Dedicated Server Alternatives

A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea

New Alternatives to a Dedicated Server

If you can not afford or do not want the expense of a dedicated server, there is now an alternative. Some companies are starting to offer an easier way for visitors to locate you on the Internet. With their system you can serve web pages, share MP3s, host games, or run any type of Internet program.

How the Dedicated Server Alternative Works

First you will need a name so your visitors can find you. Simply choose a name for your computer and they tell the world where your computer is located. Their program that notifies them whenever your computer's IP address changes. You can have your own alternative dedicated server just like the Internet's biggest sites.

Dial-up accounts, and DSL or cable modem subscribers get a different IP address each time you connect. This means that your location on the Internet is constantly changing. By maintaining the relationship between your chosen name and the changing IP, these services can anchor you to the Internet without registering a domain name.

Theses services also provide email addresses associated with the domain you create. You can direct mail to their mail servers to run your own mail server.

These services are supported by advertising and by advanced services that they charge an additional fee for. These advanced services vary in scope.

Drawbacks to an Alternative Dedicated Server

These alternative servers are not for a newbie. You must have some technical knowledge of file sharing and running networks since this opens your home computer to all of the Internet. This can cause security problems on your home computer. If you maintain information that you do not want others to see, then this type of dedicated server alternative is not for you. It is necessary to protect your system from hackers and others that might try to harm your computer.

You will not be able to resell space on your computer for others to host web sites as with a normal dedicated server. The only files that can be served are those you create or supply on your home computer. With dedicated server hosting, you can make additional income by selling the server space provided to you to host various accounts with a variety of domain names.

You must be connected to the Internet for your visitors to see your web site. This can cause problems for some users since some ISPs have policies that restrict this type of usage. Always make sure you check with your ISP prior to attempting this type of solution.

Conclusions

Although this is not a true dedicated server solution, it can provide a good answer to having a long URL or registering a domain name through a registrar. This can be helpful if you are a home user. It is a cheap alternative since most of these services are provided free of charge.

This dedicated server solution is not a viable alternative for a business web site that needs respectability and reliability.