What Is Virtual Private Server Hosting?
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Virtual private server hosting (VPS Hosting), also referred to as Virtual Dedicated Hosting (VDS Hosting) or Virtual Private Hosting, 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. The physical server boots normally. It then runs a program that boots each virtual server within a virtualization environment (similar to an emulator). The virtual servers have no direct access to hardware and are usually booted from a disk image.
Virtual private server hosting bridges the gap between shared hosting and dedicated server hosting. It provides independence from other customers of the VPS service in software terms but at less cost than a physical dedicated server.
As a VPS runs its own copy of its operating system, customers have superuser-level access to that operating system instance, and can install almost any software that runs on the OS. Certain software does not run well in a virtualized environment, including firewalls, anti-virus clients, and indeed virtualizers themselves; some VPS providers place further restrictions, but they are generally lax compared to those in shared hosting environments. Due to the number of virtualization clients typically running on a single machine, a VPS generally has host-specified processor time, RAM, and disk space, depending on the account.
A growing number of companies now offer virtual private server hosting (or virtual dedicated hosting / virtual private hosting). Managed VPS Hosting is where the hosting provider takes an active role in monitoring and administering your hosting services. With Unmanaged VPS Hosting, the customer is left to monitor and administer their own server. Unmetered VPS Hosting is similar to unmanaged VPS hosting, but a fixed bitrate is offered so that it is not possible to exceed a monthly budget.
Many virtual private server hosting companies also allow you to use your VPS account as a reseller account. This means you can use it to host websites for clients or use it to start your own virtual web hosting company. Virtual server hosting is a good option if you have outgrown your shared hosting plan but are not quite large enough to warrant the expense of a full dedicated server hosting plan.
The Best Virtual Private Server Hosting
You will notice that the virtual private server hosting options are more expensive than shared hosting plans. You are paying for the step up, and it’s worth it if your business or personal page gets enough traffic. The increased bandwidth, storage and server speed of a virtual server web hosting plan will help you grow your website.
If you already have a website and are upgrading from a shared host, keep in mind that some VDS web hosting accounts do not come with as extensive a script library as the shared hosting plans. This can be less critical than it seems. Your new host can transfer your site from your old server and hosting company to theirs. Most of these applications are free open-source programs anyway (e.g. WordPress), so you can usually get what you need for free.
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