I'm thinking about getting a dedicated server to host clients on... I'm just getting my first "real" job. I will be hosting him so I think I should go with dedicated hosting because it's more reliable and I will have full control. I don't think I would feel safe putting a bunch of people, when I start getting more jobs, on a shared server... wouldn't work out too well.

I will, probably, get half of my payment upfront which could be used to start it up and pay off whatever he doesn't pay for hosting until I get more customers. What do you guys think of this? Any suggestions for "cheap-ish" hosting, though I'm leaning more towards reliability. I was thinking I could start out small and upgrade if I needed more ram/space/whatever. Is this a good idea? Suggestions are very much appreciated...

Thanks,
Luke

If you've got a small user base, go with a VPS, you get exactly the same level of control, but it costs less. If your client base grows out of your vps, then you can move to a dedicated. If they are static websites which require no special server configuration, you could go with perhaps a reseller account, or if you want to maintain control a shared hosting account which allows you to host multiple domains would also be an option.

Dedicated tend to be pricey, if work dries up for a small period and you can't pay the bills on time, all your clients sites will drop, much better opting for a cheaper option until you have the capital to maintain it.

Alright... so I got a suggestion to use VPS from Crown too. Seems to fit my needs. We'll see what I do eventually. I won't need to make a decision for a little while though.

Thanks Bread!

Luke

I have to agree with bread. From experience, it is best you get a VPS over dedicated for portfolio work (in easier terms, projects you make). I am currently doing that with my portfolio and have nearly 20-30 projects. I asked the same question around forums before deciding and now I'm glad I made that decision.

Best of luck with your decision.

Seconding the recommendation for a VPS.

Well, now that RetroHost and NEK Media have merged, you can help paranoid with that side of things if you would like.

Jacob.

Meh?? What would you like my help with?

Well I have only one site hosted on my dedicated server (Not vps actual machine). Because my dedicated machine is on a slow connection I might be also moving to a vps. Does anyone any good vps companies?

NEK Media Inc. Hosting will start very soon. We can offer a very competitive rate. If you want to know more, PM me.

Jacob.

you should go VPS to start out with like they said I for one use
http://www.ultrahosting.com/Plans-VPS.aspx?ServiceID=9


they have been more the helpful to me =)

I was in the market for one and came across:
https://www.rapidvps.com/

I only didn't opt for them as the dedicated I was moving the client from used Plesk and for the easiest transition (and UK support on the end of the phone) I found a UK company who provided it:
http://ehosting.co.uk

Reviews for rapidvps were excellent though.

im looking at rapidvps, looks pretty good. Im thinking of buying just the small one first.