Searching for a hosting provider...

Deven T. Corzine published on
38 min, 7597 words

Categories: Meta

Yesterday's post didn't finish the story of selecting a blogging platform, because I diverted to a side quest of finding a VPS hosting provider to be able to implement a comment system. I'll finish the story of the blogging platform in tomorrow's post.

I was leaning towards using a static site generator at this point, but I still wanted to have a comment system and perhaps other dynamic features, so I decided to look for a Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting provider.

Deven T. Corzine

If I need a server to self-host these systems, is there any free option available, or will I need to pay a monthly fee for one?

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There are some free options available for hosting your self-hosted commenting system, but they often come with limitations. Here are a few free hosting providers:

  1. Heroku (www.heroku.com): Heroku offers a free tier, but it comes with limitations, such as limited usage hours and the app going to sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity. It might not be ideal for a production environment, but it's suitable for testing and small projects.

  2. Glitch (www.glitch.com): Glitch is another platform where you can host small projects and prototypes for free. It also has limitations on usage and resources, and your app may go to sleep after a period of inactivity.

  3. Oracle Cloud (www.oracle.com/cloud/free): Oracle Cloud offers a free tier with limited resources. You can host small projects on their "Always Free" tier, which includes compute and storage resources.

These options can work for hosting a self-hosted commenting system, but be aware of their limitations. As your blog grows and traffic increases, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan or switch to another hosting provider to ensure better performance, stability, and support.

Remember that the options mentioned above are subject to change, and it's always a good idea to research the latest offerings and terms of service for each provider.

Free options are great, but I wanted more flexibility and fewer limitations, so I wanted to explore the paid options as well. However, I didn't want to drive up the cost of this project unnecessarily, just on general principle. Rather than just choosing one of the most obvious options (such as AWS), I wanted to look for the most affordable reasonable option I could find.

Deven T. Corzine

What would be the most cost-efficient paid plans?

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Cost-efficient paid plans can vary based on your specific requirements, such as storage, bandwidth, and server resources. Here are a few popular and cost-efficient hosting providers with their respective entry-level plans:

  1. DigitalOcean (www.digitalocean.com): DigitalOcean's most affordable plan starts at $5/month, offering 1GB of RAM, 1 vCPU, 25GB SSD storage, and 1TB of data transfer. They provide scalable virtual private servers (VPS) and a user-friendly control panel.

  2. Linode (www.linode.com): Linode's entry-level plan starts at $5/month, with 1GB of RAM, 1 vCPU, 25GB SSD storage, and 1TB of data transfer. They provide scalable VPS solutions and a simple-to-use control panel.

  3. Vultr (www.vultr.com): Vultr's most affordable plan starts at $3.50/month, offering 1GB of RAM, 1 vCPU, 25GB SSD storage, and 1TB of data transfer. They offer scalable VPS solutions with an easy-to-use interface.

  4. AWS Lightsail (aws.amazon.com/lightsail): Amazon Web Services (AWS) Lightsail's most affordable plan starts at $3.50/month, providing 512MB of RAM, 1 vCPU, 20GB SSD storage, and 1TB of data transfer. It's a simplified version of AWS's extensive cloud services.

  5. Hetzner Cloud (www.hetzner.com/cloud): Hetzner's entry-level plan starts at €2.49/month (approximately $2.75/month), offering 1 vCPU, 2GB RAM, 20GB SSD storage, and 20TB of data transfer. They provide scalable VPS solutions with competitive pricing.

These are just a few examples of cost-efficient hosting providers. Keep in mind that each provider's features, performance, and customer support can vary. It's essential to research and choose the provider that best fits your needs and budget. Be sure to check for any additional costs, such as backup services, additional IP addresses, or data transfer overages.

I was concerned about the possibility of a DDoS attack causing excessive traffic, exceeding bandwidth limits, and causing unlimited additional costs for bandwidth overages. As such, I preferred to find a flat-rate option which wouldn't have a risk of bandwidth overage charges.

Deven T. Corzine

Are there any which offer unlimited bandwidth for a flat rate?

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It's difficult to find hosting providers that offer truly unlimited bandwidth for a flat rate. Most providers have fair usage policies or restrictions in place to prevent abuse of resources. However, some hosting providers market their plans as offering "unlimited" bandwidth, although there might still be limitations or restrictions in place. Here are a couple of options you can consider:

  1. DreamHost (www.dreamhost.com): DreamHost offers shared hosting plans with unlimited bandwidth, starting at $2.59/month. However, shared hosting might not be suitable for self-hosting a commenting system, as the performance may not be as good as a VPS. Additionally, their VPS plans, which start at $10/month, come with unlimited bandwidth as well, but they do have a fair usage policy in place.

  2. Hostinger (www.hostinger.com): Hostinger offers shared hosting plans with unlimited bandwidth, starting at $1.39/month. Like DreamHost, shared hosting might not be the best option for self-hosting a commenting system. Hostinger's VPS plans start at $3.95/month and come with a specific amount of bandwidth, not unlimited.

It's essential to read the provider's terms of service and fair usage policies to understand the limitations and restrictions that may apply to "unlimited" bandwidth. Generally, VPS or cloud hosting providers offer specific data transfer limits based on the plan you choose. If you expect high traffic on your blog, it's better to choose a plan with a higher data transfer limit or consider providers with scalable pricing based on actual usage.

Shared hosting plans didn't sound like a great option. These might offer "unlimited" bandwidth, but the limitations didn't sound appealing, so I tried explaining more clearly what my goal was.

Deven T. Corzine

Which plans have flat rate charges with no extra billing for usage overages, even if that means throttling?

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While it's difficult to find hosting providers that guarantee no overage charges with throttling instead, some providers are more lenient with their policies. Here are two providers that are known for their generous resource allocations and flat-rate pricing:

  1. DreamHost (www.dreamhost.com): DreamHost's VPS plans, which start at $10/month, come with unlimited bandwidth, but they do have a fair usage policy in place. While they don't explicitly mention throttling, their policy focuses on preventing abuse of resources. In general, DreamHost has a reputation for being lenient with their usage policies, making it a good choice for flat-rate pricing.

  2. A2 Hosting (www.a2hosting.com): A2 Hosting offers VPS plans starting at $5/month, which include unmetered bandwidth. They don't explicitly mention throttling, but their policy is centered around preventing abuse and ensuring fair usage of resources. A2 Hosting is known for its customer-friendly approach and resource allocations.

It's important to note that the terms and policies may change, and every provider handles usage differently. Always read the provider's terms of service and fair usage policies to understand the limitations and restrictions that may apply. Reach out to their customer support if you need clarification on their policies or have specific requirements.

When I looked at the DreamHost website, I saw another option for their WordPress hosting plan. Even though I didn't intend to go with WordPress, I decided to ask ChatGPT for an opinion anyhow.

Deven T. Corzine

Hmm, DreamHost has a WordPress hosting plan. Should I be considering that?

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DreamHost's WordPress hosting plan can be a good option if you decide to use WordPress for your blog. They offer managed WordPress hosting plans that are optimized for performance and security. Some benefits of using DreamHost's WordPress hosting include:

  1. Easy installation: DreamHost makes it easy to install and set up WordPress with their one-click installer.

  2. Automatic updates: DreamHost automatically updates the WordPress core and plugins, ensuring that your website is always up to date and secure.

  3. Enhanced security: Their managed WordPress hosting includes built-in server-level security measures to protect your site from hacks and vulnerabilities.

  4. Free SSL certificate: DreamHost provides a free SSL certificate to ensure that your site is secure and compliant with modern web standards.

  5. Daily backups: DreamHost automatically backs up your site daily, making it easy to restore your site in case of data loss or other issues.

  6. 24/7 support: DreamHost offers round-the-clock support via email and live chat to help you with any issues that may arise.

However, since you mentioned that you don't want to use WordPress due to its use of PHP, you might prefer to stick with a static site generator like Jekyll and host it on GitHub Pages or another hosting provider. If you change your mind about WordPress, DreamHost's WordPress hosting is a reliable option to consider.

Of course, I wasn't relying on ChatGPT alone here. During this conversation, I was also using Google and DuckDuckGo to search for good options too. One of the pages I found was a TechRadar article titled "Unlimited vs. metered vs. unmetered bandwidth hosting". After reading this article, I realized that I should be searching for "unmetered" bandwidth rather than "unlimited" bandwidth as the better option.

When I started searching for unmetered options, I found this LowEndBox blog post titled "A 2GB VPS with Unmetered Bandwidth for $1 a Month?!?!?". This post talked about a cheap VPS with 2GB RAM, KVM, 20GB SSD SATA, unmetered 100Mbps traffic and DDoS protection for $0.97/month. Of course, this was only an introductory price; after the first 12 months, it would cost $4.20/month, which still sounded like a decent option.

I wasn't familiar with this LowEndBox website, but this is their description of the site:

LowEndBox is dedicated to helping people run websites and services on low end dedicated servers and cheap virtual private servers, where you only need to pay a few dollars a month. Our mission is to help people find cheap vps hosting.

This certainly sounds like a good resource to keep in mind for anyone looking for a cheap VPS!

I also found another great website to help with the search for a good but cheap VPS for this project, Server Hunter, which lets you search through a huge list of server offers while filtering the offers every way you could imagine: product type (dedicated/hybrid/VPS), pricing, provider, processor, memory, storage, network, software, virtualization type, location and other features. This was an excellent resource.

I searched on Server Hunter for VPS offers with a dedicated IPv4 address and unmetered bandwidth, and started researching each one starting with the cheapest offer, asking ChatGPT about some of them.

Deven T. Corzine

What can you tell me about hostthebest.com?

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As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, I am not familiar with "hostthebest.com" as a web hosting provider. It is possible that the provider has emerged after that date or it is a less popular provider. When considering a web hosting provider, it's important to research their reputation, customer reviews, pricing plans, performance, and customer support to ensure that they will meet your needs.

For well-established and reputable web hosting providers, you can consider companies like DreamHost, SiteGround, Bluehost, or A2 Hosting, among others. These providers have a proven track record of reliable service, performance, and customer support.

ChatGPT is not familiar with this provider? Hmm. I tried searching the site on the archive.org Wayback Machine and found 20 years of snapshots, so why doesn't ChatGPT recognize them? Curious.

Deven T. Corzine

archive.org shows snapshots of hostthebest.com going back 20 years.

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I apologize for the confusion in my previous response. HostTheBest.com seems to be an established web hosting provider that has been around for quite some time. However, it may not be as popular or widely known as some of the other hosting providers I mentioned earlier.

When evaluating HostTheBest.com, it is essential to research their reputation, customer reviews, pricing plans, performance, and customer support. Additionally, compare their offerings with other hosting providers to make sure you choose the one that best meets your needs.

You may also want to consider reaching out to their support team or sales department to ask specific questions about their services and gather more information about the company.

ChatGPT seems to apologize a lot sometimes! At any rate, I continued my research.

Deven T. Corzine

How about "typical.host"?

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"Typical.host" does not appear to be a well-known or popular web hosting provider. A search for the company does not yield any significant results or information about their reputation, customer reviews, pricing plans, or performance.

It is important to choose a reliable and reputable hosting provider to ensure the security, performance, and stability of your website. I recommend considering the more established and popular hosting providers I previously mentioned, such as DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, or DreamHost, among others. These providers have proven track records and are known for their customer support and reliable services.

Hmm, another unpopular choice. ChatGPT sure does seem eager to steer me back to its preferred suggestions! Does it get kickbacks?!

Deven T. Corzine

skysilk.com?

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SkySilk Cloud Services (skysilk.com) is a cloud hosting provider that offers VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting solutions. They have been around for a few years and provide various plans to cater to different needs, including developer, small business, and enterprise solutions.

SkySilk's plans offer a range of resources such as RAM, storage, and CPU cores, depending on your requirements. They also provide features like free DDoS protection, SSD storage, and an easy-to-use management dashboard.

Although SkySilk is not as widely known as some other hosting providers like DigitalOcean, Linode, or Vultr, they have received some positive reviews for their performance and customer support. It could be a viable option for hosting your self-hosted comment system, but it's essential to research their offerings and customer feedback to ensure they meet your requirements and expectations.

From the searching I did, SkySilk does seem like a reputable provider, but their prices seem to have increased substantially from what they were said to be offering a few years ago. Scratch that one, I guess.

Deven T. Corzine

cloudfanatic.net?

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I couldn't find any information about a hosting provider called "cloudfanatic.net." It seems like the domain is not associated with a well-known or established web hosting company. I would recommend considering reputable hosting providers with proven track records and positive customer reviews to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of your hosting solution. Some popular options include DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and many others, depending on your requirements and preferences.

Here we go again. Yes, I got the message about what the popular options are, I'm looking to see if I can find a better option than the popular ones! This particular one seems to have changed their name.

Deven T. Corzine

Looks like they used to be called "Servercheap Inc"

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Servercheap Inc, now known as Cloudfanatic.net, appears to be a smaller web hosting provider. While smaller providers can offer competitive pricing and more personalized support, it's essential to thoroughly research their performance, reliability, and customer service before committing.

When evaluating a hosting provider, consider factors such as uptime guarantees, customer reviews, available features, and the quality of their support team. It's also a good idea to compare their offerings with those of more established providers to ensure you're making an informed decision.

Apparently another nobody, moving on...

As an aside, I asked about the "LXC" logo I had seen listed on many of the plans that SkySilk offered. That didn't ring a bell offhand.

Deven T. Corzine

SkySilk plans show an "LXC" logo on many plans, what does that mean?

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LXC stands for Linux Containers, a lightweight virtualization technology that allows multiple isolated Linux systems (containers) to run on a single host. LXC containers share the same kernel as the host system, which makes them more resource-efficient and faster than traditional virtual machines (VMs) that require a separate kernel for each instance.

When a hosting plan shows an "LXC" logo, it means that the provider is using Linux Containers for virtualization. This can offer better performance and resource management for your hosted applications and services, as LXC containers have lower overhead compared to traditional VMs. However, keep in mind that LXC containers are less isolated from the host system, which could potentially result in a slightly lower security level compared to full virtualization.

Oh, right. I understand about Linux containers, having used Docker containers before. I was pretty sure an LXC container would have root access, but it wouldn't hurt to confirm it.

Deven T. Corzine

Would the LXC container have root access?

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Yes, LXC containers typically provide root access to the container's environment. This allows you to have full control over the software and configuration within the container, as if it were a standalone system. However, this root access is limited to the container itself and does not grant you root access to the host system or other containers running on the same host.

It's essential to be cautious when using root access, as it allows you to perform actions that could potentially harm the container or its data. Always make sure to understand the implications of the commands you run as root and follow best practices for system administration and security.

Then it occurred to me... I want to be able to run Docker containers on my server! I doubted that would be possible here.

Deven T. Corzine

Is it possible to run Docker containers within?

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Running Docker containers inside LXC containers is generally not recommended, as it can lead to compatibility issues and potential security risks. Both LXC and Docker use similar underlying technologies (like cgroups and namespaces), and nesting these containerization methods can create conflicts.

In some cases, it might be technically possible to run Docker inside an LXC container, but it would require significant configuration adjustments and potentially decrease the isolation and security benefits of using containers in the first place.

If you need to use both LXC and Docker containers, it's better to run them separately on the same host or use a container orchestration platform like Kubernetes to manage them. This approach allows you to maintain proper isolation and take advantage of the respective benefits of each containerization method.

Okay, LXC container plans are out. Meanwhile, I'm also checking into ChatGPT's favored options too. When I checked the linode.com website, I discovered that Linode was acquired by Akamai in early 2022. Since that option appeared to be confusing and in flux, I decided to skip it. How about DigitalOcean?

Deven T. Corzine

It appears Linode was acquired by Akamai. Tell me more about DigitalOcean.

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DigitalOcean is a popular cloud infrastructure provider founded in 2011 by Ben Uretsky, Moisey Uretsky, Mitch Wainer, Alec Hartman, and Jeff Carr. The company focuses on providing simple, scalable, and cost-effective cloud solutions for developers, startups, and small-to-medium-sized businesses.

DigitalOcean's primary offerings include:

  1. Droplets: These are scalable virtual private servers (VPS) that can be quickly deployed and customized to match various computing needs. Droplets can be created with different configurations of CPU, RAM, and storage to suit specific use cases and performance requirements.

  2. Kubernetes: DigitalOcean offers a managed Kubernetes service that simplifies container orchestration and deployment. This service helps developers manage and scale containerized applications easily.

  3. App Platform: A platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering that simplifies application deployment, management, and scaling. It supports several popular programming languages and frameworks, including Node.js, Python, Go, PHP, Ruby, and more.

  4. Block Storage: Scalable, high-performance SSD-based storage that can be attached to Droplets to expand storage capacity.

  5. Object Storage: DigitalOcean Spaces is an S3-compatible object storage service, suitable for storing and serving large amounts of unstructured data like images, videos, and backups.

  6. Databases: Managed databases for popular databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Redis, which can be quickly deployed and scaled as needed.

  7. Networking: Various networking solutions, including Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), floating IPs, load balancers, and Cloud Firewalls, to enhance connectivity and security.

  8. Marketplace: A collection of pre-configured applications and development stacks that can be quickly deployed on DigitalOcean infrastructure.

DigitalOcean is known for its simplicity, user-friendly interface, extensive documentation, and active community. The company offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with competitive rates compared to other cloud providers. DigitalOcean has data centers across the globe, ensuring low-latency access and redundancy for its customers.

Okay, sounds like a decent provider indeed. But what about the bandwidth?

Deven T. Corzine

Does DigitalOcean have unmetered plans?

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DigitalOcean does not offer unmetered plans. They charge for bandwidth usage on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning you'll be billed for the data transfer used by your Droplets (virtual private servers) and other services. However, their pricing model is competitive, and they offer a generous amount of free bandwidth with each Droplet.

For example, at the time of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the most basic Droplet plan included 1 TB of free outbound data transfer per month. If your usage exceeds the free transfer limit, you will be charged for additional data transfer at a specific rate per gigabyte (which may vary by region).

It's important to note that inbound data transfer to your Droplets is free and does not count towards your bandwidth usage. Also, data transfer between Droplets within the same data center is free and not counted towards the limit.

You can monitor your bandwidth usage through the DigitalOcean control panel, and it's a good idea to keep an eye on it to avoid unexpected costs if your usage increases beyond the included free transfer amount.

Pay-as-you-go bandwidth? No thanks. That's what I'm trying to avoid!

Okay, time to try a different approach...

Deven T. Corzine

What are the best cheap plans from reputable hosting providers with unmetered bandwidth?

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Finding the perfect balance between price, reputation, and unmetered bandwidth can be challenging. Here are some hosting providers that offer relatively inexpensive plans with unmetered bandwidth. Keep in mind that the specifics of these plans may change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the provider's website for the most up-to-date information:

  1. A2 Hosting:
    • They offer shared hosting plans with unmetered bandwidth. Their "Lite" plan is their most affordable option, which includes a single website, free SSL, and cPanel control panel.
  2. HostGator:
    • Their shared hosting plans come with unmetered bandwidth. The "Hatchling" plan is their cheapest option, allowing for a single domain, free SSL certificate, and a user-friendly control panel.
  3. DreamHost:
    • DreamHost provides shared hosting plans with unmetered bandwidth. Their "Shared Starter" plan allows you to host one website with a free domain, SSL certificate, and the use of their custom control panel.
  4. Bluehost:
    • Bluehost's shared hosting plans also include unmetered bandwidth. Their "Basic" plan is the most affordable and supports one website, a free domain, free SSL, and a user-friendly control panel.
  5. SiteGround:
    • SiteGround offers shared hosting plans with unmetered bandwidth. Their "StartUp" plan allows you to host one website, with a free SSL, daily backups, and a custom control panel.

Remember that "unmetered" bandwidth does not necessarily mean "unlimited." Providers may impose certain restrictions or fair usage policies to ensure that their services are not abused. It's essential to review the terms and conditions before choosing a hosting provider to ensure you understand the limitations and guidelines.

Shared hosting plans again? That doesn't sound Docker-friendly!

Deven T. Corzine

Do any of these offer a dedicated VPS with root access that can run Docker containers on it?

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Yes, several of the mentioned hosting providers offer VPS hosting with root access, allowing you to run Docker containers. Here are some details about the VPS offerings of these providers:

  1. A2 Hosting:
    • They offer VPS hosting plans that come with root access and the ability to install Docker. Their unmanaged VPS plans are the most affordable option for developers comfortable with managing their server.
  2. HostGator:
    • HostGator provides VPS hosting with full root access. Their "Snappy 2000" plan is the entry-level VPS plan that allows you to install Docker and manage the server as needed.
  3. DreamHost:
    • DreamHost offers VPS hosting plans with root access, allowing you to run Docker containers. Their "Basic VPS" plan provides a managed environment, while the "Unmanaged VPS" option is more suitable for developers who prefer complete control over the server.
  4. Bluehost:
    • Bluehost's VPS hosting plans also include root access. Their "Standard" plan is the most affordable option, providing you with the ability to install Docker and manage your server.
  5. SiteGround:
    • SiteGround no longer offers traditional VPS hosting plans. They have shifted their focus to cloud hosting, which also provides root access and the ability to run Docker containers. However, their cloud hosting plans are generally more expensive than their shared hosting plans.

All of these providers have different plan options, pricing, and features. It's essential to review their offerings and determine which provider and plan best suit your needs and budget.

Since Server Hunter can search by virtualization type, I decided to narrow the search based on which types could run Docker containers.

Deven T. Corzine

Which of these virtualization types would allow the virtual server to run Docker containers without difficulty?
Hyper-V
KVM
LXC
OpenVZ
Other
Xen
VMware

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The virtualization types that allow you to run Docker containers without difficulty are:

  1. KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine): KVM is a full virtualization solution that provides each virtual server with dedicated resources and complete isolation from other virtual machines. It allows you to run Docker containers without any issues.

  2. Xen: Xen is another full virtualization solution that provides dedicated resources and isolation for virtual machines. You can run Docker containers on Xen-based virtual servers without any problems.

  3. VMware: VMware is a popular virtualization platform that also allows you to run Docker containers without any issues. It provides full virtualization and resource isolation for virtual machines.

  4. Hyper-V: Hyper-V is a virtualization technology developed by Microsoft. It is a full virtualization solution that enables you to run Docker containers without any difficulties.

LXC and OpenVZ are container-based virtualization technologies, which means they share the host kernel and might have limitations when it comes to running Docker containers. While it is technically possible to run Docker within LXC or OpenVZ, it's generally not recommended due to potential compatibility and security concerns.

For the best experience when running Docker containers, it is recommended to use a full virtualization solution like KVM, Xen, VMware, or Hyper-V.

At this point, it occurred to me to ask about the Server Hunter website, although it did seem legit to me.

Deven T. Corzine

How reputable is serverhunter.com?

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ServerHunter.com is a web hosting comparison platform that helps users find and compare various hosting providers and their plans. It gathers information from numerous hosting providers and presents it in a user-friendly way, making it easier for users to make informed decisions when choosing a hosting service.

While ServerHunter.com does provide a valuable service, it's essential to keep in mind that it is a comparison platform and not a hosting provider itself. It is always a good idea to research individual hosting providers and read reviews from trusted sources before making a final decision.

As a comparison platform, ServerHunter.com seems to have a positive reputation and has been mentioned in several online articles and forums related to web hosting. However, it's still essential to do your own research and use multiple sources when evaluating hosting providers and their plans.

Deven T. Corzine

Are there similar server comparison sites?

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Yes, there are several other server comparison sites that can help you find the best hosting provider and plan for your needs. Some of these include:

  1. WebHostingGeeks.com: Web Hosting Geeks is a web hosting review and comparison site that offers information on various hosting providers, their plans, and features. It also includes user reviews to help you make an informed decision.

  2. HostingAdvice.com: HostingAdvice.com provides comprehensive reviews, comparisons, and guides for a wide range of hosting providers and services. The site covers shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated servers, and more.

  3. HostAdvice.com: HostAdvice.com is another web hosting comparison site that offers detailed reviews, comparisons, and guides on hosting providers and their plans. It also features user reviews to help you make an informed decision.

  4. WebHostingTalk.com: WebHostingTalk is a popular online forum where users can discuss and share information about web hosting services, providers, and related topics. While not a direct comparison site, it can be a valuable resource for finding information and opinions on various hosting providers and plans.

  5. WhoIsHostingThis.com: WhoIsHostingThis.com is a web hosting comparison site that offers detailed reviews and comparisons of various hosting providers and plans. It also includes user-generated reviews and a tool to help you determine which hosting provider is hosting a specific website.

These are just a few examples of server comparison sites available online. Remember to do thorough research and read multiple reviews before choosing a hosting provider and plan.

At this point, I found an offer from BuyVM that looked really good, so I asked ChatGPT about this hosting provider.

Deven T. Corzine

What do you know about BuyVM/frantech.ca?

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BuyVM, a part of the FranTech Solutions group, is a web hosting provider known for its affordable and reliable hosting services. They offer a range of hosting solutions, including Virtual Private Servers (VPS), dedicated servers, and shared hosting. Here are some key points about BuyVM and FranTech Solutions:

  1. Founded in 2010: FranTech Solutions, the parent company of BuyVM, has been in the hosting industry for over a decade, which indicates a level of stability and experience in the market.

  2. Affordable hosting options: BuyVM is known for its budget-friendly VPS hosting plans, which cater to different needs and requirements. They offer various packages with different resource allocations, making it easy for customers to choose a plan that suits their specific needs.

  3. KVM virtualization: BuyVM uses KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) virtualization technology for its VPS hosting. KVM provides better isolation and performance compared to some other virtualization technologies, allowing for a more stable hosting environment.

  4. SLA-backed uptime: BuyVM offers a 99.9% uptime Service Level Agreement (SLA) for their hosting services, ensuring that customers can expect reliable service and minimal downtime.

  5. Data center locations: BuyVM has multiple data center locations in the United States and Europe, allowing customers to choose a location that best suits their target audience for better performance and latency.

  6. Custom control panel: BuyVM offers a custom-built control panel called Stallion, which provides users with an easy-to-use interface to manage their hosting services.

  7. Customer support: BuyVM provides customer support through email and a ticket system. While they do not offer live chat or phone support, they have a reputation for providing timely and helpful responses to customer inquiries.

Overall, BuyVM is a reputable hosting provider known for its affordable VPS hosting plans and reliable service. As with any hosting provider, it's essential to research and read user reviews to get a better understanding of their service quality and customer support.

We have a winner! Affordable prices on good plans with full KVM virtualization from a well-established, reputable provider? Great! The SLA, data center options and Stallion control panels are all extra bonuses that I wasn't even factoring into my search. Sure, it would be nice to have live support, but that would drive up their costs and prices. It seems like a fair tradeoff.

I also did some Google searches about the provider. The results looked good, and their customers seem to like them. Paraphrasing here, I recall seeing a post from someone saying that BuyVM focuses on providing good service at affordable prices and that they rely on word-of-mouth instead of advertising. Sounds good to me, I'll give it a try.

The base cost of the plan I chose was only $3.50/month, but that was with no backups. Adding daily backups was only $0.50/month more, so that was a no-brainer. They also offer DDoS protection, but that would cost another $3.00/month. Since that was nearly the cost of the server itself, it didn't seem worth including at this time.

The odds of my blog being targeted for a DDoS attack seem infinitesimal for the foreseeable future, and I don't see much reason to fret over the possibility of being down for hours, or even days. After all, this is a brand-new blog, so there's no audience yet. If it somehow becomes popular someday, I can always add the DDoS protection later. ChatGPT agreed.

Deven T. Corzine

Some providers claim to have free DDOS protection. BuyVM charges an extra $3.00/month to add DDOS protection.

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Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection is an important feature for web hosting providers to offer their customers, as it helps prevent malicious traffic from overwhelming a website or server, leading to downtime and performance issues. Different hosting providers handle DDoS protection in various ways, and some may offer it as a free service, while others charge extra for it.

When a provider offers free DDoS protection, it's usually a basic level of protection that may only be effective against small-scale attacks or the most common types of attacks. This basic level of protection might be sufficient for some users, but it may not be enough to mitigate more sophisticated or larger-scale attacks.

BuyVM charges an additional $3.00/month for their DDoS protection, which may indicate that they offer a more robust or advanced level of protection compared to some of the free options available from other providers. By charging for this service, they might also be able to allocate more resources to their DDoS protection infrastructure, leading to better performance and protection for their customers.

When choosing a hosting provider, it's essential to consider the type of DDoS protection offered and whether the protection level is adequate for your needs. If your website or application is particularly susceptible to DDoS attacks or requires a high level of protection, it might be worth paying extra for a more comprehensive DDoS protection service.

Deven T. Corzine

Their additional charge for DDoS protection includes an additional IP address. Why would that be?

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When a hosting provider offers DDoS protection with an additional IP address, it's typically because the DDoS protection service operates on a separate IP address from your main hosting IP address. This setup provides several benefits:

  1. Isolation: By using a separate IP address for DDoS protection, the provider can isolate the traffic destined for your server. The DDoS protection service will filter the incoming traffic on this separate IP address, allowing only legitimate traffic to reach your server. This setup helps maintain the stability and performance of your main hosting IP address.

  2. Redundancy: Having an additional IP address allows you to switch between the protected IP and your main IP if needed. For instance, if a DDoS attack targets your primary IP address, you can switch to the protected IP address to maintain your website's availability.

  3. Flexibility: An additional IP address provides flexibility in managing your network resources. You can choose to route specific services or applications through the protected IP address while keeping other services on the main IP address. This can be useful if you only need DDoS protection for specific parts of your infrastructure.

  4. Easier management: By separating the DDoS-protected traffic from your regular traffic, it's easier to monitor and manage your network resources. You can more accurately measure the effectiveness of the DDoS protection service and make adjustments as needed.

In summary, an additional IP address for DDoS protection helps to isolate and manage traffic more effectively, providing increased flexibility and redundancy to ensure your website or application remains available during an attack.

Deven T. Corzine

Should I worry about DDoS protection at all? This is just a blog website.

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For a personal blog or a small website, DDoS protection might not be a high priority, especially if you're just starting out. DDoS attacks are more commonly targeted at larger businesses, high-profile websites, and those with controversial content. However, it's essential to be aware that DDoS attacks can happen to anyone, and having some level of protection can be beneficial.

Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to invest in DDoS protection for your blog:

  1. Traffic and audience size: If you have a small audience and low traffic, the likelihood of being targeted by a DDoS attack is relatively low. However, as your blog grows and gains more visibility, the risk may increase.

  2. Nature of your content: If your blog covers controversial topics or attracts strong opinions, there may be a higher likelihood of being targeted by a DDoS attack.

  3. Budget: DDoS protection services can be an additional expense, and you'll need to weigh the cost against the potential benefits for your blog.

  4. Hosting provider features: Some hosting providers include basic DDoS protection as part of their standard offerings. If your hosting provider offers such protection, you may not need to invest in additional services.

In summary, DDoS protection might not be a high priority for a small blog, but it's essential to be aware of the risks and consider the factors above. As your blog grows and gains more visibility, you may want to revisit this decision and consider implementing a DDoS protection solution.

Deven T. Corzine

Can I start without DDoS protection and add it after the fact if I get targeted?

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Yes, you can start without DDoS protection and add it later if you get targeted or feel the need for increased security. Many hosting providers and third-party services offer DDoS protection that can be added to your existing hosting plan without requiring any significant changes to your website.

However, it's essential to keep in mind that adding DDoS protection after an attack has already started may not be as effective as having it in place beforehand. The time it takes to set up the protection and mitigate the attack could result in prolonged downtime or loss of service for your website.

If you're concerned about the potential for DDoS attacks but don't want to invest in protection services upfront, consider choosing a hosting provider that includes basic DDoS protection in their standard hosting plans. This way, you'll have some level of protection from the start without incurring additional costs. As your website grows and the risk of DDoS attacks increases, you can then evaluate whether you need more advanced protection services.

I ordered the VPS server from BuyVM and mentioned some details to ChatGPT.

Deven T. Corzine

I'm going to try this KVM VPS from BuyVM/frantech.ca -- which operating system would be best? CentOS, Debian or Ubuntu?

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The choice between CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu depends on your personal preferences, familiarity with the operating systems, and the specific requirements of your project. All three are popular and reliable Linux distributions, but they have some differences that may influence your decision:

  1. CentOS: CentOS is based on the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and is known for its stability and long-term support. It's often chosen for production environments, especially when running enterprise applications. If you're looking for a stable OS with a strong focus on security and reliability, CentOS is a good choice. However, CentOS tends to have older packages compared to Debian and Ubuntu due to its focus on stability.

  2. Debian: Debian is known for its robustness and stability, and it's the basis for many other Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. It has a vast repository of packages and a strong focus on free software. If you value stability and a broad selection of packages, Debian is an excellent choice. Debian generally strikes a balance between being up-to-date and stable.

  3. Ubuntu: Ubuntu is based on Debian and is one of the most popular Linux distributions. It's known for its ease of use, regular updates, and strong community support. Ubuntu has a more frequent release cycle compared to CentOS and Debian, meaning you'll get newer packages and software more quickly. If you prefer a more user-friendly experience and the latest software, Ubuntu is a great option.

In summary, if you prioritize stability and long-term support, CentOS is a good choice. For a balance between stability and up-to-date packages, Debian is a solid option. If you want a user-friendly experience and the latest software, go with Ubuntu.

As a side note, CentOS has shifted its focus to CentOS Stream, a rolling-release distribution that serves as an upstream for RHEL. This change has led many users to consider alternatives like Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux, which aim to provide the same stability and long-term support as the original CentOS.

Deven T. Corzine

I'll go with Ubuntu. That's what I use with WSL on my laptop too. It has a part of the configuration page under a section header of "Configure Server" and a label of "Service Name" on the input box, which was prepopulated with a value of "SLICE-183963". Any idea what this is?

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The "Service Name" field is likely used by BuyVM/frantech.ca to internally identify and manage your VPS instance. This prepopulated value "SLICE-183963" is probably an automatically generated name assigned to your new VPS.

In most cases, you don't need to worry about this field, and you can keep the default value. However, you might want to change it to something more descriptive and meaningful to you, especially if you plan to manage multiple VPS instances. This can make it easier to identify and manage your VPS instances from the provider's control panel. For example, you could use something like "CodeReflectionsBlog" as the service name to make it more recognizable.

Deven T. Corzine

I can probably change this name later?

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Yes, you should be able to change the "Service Name" later through the hosting provider's control panel or customer dashboard. Generally, hosting providers allow you to update and manage various aspects of your VPS, including its name, for easier management.

If you have any trouble changing the name later or if you're unsure how to do it, you can always reach out to the hosting provider's support team for assistance.

Here's the details on the VPS plan I ordered:

Deven T. Corzine

Okay, I've placed the order for the VPS from BuyVM/frantech.ca. The product name is "Las Vegas - AMD RYZEN KVM - LV RYZEN KVM 1GB" and the specs are: 1 GB DDR4 RAM, 1 CPU Core @ 3.9 GHz+, 20 GB NVME Storage, 1 IPv4 + /48 IPv6, 1000Mbit Unmetered BW, DDoS Protection Available, BGP Session Available. The base price is $3.50 USD per month, and I added the automatic daily backups for another $0.50 USD per month, so the total is $4.00 USD per month. I didn't sign up for the DDoS protection at this time; that would be another $3.00 USD per month.

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Congratulations on setting up your VPS with BuyVM/frantech.ca! You've chosen a VPS plan with a good balance of resources for a personal blog, and the additional daily backups will provide you with peace of mind in case of data loss.

Now that you have your VPS, you can proceed with setting up your preferred static site generator, comment system, and other necessary tools and services for your blog. If you face any issues or have questions during the setup process, feel free to ask for assistance.

Good luck with your new blog, and I hope it becomes a successful platform for sharing your programming insights and experiences!

Deven T. Corzine

Since this is a KVM VPS, I should be able to easily run any number of Docker containers, right?

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Yes, you can run multiple Docker containers on your KVM VPS without any issues. KVM virtualization provides full virtualization, which means you have an isolated environment with its own kernel, allowing you to run Docker and create containers without restrictions. Just make sure to monitor your resource usage (CPU, RAM, and storage) as you add more containers to ensure that your VPS continues to perform well and doesn't become overloaded.

Thus concludes my quest for a server to use for a comment system and whatever other purposes come to mind. Tomorrow, I'll return to the topic of choosing the blogging platform.