Types of Hosting

There are several types of hosting. The type you should use depends on your needs, but for the vast majority of new server owners a normal Minecraft hosting plan will be best.

1. A *normal* **Minecraft Hosting Plan** is one of the cheapest, most popular, and easiest methods of owning a server. Essentially, you pay a monthly fee to rent a server from the host.
	* You don't need to worry about hardware and system administration (software).
	* You are given access to a Minecraft **server panel** such as Multicraft or Pterodactyl to access your server files and console.
	* The hosting provider takes care of everything else allowing you to focus on solely your Minecraft server.
	* Minecraft hosting plans like this use shared hosting meaning many different servers are being ran on that single server's/computer's hardware. This isn't normally an issue, but servers with a larger playerbase or use large modpacks may need to use a dedicated server instead.
2. A **Virtual Private Server (VPS)** is the second most common method of hosting a server. A VPS essentially means the host provides you with a certain number of CPU cores and computer resources. They manage the hardware side and you manage the software side.
	* This gives you more control over what can be done because you have access to the operating system directly and administrator permissions.
	* Unfortunately, more control means it is also more difficult to setup, secure, and manage.
	* Most server owners will never need to run their server on a VPS. If you're new to owning servers or/and own a smaller server then it is recommended to hold off on using one of these until you know you actually need one.
	* VPS's use shared computer resources too. There is such thing as a VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server) but these are less common for Minecraft servers.
	* A VPS will be more expensive than a normal server host plan but less expensive than a dedicated server (in most cases).
3. **Dedicated Servers** (AKA **Dedi's**) dedicate all of their computer resources to your programs. The computer resources are not shared with other Minecraft servers. As a result, if you have good computer specs this can be extremely useful for running large servers or modpacks.
	* Dedicated servers provide the most control (for an experienced user) and power. Similar to VPS's, you get direct access to the operating system and administrator control.
	* They are also the most difficult to setup and cost the most by far. It is not uncommon for a dedicated server to cost $80-$130 / month.
4. **Port Forwarding** is a term used to refer to hosting a server on one's own network and computer. Unless you are hosting a private server with a few friends you live near, this is **strongly discouraged** as it comes with countless problems. Port-forwarded servers risk:
	* several security risks,
	* being vulnerable to DDoS,
	* has countless issues that can occur,
	* and requires using your own computer which means your server probably won't be up 24/7.
	* Plus You'll have to do hardware, software, and security repairs yourself.
	* Not to mention your internet speeds may not be fast enough to support your desired playerbase size, especially for a modded server.
	* Lastly your electricity bill may shoot through the roof if you are running your computer & MC server 24/7.
	* All things considered, paying a small monthly fee for a normal server hosting plan is much cheaper (and easier) long term than self hosting.
	* Due to the numerous downsides of this method, tutorials will not be provided for this method.