Linode

Linode is a virtual server webhosting company. They provide a tiered array of virtual dedicated server solutions using a combination of proprietary and open-source software, allowing from personal to professional levels of service. Due to them being based around User-Mode Linux kernels (UML), they only allow for the use of Linux servers, though their experimentation and eventual transition to XEN will possibly allow Windows servers, as well.

The idea of a dedicated server is that the user can remotely log into it as the root user, and have full control of its capabilities. This is quite different from how shared webhosting works, where you're assigned a directory on the server, and mostly only have the ability to upload files and run web-based scripts, but aren't allowed to run processes of your own (such as chat or game servers). Running a dedicated server means it does whatever the user wants it to do, which may or may not include hosting websites.

The idea behind a virtual dedicated server, which is what a Linode would be, is actually numerous virtual dedicated servers running inside of one physical machine, all sharing its available resources. In the case of Linode, a user is allocated a particular amount of RAM and disk space based on the level of service you pay for. CPU usage is provided in a timeslicing fashion, giving higher levels of service higher priority for their tasks. Disk I/O is also rationed through use of "I/O tokens", which slowly build up over time to a maximum amount, but using your allocated amount too quickly results in a drastic reduction in Linode performance until the tokens can build back up again.

Linode's custom software allows for easy management of disk partitions and OS installation, as well. It is, in fact, as easy as "point and click" to install a Linux distro. The nature of a dedicated server however means it has no immediate purpose, so turning a freshly installed Linux distro into a full-fledged web and email host requires advanced knowledge of the operating system and software involved. This is where managed webhosting is advantageous for someone who either isn't knowledgable on the subject or simply doesn't want to deal with the complexities of running their own server.

Fybertech has run off of a Linode since June of 2005, which allows for the private chat server and IdleRPG bot to be employed there.