesses or individuals with limited budgets.

Here at GreenGeeks, for example, you can get one starting at $2.95 per month.

On the other hand, VPS hosting is pricier because it uses a dedicated portion of the server for your site. Despite the higher cost, it offers control over resources and delivers superior performance compared to shared hosting.

Security Measures

Security is very important for any website owner, and both VPS and shared hosting provide strong protection for your website.

In general, hosting providers use advanced security measures to keep their servers safe.

They perform regular security updates and scan for malware to protect your website. They also monitor for suspicious activities to prevent security breaches.

But while both hosting solutions offer robust security protection, they still have their differences that you need to take note of. In shared hosting, If one site has a security issue, it could impact others on the same server.

VPS hosting further reduces this risk by providing an isolated environment for each hosting plan. Each VPS operates independently, which means a security issue on one won’t impact others.

Scalability

Scaling is crucial when deciding between shared and dedicated hosting. In shared hosting, scalability can be restricted because you share resources with other websites on the same server.

As your website expands and needs more resources, you might need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan or switch to dedicated hosting for better scalability.

VPS hosting plans are usually more scalable than shared hosting. Depending on the provider, you can often choose which specific resources to scale up.

This flexibility is a big advantage for growing websites. As your site demands more power, you can easily increase resources like CPU, RAM, or storage.

Customizability

Customizability is another important factor when choosing between VPS and shared hosting. 

With shared hosting, your customization options are limited since you share server resources with other websites. However, many shared hosting providers offer control panels for managing aspects like file uploads and email accounts.

In contrast, VPS hosting offers a more isolated and customizable environment. Users have root access that allows them to install and configure software as needed. This level of control makes VPS hosting ideal for those needing specific setups or software for their websites.

When to Choose Shared Hosting

Now that we’ve discussed the key difference between VPS and shared hosting, how do you know if shared hosting is right for you?

To give you some ideas, shared hosting is highly applicable in the situations below:

Small Personal Websites

Shared hosting is perfect for small personal websites because it is affordable. This is your best choice if you are just starting out or have a limited budget.

Another advantage is that shared hosting is easy to use. You don’t need to manage the server yourself, since the hosting provider takes care of its maintenance and security updates.

Blogs

With most shared hosting providers, setting up your blog is straightforward. It’s perfect for beginners who want to start blogging without hassle.

Another benefit is the support provided by shared hosting providers. They offer help with website design and setup. Additionally, they often include automated backup solutions so that your content is safe and recoverable if something goes wrong. 

Lastly, shared hosting offers reliable uptime. Leading providers promise over 99% uptime, meaning your blog will be available to readers almost all the time.

While VPS hosting might offer more advanced features, shared hosting provides everything a new blogger needs to get started successfully.

Small Businesses with Low Traffic

Due to its affordability, small businesses can launch their websites without a big upfront cost through shared hosting.

Another advantage of shared hosting is the absence of hidden costs. Shared hosting plans usually include all the necessary services and features to host a website. You won’t need to worry about extra expenses for server maintenance or hardware replacements. 

When to Choose VPS Hosting

It’s best to go with VPS hosting when your website demands higher performance like in the following cases:

E-commerce Websites

Unlike shared hosting, VPS hosting ensures your site can grow with your business without compromising performance.

As mentioned previously, scalability is a significant advantage of VPS hosting. As your e-commerce business expands, your website traffic increases and VPS hosting is the better choice to handle this situation.

Uptime is another critical factor for e-commerce sites. Every minute your site is down, you risk losing sales and hurting your reputation. VPS hosting can help achieve high uptime, though it varies by provider.

Resource-Intensive Applications

VPS hosting is great for running apps that need lots of power, memory, and bandwidth. Think multiplayer games or streaming services, they need strong hardware to handle many users at once without delays.

With managed VPS hosting, each account gets its own dedicated hardware. Your app has enough memory to store data fast, enough CPU power for complex tasks, and plenty of storage for huge amounts of data. 

VPS hosting also includes load balancing. This spreads traffic across multiple servers, so if your site suddenly gets lots of visitors, it stays fast and reliable.

Plus, VPS hosting uses caching to speed up performance and reduce strain on the server. It stores commonly used web pages or data nearby, so your server doesn’t have to recreate them each time.

Questions to ask yourself before choosing VPS or Shared Hosting

When deciding between VPS and shared hosting, it’s crucial to ask yourself a few key questions. 

1. How much are you willing to spend?

A shared hosting plan is cheaper, but a VPS hosting offers more features, has greater scalability, and is better suited for medium to large businesses. Always remember that balancing cost with value is essential when choosing between the two options.

2 . How fast are your audience and website growing?

If you think your website will grow significantly, or at least that’s your main goal, VPS hosting is your better choice since it’s easily scalable and will allow you to upgrade resources as needed. Shared hosting can also be upgraded, but it often requires migrating to a new server, which can be more complex.

3. What are your current resource needs? 

Determine how much bandwidth and disk space your site uses now and in the future. If your site requires a lot of resources or experiences heavy traffic, VPS hosting is the better option. It can handle the load more effectively than shared hosting.

Steps to Migrate from Shared to VPS Hosting

If you’ve decided to shift from shared to VPS hosting, migrating involves a few key steps. 

1. Create a backup of your website files and databases

Log into your current hosting control panel, use an FTP client to download your site files, and export your databases via phpMyAdmin. Don’t forget to back up your email messages if needed.

2. Set up your VPS 

Many hosting providers handle this for you, but if you have a self-managed VPS, you may need to configure it yourself. This usually involves setting up a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) or other server technologies as per your requirements.

3. Upload your site data to the new VPS

You can use a secure SSH connection or your FTP client to transfer the backup files. To restore your database, go to phpMyAdmin on your new VPS, create a new database, and import your backup file. Ensure all your data is correctly uploaded and configured.

4. Test everything to ensure it works correctly

Load your website, check all plugins, and ensure there are no issues. Once everything is verified, update your domain’s DNS settings to point to your new VPS hosting server. 

This change may take 24-48 hours to propagate globally, but your site should then be fully functional on the new VPS.

FAQs About VPS and Shared Hosting Plans

Wrapping Things Up

Choosing the right hosting plan is a critical step when building any type of website. By now, you should have a clear understanding of the differences between VPS and shared hosting.

For small businesses with limited traffic and a tight budget, shared hosting is a practical choice since it’s cost-effective and easy to manage. 

However, for growing websites or businesses with higher traffic, VPS hosting is the way to go. It provides enhanced performance, better security, and greater control for your site.

As your business expands, VPS hosting offers the scalability and reliability needed to support your growth. Have you decided which hosting plan suits your needs best? Let us know in the comment section below.

The post Benefits of Using a VPS vs Shared Hosting appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

If you see performance indicators that lead you to believe you may be on a virtual server, that’s a problem that can lead to the disruption of moving to a new server or host.

But before making any drastic moves, it’s important to be sure that your site is indeed running on a VPS and not a dedicated server. So let’s take a look at the server information that can provide clues as to whether your server is hardware or virtual.

Connecting to Your Dedicated Server

All of the commands we’re going to use are run on the dedicated server itself.

If you’re working on a Windows machine you can make an SSH connection to the server using the Windows command prompt (or Windows PowerShell), or an SSH program like PuTTY.

On a Mac you can connect to the server using the Terminal program. There’s also a port of PuTTY for Mac, or you can use an SSH program written for Mac, like Terminus.

The specific hostname and port for your server login will vary depending on your provider. Check with them for details.

Using dmidecode to Expose Dedicated Server Information

The dmidecode command displays BIOS information that can include one or more virtualized components.

When you see any of the following, it’s a sign that you are on a VPS and not a dedicated server.

Run:

# dmidecode | egrep -i 'manufacturer|product'

If you see something like:

Manufacturer: VMware, Inc.
Product Name: VMware Virtual Platform

that’s VMware, not a dedicated server.

Similarly, if you see:

Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation
Product Name: Virtual Machine

that’s the Microsoft VM, VirtualPC, also not a dedicated server.

Some other variations of dmidecode and the VMs they indicate:

# dmidecode | egrep -i 'vendor'
Vendor: QEMU

VM is QEMU or KVM.

# dmidecode
/dev/mem: Permission denied

This VM is Virtuozzo.

# dmidecode | grep -i domU
Product Name: HVM domU

This VM is Xen.

Any of the above results indicate that the account is running on a VM, not an OS on a dedicated server.

But it’s worth noting that the lack of a specific manufacturer/vendor result doesn’t verify a dedicated server or rule out the presence of a VM.

We’ve got a few more tests you can run to be a bit more confident in the results.

Checking for Virtualized Disk Devices

Checking the disks can also show results that indicate virtualized components.

Run:

# cat /proc/ide/hd*/model

If your results are similar to:

VMware Virtual IDE CDROM Drive

it’s a VMware virtual drive.

Virtual HD
Virtual CD

Are Microsoft VirtualPC.

QEMU HARDDISK
QEMU DVD-ROM

Can be either QEMU, KVM, or Xen.

To detect a Virtuozzo virtual drive:

# ls -al /dev/vzfs

If you see:

b-----x--- 1 root root 0, 19 2019-07-20 20:19 /dev/vzfs

that indicates a Virtuozzo VM.

You can also detect a VMware virtual disk by running:

# cat /proc/scsi/scsi

If it’s a VMware virtual disk, you’ll see something like:

Attached devices:
Host: scsi0 Channel: 00 Id: 00 Lun: 00
Vendor: VMware Model: Virtual disk Rev: 1.0
Type: Direct-Access ANSI SCSI revision: 02

Other Website Server Information Tests That Can Indicate the Presence of a VM

esxtop

Run:

# esxtop

Virtual machines often employ a tool called esxtop to check performance. Running esxtop on a VM will generate results, but running the command on a dedicated server OS will not.

OpenVZ

Run:

# cat /proc/user_beancounters

If /proc/user_beancounters exists, you’re on a VPS running OpenVZ.

If /proc/vz or /proc/vz/veinfo exist, they also indicate OpenVZ.

Similarly, if /proc/xen or /proc/sys/xen exist, that’s a Xen VM.

IP lookup

A reverse IP lookup shows all the websites running on an IP address. If you do a reverse lookup on your server IP and see domains that aren’t yours, you’re not on a dedicated server.

Run:

dig -x [your server's IP]

Or use WhatIsMyIP.com, MXToolBox, iplocation.net, or a similar online reverse DNS tool.

Virtio memory balloon

Run:

# lspci

If the RAM memory value is “Qumranet, Inc. Virtio memory balloon,” you’re on a VPS.

Can You Really Verify You’re on a Dedicated Server?

Short of being granted access to your host’s data center, the tests we’ve gone over here are as close to definitive results as you can get.

And if you think about it, even if you were led down some endless corridor at your host’s data center and your dedicated server was pointed out to you, you could only verify that your site was on it by pulling the plug (no one wants to do that).

But even that wouldn’t be proof positive. One hundred other sites could still be on the server. The only way to know anything for sure is to test the server, as we’ve done here.

If the tests lead you to the conclusion that your “dedicated server” is a virtual machine, you’ve got a bone to pick with your host. If you’re in that position and now find yourself looking for a host that delivers what they promise, GreenGeeks has a dedicated server for you.

We’ve got a server with the size and power to fit your needs, and we’ve got the only dedicated servers in the world operating on 300% renewable energy. We’re not called GreenGeeks for nothing!

If you want the power of a dedicated server without any of the resource guzzling side effects, look no further.

The post How to Verify if a Dedicated Server is Really Dedicated appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.

You may not even be aware that your site’s resource usage is surpassing the abilities of a shared server. Then one day, you receive an email from your host informing you that it’s time to move your site.

Whatever factors play into you making the switch to dedicated server web hosting, there are some things you should look for in a provider. The technical aspects of the server, yes, and we’ll get into that in a minute. But you also want to assess whether the hosting company will meet your needs as a customer.

How Can I Spot Good Dedicated Server Hosting?

Sites like Web Hosting Talk have forums where people discuss dedicated servers. The posts give recommendations and address problems, so you can learn a lot about the hosts that are being discussed.

Take information gleaned from Web Hosting Talk with a grain of salt. Be wary of anything too enthusiastic, or multiple people raving about a new or unknown company.

I have nothing against a new company just starting out and trying to establish themselves. But the hosting business has become too transient to put all your eggs into the basket of an unknown host.

Dedicated servers are expensive, so I understand the desire to save money by going with an unknown. But you want to be sure your host is going to stick around and not disappear with your website.

Of course, a company that is established doesn’t guarantee that they’ll always be around. But your odds are better with a known entity.

Ask a Lot of Questions

One of the best things you can do when trying to determine which company will provide the best dedicated server hosting for your site is to talk to them.

You probably won’t be able to contact their support staff before you’re a customer. But if they have a live chat feature on their site, use it to ask every question you can think of.

If there’s no chat, send an email or open a ticket if you can. Communicate as much as possible with as many different people or departments as you can. That will give you a better feel for how responsive and informative the company is.

If all of these suggestions sound a bit difficult and time-consuming, well, they may be. And I wouldn’t suggest that it’s necessary to go to such great lengths to vet an ordinary shared hosting account. But the stakes are much higher when you’re buying or leasing a dedicated server.

Your site’s reputation is on the line, after all. And you’re spending a good amount of money for a premium service. So talk to them. If a company isn’t responsive in its sales channels, what are the chances their support will be any better?

Which Is the Best Dedicated Server Company if I Want to Reduce My Carbon Footprint?

If you’re concerned with how many natural resources your website uses, you should know that moving to a dedicated server increases that usage significantly. There’s no way around it; web servers use a lot of energy.

Energy consumption is spread across hundreds of sites on a shared server. But when you move to a dedicated server, the server needs are basically the same. The problem is they’re all dedicated to supporting one site (or a few sites).

GreenGeeks is renowned for our green shared hosting. But you might be happy to know that our dedicated server energy use is matched by a whopping 300% from renewable sources.

That means your dedicated server will not only “pay for itself,” as far as reduction of your carbon footprint is concerned, but also for two other servers just like it.

What is a Dedicated Server?

Okay, so now let’s dig a bit into the technical side of dedicated servers.

You might see dedicated servers categorized alongside “Virtual Private Servers” or VPS. They are not the same thing. A VPS is a physical piece of server hardware (a fancy way of saying a computer) that is separated into many independent “virtual” servers.

If you think that sounds a lot like shared hosting, that’s because it does.

With a VPS, you have the advantage of using a different operating system or configuration than the other VPS on the same machine. But you’re still on the same physical piece of hardware, so if there’s some catastrophic failure of another server on the box, theoretically, it shouldn’t affect your site. But in reality, it can.

A dedicated server is an entire physical server dedicated to one site or customer. You buy, lease, or pay a monthly fee for a server, and you can do whatever you’d like with it as far as configuration is concerned. No other users are on the server, just you. In most cases, you are responsible for server security and maintenance.

If that’s not your area of expertise, you can shop for a “managed” server that the host secures and updates. Server management is a premium service. So the price is, understandably, higher than that of a dedicated server that you manage yourself.

How to Choose the Right Dedicated Server for You and Your Site

First, I want to touch on the last thing we talked about, managed vs unmanaged dedicated servers. If you don’t know anything about web or database server security, an unmanaged dedicated server is probably not for you.

If you are up on the latest security protocols and you have experience running servers – or a member of your team does – then an unmanaged dedicated server is all you need.

The point that I can’t stress enough is bad things can happen to a server that isn’t adequately secured. And most of us who believe we know “enough” about server management, or who rely on a lot of Googled how-to’s – well, we may be able to squeak by. But we’re really not qualified to be responsible for server security.

Try to be realistic when evaluating your own skills and proceed accordingly.

Dedicated Server Terms and Technology

When shopping for a pre-configured dedicated server, the first thing you’ll be asked to choose is server specs and technology. The processor, memory, storage, and operating system (OS) are server-specific.

The other spec you may have control over is the amount of bandwidth your server can use. That isn’t generally a server feature, but a provider function.

Processor and Memory

They will determine how much power (and as a result, speed) is available to your site. Most dedicated server hosts will offer servers pre-configured with certain processors and amounts of memory. As the available processor speed and memory increase, so does the price of the server.

It isn’t always possible to change the configuration of your server once you’re using it, so it’s often better to choose server configuration that somewhat exceeds what you think your needs will be. That allows you room to grow before you have to migrate to a more powerful server.

Operating System

The OS you choose will depend on the technology your website uses. The vast majority of dedicated servers will support various open-source, Linux-type operating systems.

But if your site uses .NET technology or Microsoft SQL Server, you’ll want to make sure you choose one that supports the Microsoft IIS operating system.

Storage

Hard drive storage has a couple of details to pay attention to. One is solid-state drives (SSD) vs. traditional disc-based hard drives (HDD). For speed and performance, SSD is far superior to conventional HDD. But of course, as with all things computer-related, the faster, better version comes at an increased cost in some cases. But if performance is critical for your site, the expense may be justified.

The other thing to note or ask about is the RAID disk array. You want to avoid any array of hard drives labeled RAID 0. This is because the configuration doesn’t provide any protection against data loss in the event of a single drive failure. You aren’t likely to run into a RAID 0 setup on a pre-configured dedicated server, but it’s something to be aware of.

While RAID 1 and 5 offer some redundancy and protection against data loss, RAID is not a replacement for backups. You should have an external backup system in place. That applies no matter what kind of server your website lives on. Your host may perform their own server backups, but you should not rely on those backups for your own disaster recovery.

Bandwidth

Your bandwidth needs can be difficult to accurately estimate unless you have historical website data. Luckily, most hosts can accommodate increased bandwidth needs even if a certain amount of bandwidth is associated with your server.

Server Backup

Remember when I said RAID is not a replacement for backups? Well, what I meant to say is nothing is a replacement for backups. Backups are the most critical element of your server setup that you will hopefully never need to use.

If you have the technical ability to set up a server backup system that backs up to a separate server (meaning a separate piece of hardware, not a partition or VPS on the main server) or storage service like Amazon S3, you should consider a cloud backup service.

While any remote service running on your server can introduce security issues, a reputable cloud backup service can be a lifesaver in the event of a server failure.

Companies like Carbonite or Backblaze can do full server backups. For what it’s worth, I tried half a dozen cloud backup services and found Backblaze to be the fastest and most unobtrusive, so that’s what I use.

Does It Make a Difference Which Datacenter My Dedicated Server Lives In?

If you have a choice of geographic location, you may feel better having your server closer to your home or office. If your site has a worldwide audience, as most do, geographic location is less important than the quality of the backbone connection that the datacenter or dedicated server provider offers.

Some dedicated server providers will tell you about their data centers and backbone connections on their websites. If they don’t, you can always ask them. But if you choose a well-known, reputable provider for your server, you’re probably not going to get stuck with a server that’s running out of a garage or someone’s basement.

Fifteen years ago, I would have advised you to do a lot of research about the data center. But in all honesty, that’s not the issue it used to be. Most servers live in data centers now and are adequately connected and sufficiently secured.

But it doesn’t hurt to ask your prospective host about where the servers live.

Should I Choose a Host Based on Uptime Guarantees?

Nope.

Let me tell you a little secret. It’s just us here, right? No one else is listening? Uptime guarantees are meaningless. They’re meaningless for a couple of reasons, mainly because on most networks, failure is unpredictable. So there’s no way, aside from performance history, to provide any uptime numbers.

Secondly, even if your host is on the ball as far as doing all they can to ensure the best uptime in the industry, when there is a failure or downtime for any reason, a guarantee doesn’t bring your website back online.

All the standard uptime guarantee does is reimburse anyone who complains about the outage. That reimbursement is often a relatively small amount based on the number of minutes your site is unavailable (check the fine print that you agreed to when opening the account).

To be clear, I’m not saying that’s bad or malicious behavior by the hosts. It’s just the reality of how guarantees work for most services. So an uptime guarantee shouldn’t really tip the scales one way or another when you’re looking for a dedicated server host.

The exception to everything I just said is a host that offers DDoS protection as part of an uptime guarantee. DDoS protection is a valuable service, and if you have reason to believe your site may fall victim to DDoS, or if you’ve been DDoSed in the past, the protection should be part of your configuration.

Listen to the People

Customer reviews have pretty much revolutionized the way we buy everything, and dedicated servers are no different. I mentioned sites like Web Hosting Talk right at the outset, and they are an excellent resource for unvarnished customer reviews and information.

There are probably more web host review sites than there are web hosts, but a few of them are reliable and unbiased. Look for sites that have done their own independent testing. It’s a bit difficult to find independent tests of dedicated servers, but there are some out there.

If you keep your skepticism dialed up to 10, you can find some useful review sites. Just be aware that affiliates run many of them (check for affiliate IDs on links), and in some cases, by the hosts themselves. An affiliate is going to recommend whichever host has the largest payout, and that’s not necessarily an indicator of service quality.

So Who Is the Best Dedicated Server Provider?

GreenGeeks, of course. 😉

It might not be surprising that I would say that. But I do believe in the GreenGeeks team because I know them, and I know that they care about what they do.

And if you would like a green dedicated server, there’s really no one else who can give you what GreenGeeks can.

The reality is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to who the best dedicated server host is. What’s best for your site might not be best for mine. But hopefully, I’ve armed you with some useful information that will help you make an educated decision, and your needs will be not only met but exceeded.

The post What Should You Look for in a Dedicated Server Provider? appeared first on GreenGeeks Blog.