Self-Hosting vs. VPS: which is right for me?

[matz]

I have two hosting needs: PHP and Rails. I've had (a bad) experience hosting a PHP site on a shared server. I've also briefly run a simple PHP server for a hobby site with low-availability standards.

Now that I'm considering running a serious, large site (Ruby on Rails), in addition to a few small existing PHP sites, should I host myself, or choose a Virtual Private Server?

* I have a 3.0GHz P4 / 1GB ram machine I could dedicate to hosting.
* I am familiar with general computer security principles, programming, and Linux
* I have a Comcast cable connection (no static IP)
* I can't imagine spending much more than $50 / mo. to start.

[malcom]

I recommend http://www.slicehost.com

[fayne]

Do you have a UPS large enough to keep you up for at least an hour? Do you have a generator to keep you up during a prolonged power outage? (Do you have a guaranteed source of fuel for it? If there's no power, the gas stations won't be pumping gas.)

If you want to use a real domain name you'll need a static address.

(I run corporate networks, I run my own server to play on and I run a hosted site. For a business site, I'd find a good [meaning corporately large] host and let them worry about the problems. Maintaining the site and keeping up with the changing technology is enough work.)

[almer]

Why VPS? Some shared web hosts can fulfill all your requirements.

As an experienced webmaster I recommend BlueHost service which I’m sure it would work for you. They have a really great offer for hosting & I have used them for over 3 yrs now, and have never had a single problem with them.

You can go there through the address below:
http://bluehost-service.atspace.com

Here I have copied and pasted its features from their website to view:

- Unlimited Space
- Unlimited Transfer
- Host UNLIMITED Domains (Support All Domain Names)
- 2,500 POP/Imap Email Accounts
- SSH (Secure Shell), SSL, FTP, Stats
- CGI, Ruby (RoR), Perl, PHP, MySQL
- Front Page Extensions
- 24/7 Superb/Responsive Sales/Support
- Free Search Engine Submission

This service was awarded “The Best Web Host OF 2008”.

Good Luck!

[dennie]

Lack of static IP could be an issue, as could your ISP's terms & conditions (most ISP's issuing dynamic IP's will have a 'no hosting' clause = if they catch you running a host they may insist you quit or switch to their (no doubt mega-expensive) 'business' tariff)