So yesterday I posted about the best shared hosting company. But over time, you’ll eventually outgrow a shared host. That’s when it’s time to start thinking about a dedicated server!

Dedicated Hosting is the exact opposite of the shared variety. Instead of sharing the server with other customers, the hardware is dedicated exclusively to your website needs.

Since you are not forced to share resources, dedicated hosting can provide you with a superior level of control, flexibility and performance. This is an arrangement where you can choose your own operating system, install your own software applications, and incorporate the security mechanisms you feel will provide the server with the best protection.

It also a scenario that requires you to have a certain skill set in order to administer and maintain the server. Unlike shared web hosting, dedicated hosting is not recommended for the inexperienced user.

So who do I use for my dedicated hosting needs?

The Planet is the #1 dedicated hosting provide in the WORLD. They serve more than 20,000 businesses worldwide and more than 15.7 million Web sites.. They must be doing something right.

If you get a server through them, I’d recommend getting the Alpha Server Monitoring and Security Bundle option. It gives you some of the features of a managed host, but without the full expense! And you can always get rid of down the line when you’re more comfortable handing the administration and security aspects of your box.

Also, be sure to add the cPanel/WHM option – It’s a $0 cost option, but disabled by default. You’ll thank me later!

Once you get your server up and running, you should setup a firewall. I use CSF (ConfigServer Security & Firewall), and it’s great! Plus, it integrates with cPanel, which makes life that much easier.

So there you have it. If you need a dedicated server, get it through The Planet. It’s a nightmare to move to a different provider down the line, so get it right the first time so you can set it and forget it!