Virtual Private Server

Virtual Private Servers are the next generation in web hosting services. It bases itself on the ability to separate and divide processes and resources of a machine OR machines (servers) into multiple smaller server environments. This may sound confusing, but really it makes things more efficient with the same flexibility as having your own full server to yourself. An example would be taking a server and dividing it into many partitions to be used independently from one another on a virtual concept.

The resources are spit up and managed from the main drive(s), ram and CPU whereby each client/customer has the ability to maximize usage without overstepping boundaries to affect other users on the server. You would get full root access and have the ability to install any third party software you want into it and have full control over your hosting environment. All this without having to spend any additional fees to maintain a full server for yourself. It comes in real handy when your current website is too large for regular hosting, but not large enough to warrant a full scale dedicated server.

What to look for and when to buy a virtual private server?

There are quite a few companies offering virtual private servers these days, but how savvy are you at handling root access and installing software yourself? Some companies will help you for an extra fee or install the basics like mail and webserver client. That won’t be enough though. You will have to know some of the lingo to do what you need to in order for it to work. The best suggestion is to go for a VPS (Virtual Private Server) account with third party software like Virtuozzo which can also work in conjunction with other control panels like Cpanel and Hsphere. This way you get the ability to manage your 'jailed' environment AND still do regular hosting functions like adding and deleting emails etc.

Try not to always look for price with a virtual private server service. The best way to measure quality is the hardware used and the resources allotted. Of course, don’t always go for the highest numbers, but rather what is reasonable. It seems that the more reasonable the resources are to pricing, the better quality of service and support you will receive. Use review lists and compare each company that offers VPS, then make your decision. You should really only be serious about looking for VPS if you know your website will grow rapidly or it is running slow or not up to your liking in a shared hosting environment (many sites using the same server). If you need independence from the rest, VPS is the best place to start.

Check out our hosting reviews to see all the services that can be offered to you.