What is VPS hosting?

VPS Hosting Definition

To make a website available online, its files need to be uploaded to a web server, which is typically purchased from a hosting provider. This service is known as web hosting.

VPS hosting is a type of hosting suited for people who have outgrown shared hosting. Where multiple sites reside on a single web server with shared hosting, and have no guarantee of resources, VPS allows fewer users to share allocated segments of hard drive space, memory, and processor power.

Each user on a VPS server has access to a virtual machine running its own copy of an operating system (OS). This allows customers using VPS hosting to experience similar capabilities and performance to a dedicated server for their sites.

There are different types of VPS Hosting

Unmanaged VPS

With unmanaged VPS, your web hosting takes over installing the operating system, and you as the site owner take over managing various aspects of the server such as:

◉ Installing software, your control panel and taking care of software updates.

◉ Monitoring for security threats, installing security patches and fixing error messages.

◉ In the event of an outage or hardware failure you won’t get much if any support from your host.

◉ Configuring and maintaining your server including any upgrades you might want to see.

◉ You take over the responsibility of setting up your sites backup services.

This is recommended for site owners who have a technical background.

Managed VPS

Site owners with less technical acumen or a smaller staff can benefit from managed VPS. With managed VPS hosting, IT professionals lighten your load by keeping your server running correctly and taking care of your virtual server. Here’s what you should expect from a web hosting provider:

◉ Initial server setup

When you launch your site with a VPS there are a few steps to take in order to set the server up including installing your control panel, server software and installing any applications and your operating system. A managed host will take care of this.

◉ Updates

Similarly, all applications and OS updates, and ongoing fine tuning of the server will be handled for you.

◉ Security patches

Security patches for your OS and core server software are installed and updated, on your behalf.

◉ Monitoring

Monitors for early warning signs of hardware failure and malicious attack

◉ Automated backups

In the event anything goes wrong with your site, you can retrieve it back to an earlier version.

The tradeoffs between managed and unmanaged hosting are cost vs flexibility. While unmanaged services are naturally, far cheaper than managed plans, there’s a snag - you need to have the tech know-how to run and maintain a server, or be prepared to hire someone to keep it running smoothly and safe from potential attacks.