Most users are well aware of the fact that cheap hosting services come with a few setbacks and one of the major inconveniences is that they are unable to edit their servers. To put it simply, while you can add domains, upload things to the site, install scripts and PHPs, you will simply not be able to make any modifications to it.
Sure, the overall situation is rather frustrating, considering that you can’t even update a language version on the shared server. Not to mention the fact that you are probably tired of asking the host to help you on this one and get constantly refused. However, the truth is that the shared host has its own reasons for saying a firm “no”, namely:
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You don’t have the expertise to do it
Despite the fact that you have been successfully managing your websites for quite some time that does not automatically imply you have the necessary knowledge to add a new language or to edit the Apache settings. Furthermore, even if you had extended knowledge in the field, don’t forget that the shared server is already configured and optimized to provide a satisfying experience for ALL users. Who is to say that a minor modification you make won’t backfire and seriously affect the server’s performance and reliability?
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Your modifications might not be needed by the other users
Due to its nature, a shared server is an environment where all the users on the same machine benefit from the same software, features and settings. Consequentially, the revisions you intend to make will not affect your sites and accounts, but other users’ websites as well. Because chances are you have no idea what the other clients have installed, you have no method of predicting how the new changes will affect them. The bottom line is that for the host the overall stability of the server constitutes a priority.
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Applying changes means altering the platform support
Since the hosting service is built around a certain platform, applying adjustments could also mean having to make changes to the platform itself. To put it simply, your modifications could mean the hosting company needs to disrupt its services to all customers to accommodate your demands. Alternatively, they would be forced to hire an IT team to be at your disposal whenever you encounter server issues.
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Perhaps those adjustments are not really that important or necessary
More often than not, some webmasters go ahead and apply modifications only to realize that the “upgrade” was not as necessary or crucial as they initially thought. Frankly, in an overwhelming 99% of the cases, the sites’ owners are perfectly fine with the basic shared server running on a standard set of scripts. In the light of these facts, it is necessary to point out that your server is already working well and built to support various scripts and plug-ins. If you simply cannot manage to edit the server then there are high chances your plug-in/script is redundant or has a more feasible alternative.
