Introduction:
In the beginning, before we know about VPS hosting, let’s learn a little about the server in general because it will be easier to understand when we get into the article.
Let’s start; a server is a powerful computer that is set up in any physical location. This server can be accessed over the internet or network. It stores data virtually and can be accessed from there.
Besides, the server has hardware like CPU, RAM, storage memory, etc., like our personal computers, but they have high capacity and power. Besides root access, OS (operating system) and other applications can be installed.
What is VPS Hosting?
VPS Hosting is a type of web hosting. The full name of VPS is Virtual Private Server. It works like a dedicated server, but this server is shared with some users.
VPS hosting is a combination of dedicated and shared hosting. There are several rights users get that make VPS hosting much better than shared hosting and give users the experience of using a separate server at a lower cost. Here, each user has their OS, application, and resources (RAM, storage drive, CPU etc.). Besides, root access power is given to users so they can use Windows or Linux as they like.
How does VPS hosting work?
Here, a single physical server is separated into multiple virtual private servers by hypervisor software. All the resources of that server are shared separately in each virtual remote server. Each of these separate partitions acts as a virtual private server. Different divisions have no communication and behave like separate dedicated private servers. Each of these shared private servers is known as VPS hosting. Hosting companies sell to individual clients, and that client is given a login ID and password to operate the client-server virtually. You can do everything from server setup, root access, operating system installation and uninstall, etc., to data storage, web design and publishing your website.
Pros and Cons of VPS Hosting
Advantages of a Virtual Private Server:
Let’s take a look at the benefits –
- Lower cost than a dedicated server: Since a dedicated server is shared among a few people, all the costs of that dedicated server are shared, so the price of a virtual private server is less than that of a dedicated server.
- Scalable: VPS can be easily scaled up and down, starting with the lowest resources plan and gradually updating as needed.
- Customization: Easy to root, install OS (Operating System), and install applications on VPS.
- Better security than shared hosting: Since the server is not shared like shared hosting, this VPS hosting has much better security than shared hosting. Viruses from other websites are less likely to affect your website.
- Stability: With VPS, there is no fear of strength like shared hosting because you are using a private server virtually here. So the fear of your server going down due to someone else’s mistake is much less than shared hosting, so your website remains stable.
- Uptime and traffic handling power: As we have already known, VPS is the advanced plan of shared hosting, so the traffic handling power is much more than shared hosting, so the website is always up on time compared to shared hosting. Moreover, there is almost no chance of your website going down/ your server crashing due to sudden high traffic like shared hosting.
- SSH and root access: Providing SSH and root access to VPS hosting gives the user the feeling of using a dedicated server with more security.
- Lower technical knowledge than a dedicated server: In terms of server setup, root, OS installation, etc., it works even if it has less understanding than a dedicated server. Applications can be installed and configured very quickly compared to dedicated servers.
Disadvantages of a Virtual Private Server:
Let’s take a look at the drawbacks –
- Budget: VPS hosting is the perfect plan for those who have medium-level traffic and need a bit more resources but have to pay a bit more amount compared to shared hosting. Therefore, your monthly or yearly budget is higher than shared hosting.
- Configuration and administrative problem: Most of the shared hosting has a plug-and-play and graphical user interface which is very easy for everyone to use, but VPS is a bit complicated and requires you to set up a lot of software manually, which makes it a bit difficult for beginners or those who don’t have many technical skills.
Some VPS hosting companies provide you with all the services like server management, server setup, etc., but the cost of usage becomes very high. Again, if you do not take this service, your price may be less, but you have to be very careful. - Overselling: While many companies will provide you with the service according to your plan, some companies will not. They think that their server resources capacity is too much, so they sell more which overloads the server. It may result in a slow server or server crash.
- Limitation: Here, have some rules. You cannot use unlimited resources even if you want. Because here, a dedicated server is transformed into many virtual private servers through software. Then you are allowed to use it. As a result, server resources (RAM, storage memory, CPU, etc.) are divided. If your website has high traffic and needs more resources, you will fill a limit.
- Needed more technical knowledge: Here requires a little more technical expertise than shared hosting. Because here, you have to do server setup, root configuration, install many applications, etc. Again there are many applications that you have to install manually. If you have little technical knowledge initially, you may face the problem.
