Understanding Linux Shared Hosting, Business Web Hosting, and a VPS (Virtual Private Server)

In this post learn about various Linux cPanel web hosting such as Shared Hosting, Business Web Hosting, a VPS (Virtual Private Server), and mandatory requirements of each type of Linux hosting.

  • Shared hosting is an inexpensive way to get your sites up on the web.
  • A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is more powerful, but costs more than shared hosting, and requires experience with server administration.
  • Business web hosting is a balance between the two, offering the power of a VPS with the ease of shared hosting.

Below chart explains the must-have requirements of each type of Linux hosting before purchasing:


Shared Hosting

Business Hosting

VPS Hosting
Level of technical skills requiredBasicBasicAdvanced – knowledge of WHM and Linux command line needed
Best Suited forBasic websites, low resource applicationsE-commerce, high traffic or data-intensive sites and applicationsResource intensive web apps, full control of the server, ability to customize
Site VisitorsLow to moderateHighHigh
PlatformLAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP)LAMPLAMP (Can install and use others such as NGINX, Node.js, Ruby on Rails)
Control PanelcPanelcPanelcPanel and WHM
Support from Hosting ProviderMust be 24/7 Standard SupportMust be 24/7 Standard SupportSelf-Managed, Managed, or Fully-Managed
Root AccessNoNoYes
Dedicated IP AddressNo1 or more3 or more
Snapshot BackupsNoNoYes

What is a dedicated IP?

A dedicated IP address is a unique Internet address assigned exclusively to a single hosting account. A dedicated IP address lets you:

  • View your website via its IP address.
  • Use FTP to access your account while the domain name is otherwise inaccessible, such as during domain name propagation periods.
  • Ensure faster response during periods of high traffic load.

Business Hosting accounts include a dedicated IP address. You can purchase a dedicated IP address for your Shared Hosting account at any time.

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