Cloud servers and virtual servers each have their own features and benefits. Knowing the difference between the two makes choosing which server to opt for simple and less time consuming.

Cloud servers are a network of servers which basically means they are all connected to one another. A cloud server has the ability to offer reliability and scalability. If one server in the vast network of servers crashes, is offline, then the client, the person renting the server, is not affected. The others servers within the network pick up the slack created by the crashed server, leaving service to the client uninterrupted. Furthermore, if the clients needs for bandwidth, RAM, and storage space change, they can easily increase their allotted amount of space.

Virtual servers are often described as being similar to dedicated servers. This is because a virtual server is run on its own operating system and is completely separate from other servers. A virtual server is created when one large server is broken down into several completely individual servers. If another server within the large server crashes it does not affect any other servers. Each virtual server has its own bandwidth, RAM, and storage, and may be configured to one client’s needs.

The 1and1 review provides information about the Dynamic Cloud Server. This server offers clients scalability by allowing for adjustments of the processor core amount, disc space, and RAM on an as needed basis. Full root access is given and the Parallels Plesk Panel 10 comes already installed on the servers. Hosting plans are available on two platforms, the Windows and Linux operating systems. Also available is the 1and1 control-center.

Featured administrative tools vary among Windows and Linux hosting plans. Windows hosting comes with the Windows Web Server 2008 with Parallels SB Panel 10 already installed. A list of alternative operating systems include R2 and R2 minimal system OS. Linux hosting comes with the CentOS 5 with Parallels SB 10 already installed with the option of choosing an alternate OS including the 32 and 64 bit minimal system, openSUSE 11.3, Debian 5, and Ubuntu 10.04 all available in different editions.

Performance features include top tier connectivity, AMD processors, and highly secure data centers. Security isn’t an issue with a configurable firewall, GeoTrust certified SSL certificates, and 24/7 technical support.

The 1and1 review also provides information on virtual server hosting plans available in 3 options including the L, XL, and XXL packages. The Virtual Server L package has up to 2048 MB DDR RAM available, 20 GB of storage, and 1000GB per month for traffic allowance. The Virtual Server XL package has up to 4096 MB DDR RAM available, 40 GB of storage, and 2000GB per month for traffic allowance. The Virtual server XXL package has up to 8192 GB MB DDR RAM available, 80 GB of storage, and 2500GB per month for traffic allowance. Features on the virtual servers include configuration and administration, security, domains, operating systems, database and programming, email, marketing and website tools, and customer service. One of the most popular features is the Mobile-APP.

Part of choosing a hosting plan means finding a plan within your budget. When it comes to cost, hosting plans range widely from expensive to affordable. Hosting plans cover more than websites and include email, domain names, and e-commerce. With 1and1 pricing, you are sure to find a plan to fit your needs and stay within budget.

Cloud server hosting provides many options including choosing between a Linux and Windows operating system, adjustable bandwidth and disc space including RAM and storage, and security. Enjoy the first 3 months of service for free, after signing a 12 month contract. After that, pricing plans start at $49.99 per month.

If you plan on running a website that sees slow to medium traffic, then choose a hosted dedicated server plan starting at $29.99 per month, with the first 3 months free after signing on for 12 months. The choice between a Windows or Linux operating platform is yours along with unlimited programming and full root access.

If you need a hosting plan for email, choose a plan that starts at $6.99 a month. For this price, the Business Class Email and Collaboration provides access from your desktop, laptop, and phone. It also includes managed emails, contacts, tasks, and meetings. Sharing contacts, folders, and calendars among colleagues is easy. 1and1 Instant Mail is only $.99 per month and comes with 5 email accounts, 2 GB of mailbox space, and is IMAP and POP3 supported.

Registering a domain name is easy and affordable with 1and1 pricing. Whether you’re running a business website, organization, or providing information, a domain name is available to you at an affordable price. First year pricing includes $.99 for .info, $.99 for .com (one of the most popular), $4.99 for .net, $4.99 for .org, and $9.99 for .ca.

Choosing the right host to fulfill your server needs for e-commerce sites is vital to keep websites secure and running fast and smooth. It’s important that your server can handle the amount of products you’ll be showcasing and selling whether you have 300 or 20,000. For beginner e-shops with up to 50 products, get the first 6 months for free, and then pay $9.99 per month after that. Professional e-shops with up to 20, 000 products can get the first 6 months for free, and then pay $29.99 per month after that. Advanced e-shops with 20,000 products or more, enjoy 6 months of service for free, and then pay $49.99 per month after that. All three packages have a number of features including eBay offer reactivation, delivery zones for states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada, and delivery zones by postal code.

Host a professional website with the first 6 months of service free. The $3.99 plan comes with 10 GB of web space, 1 domain name, 25 subdomains, and 600 email accounts. The plan for $6.99 comes with 150 GB of web space, 2 domains, 100 subdomains, and 1200 email accounts.  For $9.99 get 250 GB of web space, 3 domains, 200 subdomains, and 2500 email accounts. $29.99 will get you 300 GB of web space, 5 domains, 600 subdomains, and 4000 email accounts. Each plan comes with unlimited monthly transfer volume.

With all the hosting plans available to you, how do you know which one is right for you? The solution to choosing the right plan is in knowing the difference between them. The 1and1 hosting plans review makes the choice easy.

A Linux hosting plan is web hosting based on a Linux server. Each server must be run using an operating system. In the case of Linux hosting, a Linux operating system is used. The Linux OS is a based on UNIX, another operating system, meaning it has an open source code. Open source codes can be viewed and accessed by anyone. This is important because when an error is discovered, anyone can fix it, making Linux servers reliable and easily updated.

A Microsoft hosting plan is web hosting based on a Windows server. Windows servers are known for their user friendly interfaces, making the servers easy to use from the start. Microsoft hosting plans are commonly used by businesses that frequently need to make configurations and deploy new applications quickly. Making updates and managing these servers are fairly easy compared to others on the market lending to their popularity among businesses as the 1and1 hosting plans review shows.

With 1and1 hosting, fully featured Linux and Microsoft hosting plans are available at different levels including the beginner, home, business, and developer. The Beginner plans provide 10GB of web space and an unlimited amount of monthly transfer volume. 1 domain name accompanies the plan as well as 25 subdomains. Domain names include .com, .net, .org, .biz, and .info suffixes. Email won’t be a problem with up to 600 accounts available which adds up to 2GB.

The Home plans allot 150GB of web space and an unlimited amount of monthly transfer volume. 2 domain names come with the plan along with the above listed domain suffixes which is the norm with all plans. 100 subdomains are included as well as 2GB of email space or 1200 email accounts.

Business plans offer 250GB of web space along with the standard unlimited amount of monthly transfer volume. 3 domain names and 200 subdomains are built into the plan along with 2500 email accounts amounting to 2GB of space.

For those that need more space, domains, and email accounts, the Developer plan for both Linux and Microsoft hosting is the way to go. With these plans, 300 GB of web space is given along with 5 domain names. Included in the plan are an unlimited monthly transfer volume, 600 subdomains, and 4000 email accounts resulting in 2GB of space.

All are IMAP and POP3 supported. Other features include security, site building tools, a marketing center, email features, communication, support, and additional core features. The first 6 months of service are free with the Home, Business, and Developer plans when you sign on for 12 months of service.

Free software is included in each Linux and Microsoft hosting plan. The Beginner and Home plans come with the NetObjects Fusion 1and1 Edition and the Business and Developer plans are accompanied by Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 or NetObjects Fusion 1and1 Edition. The choice between the two is yours.