Understanding Virtual Private Servers

In the past few years, virtual private servers have gain immense popularity primarily because they have provided a cost-effective way to host any kind of website. Unlike shared servers, which exhaust speedily due to limitations imposed by computing resources, virtual private servers are characterized by expandable RAM, powerful CPU and fully customizable applications. Thus, VPS has the ability to provide all the benefits of a dedicated server, but at a much lesser price. In simple words, it effectively fills the gap between dedicated and shared hosting servers.

What exactly is a virtual private server?
VPS is an innovative technology in which a physical server is partitioned into several segments. Each portion is allocated a specific amount of RAM, CPU time and network bandwidth. Due to the presence of a full-fledged operating system, the divisions can be independently booted. The users are free to customize the applications of their section as per their unique requirements.

What is the difference between virtual private and virtual dedicated server?
There is practically no difference between virtual private and virtual dedicated servers; both the terms are used synonymously. In order to make it easier for users to understand the working of VPS, hosting companies have started using the term virtual dedicated server (VDS).

Which server is right for me?
As compared to other hosting packages, shared hosting plan are typically low-priced. However, while hosting your website on a shared server, you would have to fight with other users to gain access of the computing resources at all times. With respect to dedicated servers, the available resources work in a devoted manner solely for your site, but to avail the benefits, you would have to shell out an exorbitant amount too.

Virtual dedicated server, on the other hand, is scalable, adaptable and economical. As adequate amount of resources are exclusively allocated to you, therefore neither you have to wait nor do you have to indulge in any sort of conflict. In other words, VDS makes you believe that only you are singly using all computing resources. Owing to the sharing of hardware, software and network, the cost of a virtual private server is comparatively lesser than a dedicated server.

If you have a very large website with equally extensive database, then shared hosting server is not the right option. You should either opt for dedicated server or VPS. If you don't want to burn a big hole in your pocket, then certainly VDS is a better option for you.

Virtual private servers can be broadly segregated into three categories, fully-managed, semi-managed and managed. You can choose any one of them depending upon your requirements and technical expertise.

Is VPS as secure as shared server?
A virtual private server is even more secure than a shared server. In both the cases, the CPU, RAM and network bandwidth are shared, but the file system is not shared in VDS. Simply said, even if someone else's virtual file system is hacked, your file system remains safe and sound. Shared hosting server is not that secure because of the presence of only one file system that is shared among all the users. If the file system is attacked, all the data become vulnerable to damage.

What all should I look for in a virtual private server?
You should ensure that the VPS hosting package has the following essential features:

• RAM- Apart from normal memory space on the physical server, there should be provision for burstable RAM. This pool of memory will help you to deal with emergency situations like the sudden inflow of heavy traffic.
• CPU- The CPU should have the capability to handle all the computations rapidly.
• Network bandwidth- The package should provide adequate network bandwidth so that your clients can receive and send requisite information speedily.
• Control panel- User-friendly control panel like Plesk or cPanel would help you to manage you section dexterously.