What is a Virtual Private Server (VPS)?
A virtual private server (VPS), also called a virtual dedicated server (VDS), is a virtual server that appears to the user as a dedicated server but is actually installed on a computer serving multiple Web sites. A single computer can have several VPSs, each one with its own operating system (OS) that runs the hosting software for a particular user.
The VPS alternative is often chosen by small businesses that need a customized Web site but cannot afford a dedicated server. Another useful aspect of VPS technology is the ability of a single subscriber to maintain multiple virtual servers. For example a Web site owner might use one server for the production-level Web site and the other for a "dummy site" that can be used to test planned updates, modifications or new programs.
Much is made these days of the advantages, and otherwise, of VPS - or virtual dedicated - hosting, and the questions most often asked are what is it, and when should I use it?
Why Use VPS Hosting?
If you are new to the internet it's more than likely you have heard of the phrases hosting, or VPS hosting. You may not understand what this or how it will help you but there are many uses for it. Many individuals may be wondering exactly what VPS Hosting is. A virtual private server (VPS) allows users to divide their server into multiple servers. Each individual server has the capability to run different operating systems as needed. This also allows each individual server to be rebooted as needed without interrupting the other servers. One single individual can use each of the servers for different purposes or they may choose to rent out each of the other servers for profit.
Up until a few years ago the biggest hosting options available to companies were dedicated or shared hosting. With the modern changes that have been made recently businesses can benefit from Hosting. They can have full control of their website which has often been compared to a managed dedicated hosting but without the high price tag. With this type of hosting you have the benefits of having technical support that takes care of all of the tedious work such as security monitoring, updates, backups, or anything else that needs to be done.
You can run and host as many websites as you like with VPS Hosting. They only factor that will play a part on how many websites you can host is the amount of disk space required. Each VPS Hosting plan has a specific amount of space that can be used so you will want to make sure you do not exceed that limit. If you go over your allowed disk space it may cause all of your sites to go down until you either remove a few of the sites or have the service provider to increase your allowed space. If you know on average how much space your website or websites use it may be in your best interest to place an order for Hosting that is a bit larger than you normally use which will give room to grow.
Controlling your VPS Hosting can be done remotely from your desktop. You always have complete control over it using an admin control panel. Each service provider usually installs some type of control panel which will allow you to access your VPS hosting as needed. The type of control panel varies from one company to another and at times you can pay an extra fee to upgrade to a better control panel. You are the administrator of your hosting and can often install other types of programs as needed. The price that you pay will depend on the type of VPS Hosting you order and the amount of space needed.
So should you use a VPS, or not?
This is a question that is, in truth, entirely up to the user. The cost advantages of virtual dedicated hosting can be of great benefit to those who have personal websites - for blogs, for instance - and also for those who have small businesses that can not justify the expense of dedicated server hosting.
Many companies offer VPS services as part of their package, and these tend to be geared towards the above type of user. The question you need to ask is how much your business - or blog - is likely to grow in a given time, and whether the use of VPS will simply be a stop gap, or a long term answer.
There are no hard and fast rules as to whether you should or should not use virtual dedicated hosting, and it is worth asking the question of the hosting outfit as to whether the option would be best, or even advisable, for your needs.