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Web host or dedicated server for a social networking site?

If I want to create a social networking site, do I start with a web host or a dedicated server right away? Dedicated server is better and more expensive, but to start the site, is a web host better? Also, can i switch domains to another hosting plan. for example, i bought a domain name from bluehost and switch it to go daddy hosting plan.

Public Comments

1. If you're expecting a lot of traffic, a dedicated box would be better. You could start hosted and switch later on if you need to.
2. Wow.. toss up. If you can find a hosting package that can run your software.. start there. But if you start getting any kind of action you will be switching to a dedicated host or cloud structure pretty quickly I would imagine. ****** Switching hosts is usually a simple matter of changing the DNS server that your domain is associated with. Easy-peasy. Worst case scenario you will have to "unlock" your domain first.
3. Hi, if you’re looking for a nice hosting site, I recommend a couple of the following which don’t cost too much and yet provides everything you need to start your business online. I have a couple of sources I do recommend…you can see sites listed below. Lonex (See Site Listed in the source below) Easy Site Build (See Sited Listed in the source below) Simple Host (See Site Listed in the source below) Nice thing is that you can also grow your site with these hosting companies as well. They both have been good to me and I don’t’ have any issues with them either. Give them a try and see how they work for you. Good Luck, Tony
4. How many users do you have? If you have a few millions and have a marketing/business plan then by any means get a $150 a month dedicated box. But in that case then maybe you don't want to use.. go daddy !? But if you have nothing, then start with a $5 a month shared hosting. If you use something like http://www.ixwebhosting-unlimited-pro.moneysavecenter.com?id=m3y227 you can start small and then move up to whatever you need. And yes you can point your domain to wherever you want.
5. Some dedicated hosting providers offer package for only $30 per month, lower than others. As you are going to publish a networking site, you should go for higher privilege.
6. if you go for a dedicated box you need to be able to run it yourself.. seen as you are asking VERY basic questions on hosting plans maybe you wouldn't have the knowledge to maintain a remote unix box, install software, keep it updated, configure patches and solve all problems that will arise. Also, you don't have any traffic, right? So why not do one step at the time and start from the bottom of the ladder.