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What Is It?

Shared Web hosting, also known as Virtual hosting, refers to a hosting service where many Web sites reside on one Web server that is connected to the Internet. Each site resides within a partition or section on the server to keep it separate from other sites. This multi-domain hosting must include system administration, since it is shared by many users; however, this sole administration power is limiting to subdomain Web site managers who desire more control.

Features

Shared hosting typically uses a web-based control panel system, such as cPanel, Plesk, H-sphere, or InterWorx. This control panel typically is managed by the system administrator. The hosting providor, however, generally is responsible for server managements, software installation, security updates, technical support and other management aspects.

Additionally, shared Web hosting can be accomplished either through a name-based or IP-based hosting, although some control panels may allow a mix of both hosting services. Name-based virtual hosting serves multiple hostnames on a single machine with a single IP address. IP-based hosting provides each host with a different IP addresss. The primary reason for a site to use a dedicated IP address is to enable that site to use its own SSL certificate rather than a shared certificate.

The downside to shared Web hosting includes security issues, because other customers on the same Web server may be allowed to view of list of files in other users’ directories. In some instances, those users may be able to overwrite certain files created within a dynamic Web site. On the other hand, a shared Web server’s reliability depends upon each site owner on that server. A poorly written script or a malicious program can take down the server if the host doesn’t monitor the situation.

Shared Web hosting becomes risky when sensitive data must be stored on that server. The risk increases as another user may have access to that data through a shared account.

Who Is it For?

This is generally the most economical option for hosting as many people share the overall cost of server maintenance. Therefore, shared web hosting provides a means for small- to mediums-sized businesses to save money on this type of hosting plan as compared to a dedicated server.

Compatibility

The majority of servers are based on a Linux operating system with a LAMP software bundle. The low cost of open source software is a logical choice for this inexpensive hosting option. Some providers, however, will offer Windows-based or FreeBSD solutions.

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