If it s done properly, you would never know you weren t on your own private server. You can load software, set up your own cgi-bin directories and generally rock and roll without interference. A good hosting service will make sure there are not too many high-activity sites sharing the same computer. Your only limitations are the amount of hard drive space and bandwidth you are willing to pay for. Some hosting companies will offer several tiers of such service.
Virtual servers are great for most Web sites.
However if you want your site to be highly available and if it could be a busy or dynamically generated site, you will want to host on equipment that is not shared with other sites. Many hosting companies also offer stand-alone systems managed in a similar way. In this scenario you rent storage space in a network server cabinet from your hosting service and pay to access the hosting service s network, which is connected to the Internet. The cabinet may be located in Tele House in Docklands or other properly managed network operations centre. You would place your own or rented computers in the racks and take care of them yourself.