Hosting with SSH Comparison UK

by Christopher Prüfer Web hosting expert

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Web Hosting with SSH - a Powerful Tool for Administration

What are the Characteristics of Web Hosting with SSH?

In essence, web hosting with an SSH access is a server fully suitable for hosting a website conventionally. However, the uniqueness of an SSH access also makes it suitable for additional applications. Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol that allows a user to remotely access a computer. It typically does not include a graphical interface but is mostly used in a text-based terminal. It is one of the essential tools for administration, especially in Linux environments. Through SSH, data can be transferred, programs can be executed, directories and files can be managed, and changes within assigned permissions can be made. In conjunction with other programs, it provides convenient options, such as backing up data to remote servers.

Does an SSH Access Lead to Higher Costs?

Whether web hosting with SSH access leads to additional costs depends on the provider and whether it needs to be additionally purchased. Typically, SSH access is already included in the corresponding package. Otherwise, the extra costs for an additional SSH access are usually very minimal, ranging from a few cents to a few euros. However, an account is always limited to one user. In some cases, it is possible to set up multiple accesses, for example, for different employees. For such cases, there are pricing models where costs depend on the number of SSH accounts.

Which Providers Offer Web Hosting with SSH Access?

For basic website hosting, many operators may choose to forego SSH access as setting up and securing SSH involves additional resources and work. However, due to its numerous advantages, it is already integrated into many offerings, especially in the B2B segment. Nearly all major and many smaller providers offer their customers at least an optional SSH access. The main limitation is that SSH is almost exclusively offered for Linux servers, as Microsoft Windows does not support or use the protocol by default.

What are the Pros and Cons of Web Hosting with SSH Access?

Advantages:

• Direct access to the server
• Encrypted connection for communication and data transfer
• Easy, direct download from external sources to the server possible
• Access to Linux standard commands
• Partial ability to run own programs
• Convenient options for file back-up/synchronization
• File management and editing directly on the server
• Packing/unpacking of CMS on the server
• Allows execution of scripts

Disadvantages

• Usually command-based, no graphical interface
• Only available for Linux servers
• Training required
• Users are not alerted to potentially dangerous commands

What are the alternatives to hosting with SSH access?

Initially, the presence of SSH usually does not affect web hosting, as it is a management tool. With its numerous functions, the tool can significantly enhance administration. Alternatively, web hosting typically provides a graphical interface through which similar functions to SSH can be used. However, these are not as efficient and versatile. Alternative protocols like FTP allow for file transfer efficiency similar to SSH but do not offer its extensive functionality. For Microsoft Windows, there is an SSH-like environment called PowerShell available, but it is only minimally used in web hosting.