What Is VPS Hosting? Your Ultimate Guide

VPS hosting uses virtualization to divide a single physical machine into multiple virtual private server environments that share resources. Thus, the hardware is used more efficiently for hosting purposes.

Each user gets a ready-to-deploy virtual machine with fixed resources they can configure to their liking.

As such, VPS hosting represents a much-appreciated alternative for those who want to focus primarily on their website or application without handling the management side, which often tends to be costly and complex.

Despite being split into numerous partitions, a virtual private server acts as an independent dedicated server with a reserved amount of resources, running its own operating system.

You have full administrative rights and get to install any software you want within the scope of your VPS plan (allotted disk space, RAM, etc.).

As a result, you gain more control, customization, and computing resources than with shared hosting, while the hosting provider manages the underlying infrastructure to deliver reliable and consistent performance.

VPS vs. Cloud, Shared, and Dedicated Servers

In the grand scheme of things, a VPS sits between a shared and dedicated server. On the one hand, you have exclusive access to your portion of hardware and resources, while on the other, you still share the rest of the physical server.

The most comparable option would be cloud hosting, which also employs virtualized systems.

However, a cloud server uses a networked pool of hardware and software. Since physical resources don’t restrict it, a cloud server distributes additional resources dynamically when the workload demands them, thus providing more flexibility.

Advantages of VPS Hosting

There are plenty of reasons why VPS hosting should be the primary target for small and medium businesses looking to upgrade from shared hosting but aren’t yet willing to invest in a dedicated server:

• Tailor-made resources: You won’t break a sweat upgrading (or downgrading, for that matter) the number of CPUs, RAM, disk space, and other resources based on your current and/or expected usage without experiencing downtime. Such flexibility practically guarantees your needs are met at any time, which is precisely why VPS hosting is favored by so many.

• Performance you can rely on: Having a predetermined share of resources leads to consistent performance as each user’s resources are isolated from others. This also means less chance of your site running into potential hiccups or being affected by other users on the server.

• More control: Root access to your server hands the reins over to you so you can install and configure the operating system, control panel, and other software you deem necessary. Tailoring the hosting environment is highly beneficial for those with custom applications or particular technical specifications.

• Great price-to-performance ratio: It’s tough to beat VPS hosting in terms of what you get and pay for. The value proposition is that SMBs and tech-proficient users can enjoy dedicated resources and customization options without forking over serious money.

• Better security: When compared to a shared server, a VPS is inherently the more secure alternative thanks to the aforementioned isolation, but also due to the possibility of configuring precise security measures to beef up the protection of your assets.

Though some technical knowledge will be rather welcome to make the most of it, VPS hosting delivers a balanced solution that won’t burn a hole in your bank account.

I’ve already outlined the general principle behind a VPS, but it’s safe to say there’s more going on behind the curtains.

Virtualization Technology

It all starts with a hypervisor (AKA virtual machine monitor), a virtual layer that a hosting provider installs on top of the physical server’s operating system.

Doing so divides the server into multiple virtual compartments that share resources like network bandwidth and memory space.

Hence, a VPS is both virtual and private. The virtualization technology allows more efficient use of underlying hardware by enabling each compartment (virtual machine) to run its own software (including OS) and function independently.

The process is similar to partitioning your computer for two (or more) bootable drives — one with Windows and one with Linux, for instance.

The more notable instances of virtualization software include VirtualBox, VMware, and Hyper-V.

Allocation of Server Resources

Having a partitioned space on a tangible server grants you the option to set up your site or app within a secure container with guaranteed resources. So, any amount of disk space, memory, CPU cores, and whatnot is yours and yours alone, untouchable by others.

You get faster loading times and less downtime because you have a private environment for your digital assets. At the same time, the demands of other users on the same server don’t affect the performance of your VPS.

Isolation and Security in a VPS Environment

Besides creating a stable hosting environment, the separation at the OS level also contributes to a more secure operation.

Your “stuff” is isolated if other users are hacked or experience similar trouble. Plus, full root access expands your maneuverability as you’re free to install firewalls, patches, and all kinds of security software to keep everything nice and tight.

It’s worth pointing out that security-related risks are far from negligible. You’re still sharing server hardware, which, by default, increases the chances of failure or security breaches.

As with every other type, VPS hosting comes in different forms. To make your decision easier, I’ll break it down based on server maintenance, OS, and infrastructure.

Managed vs. Unmanaged VPS Hosting

Think of managed VPS hosting as a hands-free model where the hosting service handles every aspect of server management.

By contrast, unmanaged hosting puts all of the server-related responsibilities on your shoulders (minus managing only the physical server and its availability — that’s still the job of the hosting provider).

You might also stumble upon semi-managed VPS hosting, which represents the halfway point between user-based daily server administration and essential server management handled by the hosting provider.

Linux vs. Windows VPS Hosting

The choice between running your VPS on Linux, the most popular server OS, or Windows, the most popular overall OS, will depend on several factors.

To begin with, Linux is open-source, so anyone can install it without paying a licensing fee, which isn’t the case with Windows.

That’s why Linux VPS is generally more affordable, but if you’re strictly or largely using Microsoft software (particularly for development and management), Windows VPS will be a more sensible solution.

Being open-source allows Linux VPS to give you more freedom in how your server will be managed.

It’s also considered a more secure option but it does call for some familiarity with the command line as certain tasks are performed via text-based commands. If you’re new to this world, expect a bit of a learning curve.

Another major caveat is the fact that fewer people use Linux than Windows, so most software companies cater to the latter group. After all, Windows is, well, Windows — everybody uses it and knows how to navigate it.

In case your project doesn’t explicitly require or rely on open-source tech, you might want to prioritize Windows VPS.

Cloud VPS Hosting vs. Traditional VPS Hosting

Wait, cloud VPS? Where did that come from?

To make it more interesting (and confusing, I’m sure), some hosting providers offer a cloud version of VPS — a virtual server created on a cloud server that blends the virtualized resources of VPS hosting with dynamic provisioning of cloud hosting.

Each cloud server helps execute a specific set of tasks, while others are ready to jump in if something goes awry.

That way, you get almost instantaneous access to resources from any server in the cloud network and avoid having to tweak your server settings.

Unlike traditional VPS, which sets a fixed monthly cost based on allocated resources, cloud VPS adopts pay-as-you-go pricing, so you only pay for the resources you use.

Consequently, all of the above make cloud VPS hosting a more performant, scalable, reliable, and cost-effective solution than its traditional counterpart.

Nonetheless, some traditional VPS hosting packages can pack an equal punch, if not more.

Settling on a VPS plan opens a world of functionalities, especially if you’re migrating from shared hosting. Here are the defining characteristics:

• Scalability and flexibility: VPS allows you to quickly scale your infrastructure to meet traffic demands. Thanks to the hypervisor, the host computer can share its resources to support other servers and virtual machines.

In just a few clicks, you can add or remove CPU cores, memory, and storage space, often in an automated fashion and without upgrading to a higher-tiered plan or overprovisioning.

• Root access and customization options: You get complete control over server configurations and software installations. This means you can install custom applications, modify the site infrastructure, and add security features, to name a few things.

• Performance and reliability: With a VPS, you’re not sharing your bandwidth with other users on the physical server, so your site will run smoothly. Because you have dedicated resources, you also get faster loading times and snappy performance.

Furthermore, virtualization boosts reliability by reducing the risk of crashes as servers are made of multiple nodes. It also prevents you from unexpectedly running out of storage (a staple of shared hosting).

• Cost-effectiveness: The low cost of initial setup and monthly subscriptions from reputable vendors, which start at just a few bucks, make a VPS a rather wallet-friendly hosting solution. Cloud VPS can be even easier on your cash balance with the pay-as-you-go model.

Assuming you’ve outgrown the most powerful shared hosting plan or need something more dependable, a VPS plan is arguably the right way to go. Guaranteed resources and full control at a low price tag — I doubt you’ll find a better combo elsewhere.

Now that you have a better idea of VPS hosting’s inner workings, it’s time to pay attention to your specific needs in relation to your business’ size and nature of operations.

1. Resource requirements: Typically, VPS users get moderate to high levels of traffic to their site/app. So, take into account the amount of CPU cores, bandwidth, RAM, and disk space you need for a butter-smooth performance. For example, more cores will be required for complex applications, while running multiple programs at the same time will require more RAM.

2. Operating system preferences: This is all about your intended use. Sure, a familiar Windows interface will probably be more suitable for tech newbies, but go for Windows primarily if you aim to use ASP or some other Microsoft-centric app. In virtually every other instance, Linux and one of its distributions will be more suitable.

3. Security considerations: Your task is to check out all the measures and policies implemented to protect your assets from all kinds of online threats. The level of security varies from vendor to vendor, but generally speaking, it includes updating software, patching potential vulnerabilities, configuring firewalls, implementing strong password policies, and monitoring system-wide activity.

4. Budget and pricing plans: Since you’ll be paying a fixed amount (for the most part), your exact requirements will dictate which VPS plan will be the optimal fit for you. The most important thing here is to have the option to scale up when your site starts growing. Most hosting providers offer this, but it’s still prudent to check the small print just in case.

5. Support and customer service: It’s perfectly reasonable to need some assistance down the road, so make certain you know where and how to get it. Ideally, you want someone who is not only available round the clock but also knows their stuff and can resolve matters quickly if you run into any difficulties. An extensive knowledge base in the form of tutorials and FAQs is always a plus.

While by no means any guarantee, considering these aspects will get you as close as possible to finding the VPS that fully aligns with your needs and financial power.

In the next few minutes or so (slightly longer than the time it takes to provision a VPS), we’ll jointly go through obligatory steps to configure everything like a pro.

Choosing a VPS Hosting Provider

Searching for the best VPS hosting company can be exciting but also overwhelming due to the sheer number of alternatives. To make your pick easier, here’s a quick overview of the top 5 VPS hosting providers as tested and reviewed by HostingAdvice.

As you’re trying to distinguish between the top VPS services, consider uptime rates and compliance policies — these are often neglected but very important for staying on top of your online business needs.

Provisioning and Configuring a VPS Instance

This stage refers to creating a fully-fledged virtual server, either manually, automatically, or semi-automatically.

The specific steps will vary slightly depending on your provider, but in the majority of cases, they follow a scripted chain of events, employing APIs to interact with the hypervisor of choice.

In other words, this is where you settle on an OS and its version, storage, and all the bells and whistles.

Once you have that sorted out, it’s time to access your VPS, usually via SSH (Secure Shell protocol), as it can securely send commands to a computer over an unsecured network. Linux comes with SSH built in, while Windows may need an SSH client installed.

Upon connection, you might have to update the server first, create user profiles and set permissions, set up an email box and configure it on your preferred email client, install additional software (web server, database server, etc.), and manage files and directories.

The good news is that most web hosts offer one-click installs that simplify the process. If not, you’ll have to follow tutorials or contact support.

Securing and Optimizing a VPS Environment

Updating and securing the system warrants special attention, which is why this is a separate section.

Remember: You are responsible for securing your own VPS environment. This encompasses software updates, user access management, and configuration of security tools. If technical expertise is your weak spot, grab a managed VPS plan.

Every VPS hosting provider worth its salt offers several standard security features as part of its VPS plans. These include firewalls, malware detection, DDoS protection, and free and paid SSL certificates.

Most VPS plans come with a built-in firewall based on predefined rules, so that will be one less worry on your mind. Still, that doesn’t necessarily imply that you don’t need to look under the hood.

It’s vital to configure the firewall precisely, allowing only mandatory ports and services for normal traffic while blocking other potentially malicious traffic.

That’s not all. You need to install SSL certificates for data encryption.

Some control panels offered by hosting services have built-in integrations with Let’s Encrypt, a free and automated certificate authority you can use to automatically issue, install, and renew an SSL certificate for each site you host.

It’s also a good idea to disable root logins to reduce the chance of a hacker gaining control and mitigate brute-force attacks.

From an optimization angle, the number one thing is to update your software on a regular basis. This includes the OS kernel and all your software apps. If you have a database, set up its indexes and delete old data to improve retrieval speed.

An effective strategy for speeding up your VPS is to use content caching and a CDN, as they can considerably minimize latency issues and make your site load much faster.

Similarly, employing a load balancer will do wonders for a consistently responsive website. If you’re confident in your coding abilities, you can always try to minimize the code for each page for an extra boost.

Regular Backups and Disaster Recovery Plans

A smart play is to craft and stick to a backup strategy to protect your data in case of unforeseen events (we all know how damaging these can be).

Schedule daily or weekly backups at a specific time to capture all of the data, the changes since the previous backup, or only the latest changes. Be sure to store them on another server and locally to reduce the chance of data loss.

If the worst happens and you have to start all over, a clearly outlined disaster recovery plan will help immensely. It should include details on performing data restoration, reinstalling specific software, and tweaking settings for standard operations.

Monitoring and Maintenance

To fully take control of your VPS performance, you’ll need a monitoring tool like Zabbix. It will allow you to keep track of what’s going on to identify and address potential bottlenecks and performance hitches.

You can monitor resource usage, uptime, and overall performance and receive alerts if predetermined thresholds are passed.

The upkeep strategy will depend on the size of your website and its demands, but whichever way you slice and dice it, frequent security audits and backups are non-negotiable.

Such MO on your part can stave off trouble and maintain a consistently high user experience. In the event you’re short on time and/or manpower, third-party services can do this for you.

All this talk sounds nice, but are you still unsure if a VPS is the right fit? Here are common uses that may sway you to go for it:

• Website hosting and development: The most obvious and popular use suitable for almost any type of website. VPS is a great solution if you’ve transcended the limitations of your shared hosting plan, need consistent performance, or simply seek more control and flexibility.

• eCommerce platforms: Online stores that handle payments and assorted confidential data turn to VPS hosting, as it’s a reliable choice in protecting against cybercrime. It facilitates a speedy and stable environment where online transactions can occur freely. The option to add resources on demand ahead of anticipated traffic spikes is just icing on the cake.

• Application hosting: The wide array of flexible configurations and customizations means you can tailor your server exactly to your application’s framework. You can configure your server to suit your application’s ideal requirements. And since applications and websites need constant resources, you can use the ones a virtual server provides on demand.

• Development and testing environments: The cost-effectiveness of a VPS is a major benefit for developing and rigorously testing new applications as it eliminates the need for a costly and high-maintenance dedicated server.

In addition, developers can effortlessly check different versions of the developer code or work together simultaneously to test and update code. VPSes are secure and fast, so you can tinker around in a live setting worry-free before officially launching.

• Virtual private networks (VPNs): This is one of the more interesting uses, though tricky. A handful of providers offer servers with preinstalled VPN protocols and accompanying tutorials, taking away much of the manual setup. Otherwise, you’ll need a ready-made script to install and configure a VPN, but either way, you get an added layer of protection and anonymity on the web.

Lately, there have been more instances of a VPS being used for secondary storage, either as a file or email server, due to its centralized and secure access. The bottom line is that it’s a versatile type of hosting that will likely check all the boxes.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better low-cost step up in performance and security than VPS hosting. Yes, it’s not bulletproof, and it requires some security awareness and effort on your part.

That said, the sweet spot it so effortlessly hits between being cheap and delivering on its promise is almost unparalleled in the hosting world.

A VPS should be a no-brainer when your website slows down or if you run an online store, at least for now. If the innate technical responsibility scares you, don’t forget that managed services can remedy the situation.

When all is said and done, what more can you ask for?