KDX FAQ: ISPs / Hosting

ISPs / Hosting

Can you suggest a good ISP for hosting my KDX Server?

You need to decide which Operating System to use. GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, MS Windows, MacOS X. This may restrict which ISPs you can use.

You also need to decide whether you want dedicated or shared hosting. Dedicated hosting means that you are assigned a whole computer to run your programs -- the computer is all yours to do with as you wish. Whereas with shared hosting, the 1 computer serves multiple customers of the ISP, and thus your KDX Server may run slower. Obviously dedicated hosting is better, but it costs more.

In the dedicated category, we suggest Dreamhost dedicated (OS is Debian Linux). They provide a web-based panel for easier administration of your server (for general tasks that is, not for administration of KDX).

In the shared category, "Linux Virtual Servers" are available. These appear to you as dedicated hosting, but behind the scenes, the computer is actually shared, thus giving you the freedom of a dedicated server with the economy of a shared server. Here are 2 ISPs offering this:

NOTE: You must abide by the Usage Policies of these ISPs or they will cancel your account.

If the OS is Linux or FreeBSD, you will need at least some basic knowledge about how to use a unix-style command line / shell. If you do not know how to use Linux or FreeBSD, then you can learn it using information found on the web using google, or you can purchase a book about it, or you can ask a friend. You will also need an SSH client program:

MS Windows: Putty
MacOS X: Open the "Terminal" program located inside the "Utilities" folder inside the "Applications" folder. Then use the ssh command (for help type "man ssh" and press return);

NOTE: Please do NOT send questions about using Unix / Linux / BSD / SSH to Haxial. For obvious reasons, Haxial cannot provide technical support for products/services provided by other companies/organizations. If you need help with an operating system, you will have to contact the company/organization that produces it.

Can you recommend a good ISP for web hosting? What ISP do you use?

Haxial uses and recommends Dreamhost. They have a "web panel" which makes administration of your website really easy. Replies to support questions have been prompt. Reliable.