What is VPS hosting?

Like shared hosting, a VPS still runs on a shared physical server. The difference is that VPS hosting allocates you guaranteed resources. Your RAM, CPU cores, and storage are reserved for you and not shared with others. This means your performance is consistent and based on the VPS plan you choose.

A VPS also gives you complete control over your software and features. You can choose your preferred operating system and run anything from a website or email server to a game or media server.

How does VPS hosting work?

As mentioned above, the only thing you share with VPS hosting is the physical server itself. A physical server is divided into several virtual machines, also known as VPSs. Each VPS runs independently, similar to dedicated hosting, but at a much lower cost.

With a VPS hosting plan, you’re guaranteed:

• Reserved resources (RAM, CPU, and disk space)
• Full root access to your server
• Freedom to choose your operating system
• The ability to scale up or down quickly

Benefits of VPS hosting

VPS hosting can make managing your online projects easier and more efficient. It’s quick to set up, deployment takes just a few minutes, and it’s an affordable way to get dedicated resources. Let’s look at some key benefits.

Easy to scale

VPS hosting is ideal if your website traffic fluctuates. For example, during events like Black Friday, you can upgrade your VPS from 8GB to 12GB of RAM with just one click. After the traffic spike, you can downgrade just as easily. This flexibility ensures your site always meets demand.

Security

With VPS hosting, security is stronger than with shared hosting. An attacker would need to specifically target your virtual server. Even if another VPS on the same physical server is compromised, your VPS remains isolated and unaffected.

There are many reasons why a VPS is a more secure option. Read our article about 8 reasons why VPS makes your website more secure to learn more.

Customisation

With a VPS, the server is truly yours. You set the rules and are free from the limitations of shared hosting. Since your resources are dedicated, you can decide how much capacity you need and even host multiple websites on the same server.

VPS hosting is a great choice if you want a private server with dedicated resources and full control. However, keep in mind that it can be more complex to manage if you’re not technically experienced.

What is a managed VPS?

A VPS gives users total freedom to install almost any software and have complete control. That also means that the admin needs to manage the server, its software and services. This can be difficult and time-consuming. A managed VPS provides many of the same benefits of a normal VPS, but lets the service provider take care of much of the admin work.

Here are some of the tasks a managed VPS provider can handle for you:

• Setup and installation
• Software management and licensing
• Backup and recovery
• Monitoring
• Security and protection
• Performance and scaling

A managed VPS can also include advanced customer support. Taken together, this means that a managed VPS can save you a lot of time, remove the need for an in-house IT specialist, and make VPS hosting accessible to less experienced users.

Should my VPS have Linux or Windows?

When you order a VPS you can typically choose between Linux and Windows. If you choose Linux, there are usually many different distributions available, such as AlmaLinux, CentOS, Debian, or Ubuntu. The best operating system for you depends on your preference, experience, and technical needs.

Linux VPS

A Linux VPS is best for experienced users who want total freedom and control in an open environment. Linux is a highly stable and secure server environment suitable for almost any use case. It supports some of the most popular server technologies and services.

Linux is the world’s most popular operating system for servers. Its open nature makes it flexible, inexpensive, and easy to run for any project, large or small.

Windows VPS

A Windows VPS is best for users who need Windows software. That includes Microsoft software and services such as Exchange and SharePoint. It’s also a good choice for users who are accustomed to Windows’ graphical interface or who want to use features like Windows Remote Desktop to manage their server.

Top VPS use cases

There are thousands of good uses for a VPS. A single VPS can be used for many purposes simultaneously. A well-run VPS can, therefore, replace multiple other services, making it a cheaper and easier option for many. Here are five examples of what you can use a VPS for:

• Run a large e-commerce store or even multiple websites
• Run your private email server
• Start a game server for an online game you like
• Create a sandbox to develop and test a new service
• Store images on your server

If you want more inspiration for your VPS, check out our article on 11 projects you can start with a virtual private server.

Start your VPS today!

Getting started with your new VPS is fast and easy. It will be up and running just minutes after you’ve placed your order. You can then start installing the software and services you need and get your business running on your new performance hosting solution.

You can get started today with no long-term contract, flexible plans, and ultimate flexibility!