Your Server - Self-Hosting vs. VPS: which is right for me?

Self-Hosting vs. VPS: which is right for me?

I have two hosting needs: PHP and Rails. I've had (a bad) experience hosting a PHP site on a shared server. I've also briefly run a simple PHP server for a hobby site with low-availability standards. Now that I'm considering running a serious, large site (Ruby on Rails), in addition to a few small existing PHP sites, should I host myself, or choose a Virtual Private Server? * I have a 3.0GHz P4 / 1GB ram machine I could dedicate to hosting. * I am familiar with general computer security principles, programming, and Linux * I have a Comcast cable connection (no static IP) * I can't imagine spending much more than $50 / mo. to start. I'll add any details you consider relevant.

Public Comments

Lack of static IP could be an issue, as could your ISP's terms & conditions (most ISP's issuing dynamic IP's will have a 'no hosting' clause = if they catch you running a host they may insist you quit or switch to their (no doubt mega-expensive) 'business' tariff)
Do you have a UPS large enough to keep you up for at least an hour? Do you have a generator to keep you up during a prolonged power outage? (Do you have a guaranteed source of fuel for it? If there's no power, the gas stations won't be pumping gas.) If you want to use a real domain name you'll need a static address. (I run corporate networks, I run my own server to play on and I run a hosted site. For a business site, I'd find a good [meaning corporately large] host and let them worry about the problems. Maintaining the site and keeping up with the changing technology is enough work.)
Why VPS? Some shared web hosts can fulfill all your requirements. As an experienced webmaster I recommend BlueHost service which I’m sure it would work for you. They have a really great offer for hosting & I have used them for over 3 yrs now, and have never had a single problem with them. You can go there through the address below: http://bluehost-service.atspace.com Here I have copied and pasted its features from their website to view: - Unlimited Space - Unlimited Transfer - Host UNLIMITED Domains (Support All Domain Names) - 2,500 POP/Imap Email Accounts - SSH (Secure Shell), SSL, FTP, Stats - CGI, Ruby (RoR), Perl, PHP, MySQL - Front Page Extensions - 24/7 Superb/Responsive Sales/Support - Free Search Engine Submission This service was awarded “The Best Web Host OF 2008”. Good Luck!
I recommend http://www.slicehost.com