Questions
Why do I need a dedicated server?
Regardless of what type of dedicated server you are looking at the fundamental benefits of having your own server apply. You get your own independent machine which can be configured explicitly to your needs, it cannot be affected by other users either in terms of performance or security.
In a shared hosting environment upgrades to applications cannot be performed quickly or on the request of a single user as it may affect any one of up to 500 other users adversely. In some cases such upgrades will simply not be possible.
In the case of a dedicated server, configuration changes and upgrades to applications need only be tested on your service, the implications of a requested change can affect only you and so can most often be done immediately upon request.
The specification of hardware available today is so much higher than that which is required for the support of most Internet based applications. Dedicating the entire resources of a single machine to your website or application will result in a very fast service.
All dedicated servers run from our Sydney data centre providing a stable environment backed by an inventory of spare components and skilled technicians to ensure faults are quickly rectified (if and when they occur).
Read more about the reasons to for considering dedicated hosting.
What can I use a dedicated server for?
Dedicated or managed servers can be used for a variety of Internet facing applications including:
- Mail servers
- Shared or Virtual hosting servers
- Staging or Development servers
- File servers
- E-commerce applications
What is the difference between the servers?
The servers vary in the level of support and specification of hardware provided. You can customise both of these options on each server pack. Choosing the right server for you is about balancing the cost vs your support requirements and the intended load on the server.
Hardware: A & B servers use minitower chasis, C, D, E & F servers use high end rackmount chasis and components.
Support: A, B, C & D servers come standard with unmanaged support pack whilst E & F servers use Fully managed support pack.
What is the difference between website and email hosting and managed servers?
Website hosting and email hosting services are suitable for small or low volume websites that can be run with in the confines of a shared environment (hundreds of websites typically run on each server). Shared hosting services are typically lower cost (starting at around $30/month). The hardware and support (monitoring, patching, application upgrades, fault rectification, configuration changes etc) costs are spread across all users on the server which results in a lower fee per month.
Managed or dedicated servers provide you with your own server. Anchor is responsible for ensuring the hardware is always working but depending on the support pack selected you will be responsible for configuration changes, fault rectification and patching at various levels. All Anchor support packs are detailed online.
What operating systems is used on Anchor servers?
Anchor supports a number of different Linux distributions and current versions of Windows.
We’ve produced a detailed analysis of supported operating systems.
What application versions are installed and supported?
Only vendor supplied (packaged by Red Hat) applications are installed and supported under the standard server installation and Anchor support packs.
Vendor supplied packages are not always the very latest release for any given application but they ensure that the security and stability of your server is maintained. More importantly, the use of vendor supplied applications ensures that the process of applying security updates and bug patches remains a managable activity.
As all managed servers are dedicated to you, you are free to install an version of an application that you choose. If you have selected the Anchor secure or Anchor complete support packs and you install non-vendor supplied versions of applications, updates to these applications will not fall within the scope of the support pack.
Anchor can install and update non-vendor supplied applications upon request. Any such work will be charged under the remote hands service.
Why do server applications need to be patched?
As all servers deployed are Internet facing they are open to being scanned either by individuals or automated programs. Bugs and security holes are regularly discovered in all programs and operating systems (on both Windows and Linux). The software manufacturers (vendors) usually release fixes to such problems soon after they are discovered. Theses security holes can be used by individuals to gain access to or take over a machine with malicious intent. The only means available to prevent such attacks is the regular application of patches and bug fixes released by the software vendors.
Can I upgrade an existing server from Fedora Project to Red Hat Enterprise Linux?
Yes, but there is no automated upgrade path. To upgrade from Fedora Project to Red Hat Enterpise Linux a second server must be built in parallel and the configuration replicated. All data must then be synchronised between the two servers and a switch made at a nominated time. This process can be carried out by yourself or Anchor. The cost of the migration is not included in any of the support packs, and if performed by Anchor is billed on a consultancy basis using the remote hands service.