Virtual Private Server (VPS)
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is like a dedicated server except that there can be more than one VPS installed on the server.
Even though you are sharing one physical server with other users, a VPS simulates a dedicated server hosting environment. Your hosting provider installs a hypervisor—a virtual layer—on top of the operating system (OS) of the physical server that divides it into virtual compartments. This layer enables each of these compartments to run its own OS and software, allowing each environment to function independently from one another. Even though you are technically sharing resources with other users, your resources are guaranteed. You pay for a defined amount, which is allocated to your VPS and cannot be used by another account.
VPS vs. Dedicated Server
To understand the differences between a VPS and a dedicated server, let's look at the different types of web hosting services available:
- Shared hosting - is when multiple users share a single physical
server and all of its resources. However, you are not allocated a set amount
of resources, meaning your website’s computing power and memory can be affected
by the needs of other users.
- Dedicated hosting - provides an entire physical server and all of
its resources are reserved for your business alone. You get full control over
everything, from hardware to operating system to custom server software.
- VPS hosting - sits at the midpoint between shared hosting and dedicated hosting. Unlike shared hosting, you get a defined amount of resources allocated to your VPS. Plus, you can enjoy many advantages of dedicated hosting for a more affordable price, including your own OS, server applications, and root access control.
Advantages
The main advantages of using a VPS is security and the freedom to install/customise system level software.
Disadvantages
While a VPS can have huge cost savings, it can come at a price:
- Shared server resources - one has no idea how many VPS are running
on the server and each VPS is assigned only a portion of the servers CPU and
memory resources. 2 GB of ram is the bare essential for Linux and Windows
needs a lot more.
- Shared bandwidth - while you should be guaranteed your share of the server's memory resources, that may not be the case with bandwidth. Each web host will have a maximum limit and they in turn will assign a limit to each server. When the server is busy everything can slow down and in worse case scenarios - time out.
VPS Control Panel Software
On a WINDOWS server, working remotely and editing everything from server config to creating web pages doesn't get better than when using a Remote Desktop Connection (RDC). RDC may be installed but may need activating before access is possible, mainly due to the security inolications. The best practice when enabling RDC is to limit access by IP address but one does need a fixed IP address asigned. Most Internet Service Providers (ISP) can and will assign a fixed IP address for a small fee.
On a LINUX server you may a choice of a few different Control Panel solutions offered by your web host. But be warned that some can corrupt modules like Apache by replacing them with their own custom version. They do that to control configuration and server settings, but it can cause conficts with third party software. If one has any experience in server setup, best to have your VPS installed without a Control Panel and then by using SSH, install Webmin which is much more sophisticated without altering core software.
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