So What is VPS and Why Would I Use it?
Posted on January 24th, 2009
Here’s what wiki has to say about what a VPS is.
A virtual private server (VPS, also referred to as Virtual Dedicated Server or VDS) is a method of partitioning a physical server computer into multiple servers such that each has the appearance and capabilities of running on its own dedicated machine. Each virtual server can run its own full-fledged operating system, and each server can be independently rebooted.
VPS hosting accounts are usually used as a stepping stone between your basic shared hosting and dedicated server hosting. You receive almost all of the benefits of having your own dedicated host, but there are some limitation as to what can be done with it. Think of it this way. At the low end you have shared hosting, in the middle VPS and at the higher end dedicated hosting.
With a dedicated server, your memory and processor usage would be a little less limited. With VPS hosting you are more in the same boat as shared hosting in that regard. You will be limited in disk space, bandwidth, memory and processor usage. Where a VPS is helpful is when you need the benefits of dedicated hosting such as certain types of script setups and account access – something that is configurable to meet your needs, unlike shared hosting.
VPS is a much needed plan in between shared and dedicated hosting. It allows you a lot more flexibility and control than a shared hosting account, but limits you a bit more than a dedicated server account would.
If VPS offers more customization and control than a shared hosting account but dedicated servers offer more than a VPS, why choose a VPS? For me, it comes down to three main factors.
1. Since a VPS is shared on a single physical server, hosting providers can lower the prices and yet still make more on the physical hardware in the end. Prices for VPS are usually about half or less than a full dedicated hosting server.
2. Many VPS providers will include data backups with their VPS hosting plan. Be that through the utilization of RAID mirroring or off-server backups.
3. VPS hosting accounts can usually be upgraded quite quickly when it comes to memory usage and disk space. The server that hosts your account will usually have those resources sitting in reserve.
There you have it. A simple explanation of virtual private servers and if or why you should use one.
VPS We Recommend:
We recommend any one of the following VPS plans.
– SevenL Networks – www.7l.com