Shared hosting is a form of web hosting that allows multiple websites, often belonging to a range of different businesses, to be hosted on the same server. Typically, a system administrator will have control over how the servers are set up, along with being responsible for server maintenance. There are various types of hosting available, but shared hosting is often the most affordable and popular choice for those who are just starting out with getting online. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of shared hosting.
Pros of Shared Hosting:
1. It’s the Cheapest Option:
Most of the bargain hosting options that you’ll find online will be for a shared hosting solution. If you are looking to get online and saving money is the top priority for you, shared hosting solutions are probably going to be the most inexpensive options available to you. And, you can even find deals that make shared hosting even cheaper to access; Knownhost cPanel hosting is 30% off right now for those who are looking for an even bigger bargain.
2. Easy to Use:
Shared hosting is often the top choice for beginners since it’s typically managed for you. If you are new to it all or simply don’t like the idea of handling all the admin for your server, a shared hosting service is the best option. It takes all of that away since the web host will typically be in charge of both server administration and hardware maintenance.
Cons of Shared Hosting:
1. Performance Issues:
While shared hosting might be the cheapest opinion, this often comes at a price. And that is that you simply don’t know what’s going on elsewhere on the same server your site is hosted on. Your web host may have decided to get as many sites as possible hosted on the same server to maximize revenue, which could result in performance issues that impact the speed of your website or cause it to crash a lot. If you are planning to sell online or need your site to be reliable and visible at all times, shared hosting is not always recommended.
2. Lack of Admin Access:
While having the web host in control might be the best option for some, it’s not ideal for those who want more control. The downside to not being responsible for server admin when you choose shared hosting is that when you do find yourself needing to perform an admin task, your access will be restricted. For example, you may be unable to deploy certain software or perform certain tasks.
3. Security Risks:
While the good news is that shared hosting is becoming increasingly secure, in some cases, other server users may be able to get access to your files as a result of incorrectly configured file permission settings. This increases your risk of cybercriminals and hackers getting access to your data, which could be fatal for your business.
Shared hosting is a cheap and easy way to get online, but it’s not for everybody.