Rails: Install on an external web server?

[Greg the dogsitter]

First off, I'm not sure if "external server" is the correct term. I'm referring to a web server as in, I pay GoofyHosting $10/month for a shared web space on one of their machines.

Can I install Rails on such a web server? I'd somehow need command-line access, right? (SSH? Telnet??) Or is this something that's really only possible on a dedicated or local machine?

Thanks!

GtDS

[IronMac]

Or get a webhost that already has Rails installed.

[clay]

I'm guessing in a shared environment you're not going to be able to install, but I could be wrong. You might ask your host if they'd install it or move you to a server that has Rails. The thought of losing a customer might incline them to meet your request, unless they're a giant faceless blob.

[M A V I C]

As others have said, if it's a shared hosting account you probably wont be able to.

[quote clay]I'm guessing in a shared environment you're not going to be able to install, but I could be wrong. You might ask your host if they'd install it or move you to a server that has Rails. The thought of losing a customer might incline them to meet your request, unless they're a giant faceless blob.
The thought of maintaining one more technology for $10/mo may not appeal to them.

[clay]

agreed, MAVIC, and that's why if they're not keen on installing Rails or letting GTDS install it, he's probably better off finding a host that offers it by default, like IronMac suggested.

[Greg the dogsitter]

Thanks, all.