If you’re considering a virtual private server (VPS) as your next web hosting platform then you’re in the right place. Here you’ll find a definitive guide that scratches beneath the surface of top-line definitions, giving you the chance to make the right decision for your business.
Translating VPS terms
But before we dive into the deep end, here are some of the key terms you might come across when searching for the right VPS…
| Bandwidth | The amount of data that can be transferred at a given moment to or from a server. |
| (Burstable) RAM | The memory of your VPS server – low memory can result in slow user experiences. ‘Burstable’ RAM is the amount of memory that your VPS can use if you run out of your “Guaranteed Memory”. |
| VPS Node | The physical hardware which runs Virtualization Platform software and hosts one or more VPS. |
| Control Panel | A web based interface, which allows users to manage their server by clicking on different icons. |
| cPanel & Plesk | Two different types of web hosting control panel. |
| GUI | A Graphical User Interface designed for easy management of your VPS. |
| Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) | Allows you to remotely access a desktop computer – and a VPS – to open and edit files. |
| Secure Shell (SSH) | A secure communication protocol that enables two computers to share data over an unsecured network. |
| Managed VPS | An outsourced service that takes care of configuring and managing the server, including tasks such as VPS security, data backups and software updates. |
| Unmanaged VPS | You will retain control over the day-to-day management, maintenance, and monitoring of your VPS. |
What is a Virtual Private Server?
A virtual private server (also known as a VPS) is a virtualised server environment that mimics a dedicated physical server within a larger server. It utilises virtualisation technology to divide a single physical server into multiple isolated virtual environments, each with its own operating system, disk space, RAM, and CPU resources.
Unlike shared hosting – where multiple websites share the same server resources – a VPS provides a dedicated and isolated environment for your website or application. This means that your website's performance is not affected by the activities of other users on the same server, ensuring better reliability, security, and performance.
At the same time, a VPS is different from a dedicated server, where you have complete control over a single physical machine. With a VPS, you share the underlying hardware resources with other VPS instances, but each instance operates independently and is isolated from the others.
What is virtualisation?
The virtualisation technology behind VPS hosting involves the use of a hypervisor, which is a software layer that manages and allocates the physical server's resources to the virtual machines (VMs) or VPS instances. The hypervisor creates and runs multiple isolated virtual environments, each with its own operating system, applications, and configurations, on a single physical server.
Virtualisation allows hosting providers, such as ourselves, to offer VPS solutions at a lower cost than dedicated servers, while still providing more resources, control, and isolation than shared hosting. VPS users can customise their virtual server environment, install software, and configure settings according to their specific needs, without interference from other users on the same physical server.
How does a VPS work?
As we’ve established, VPS servers use virtualisation technology to create several separate environments, called VMs. Each VM acts like its own server, complete with its own operating system, resources, and settings – which a web hosting provider can rent to those who require one.
The process starts with a physical server, known as the "host" or "bare metal" server. This server runs special software called a hypervisor, which creates and manages the virtual machines. The hypervisor divides the host server's resources, like CPU, RAM, and storage, among the VMs.
When you buy a VPS hosting plan, you’re renting one of these virtual machines. The hypervisor makes sure that each VM runs independently, without affecting the others on the same physical server. This separation offers better security and stability compared to shared hosting, where multiple websites use the same server resources.
Windows vs Linux VPS – what’s the difference?
When selecting a VPS hosting plan, a major choice is whether to use a Windows VPS or Linux VPS. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and your decision will depend on your needs and the software you intend to run on your VPS.
The main distinction between Windows and Linux VPS is the operating system itself. Windows is a proprietary system created and supported by Microsoft, while Linux is open-source and comes in various versions (like Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian) managed by different communities. This is great for those who prefer a more flexible, tailored approach to their business or web project.
Plus, Linux VPS is a favoured option for developers and system admins who appreciate the flexibility, customisation, and security of open-source solutions. It’s often used to host websites that use Linux-friendly technologies such as PHP, Python, or Ruby on Rails, and for operating open-source databases and servers.
Windows VPS tends to be more user-friendly and recognisable for many, since it’s the most-used OS and has a similar look and feel to other Windows environments. It can be a good fit for hosting websites built on Windows-specific technologies like ASP.NET or for running Windows-compatible databases and servers. In contrast, Linux may require more effort to learn, particularly for those unfamiliar with command-line tools and the Unix-like setup.
Pros and cons of Windows VPS
Pros
- Ease and familiarity – If you or your team are already familiar with the Windows environment, a Windows VPS can make the transition smoother and reduce the learning curve.
- Compatibility – Many popular applications and software solutions are designed primarily for Windows, making them easier to install and run on a Windows VPS.
- Intuitive GUI – Windows offers a user-friendly GUI, which can be more intuitive for some users compared to the command-line interface of Linux.
Cons
- Cost – Windows VPS hosting plans are generally more expensive than their Linux counterparts due to licensing fees.
- Limited control and customisability – With a Windows VPS, you have less control over the underlying system compared to a Linux VPS, as Windows is a closed-source operating system.
- Security concerns – Windows has historically been more susceptible to viruses and malware attacks compared to Linux, although Microsoft has made significant improvements in recent years.
Pros and cons of Linux VPS
Pros
- Cost-effective – Linux VPS hosting plans are typically more affordable than Windows plans, as there are no licensing fees involved.
- Customisation options – Linux offers greater flexibility and customisation capabilities, allowing you to tailor your VPS to your needs.
- Security – Linux is generally considered more secure than Windows, as it’s open-source and has a large community of developers constantly working on improving its security.
Cons
- Hard for novices – Linux can have a steeper learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with the command-line interface and Unix-like environments.
- Software compatibility concerns – While Linux has a vast repository of open-source software, some proprietary applications may not be available or may require additional configuration to run on a Linux VPS.
- Limited to the command-line interface – While Linux desktop environments with GUIs exist, the command-line interface is still the primary way of interacting with a Linux VPS, which can be less intuitive for some users.
Want a more detailed breakdown? Read our Windows vs Linux VPS guide.
What sets VPS hosting apart?
Do you value privacy, scalability, performance and cost-effectiveness? These four key differentiators make VPS hosting a desirable middle-ground between shared and dedicated hosting – ideal for rapidly growing businesses, varying project sizes and regular workload fluctuations.
Many businesses, however, get stuck in the limbo between understanding the benefits and an ambiguity around the application. That’s understandable – there’s a lot of technical lingo and many different VPS avenues you can take.
Do I need VPS hosting?
VPS hosting is a great option for many website owners and businesses. It works best for those who have moved past shared hosting but don't need all the resources of a dedicated server. Here are some situations where VPS hosting is a smart choice:
1. New websites
As your website traffic and resource demands increase, shared hosting may become insufficient. A VPS provides the scalability and resources needed to accommodate growth without the high costs of a dedicated server.
2. Resource-intensive applications and software
If your website or application requires more CPU, RAM, or disk space than what's typically offered with shared hosting, a VPS can provide the necessary resources. This includes websites running resource-intensive scripts, applications, or databases.
As a note – you would need to scale your package, or potentially migrate to a dedicated server as your site gets more traffic.
3. To improve your site’s reliability
As your VPS will come with dedicated resources, a VPS can load your site far quicker than it would on a shared hosting server.
4. Web development and testing
VPS hosting is an excellent choice for developers who need a secure and isolated environment for testing applications, scripts, or software configurations before deploying them to a live production server.
5. Online stores
Online stores and ecommerce websites often require more resources, better security, and higher uptime than shared hosting can provide. A VPS can meet these demands while offering scalable resources as your business grows.
What are the benefits of VPS hosting?
1. Performance
VPS hosting provides dedicated resources like CPU, RAM, and disk space that aren’t shared with other users. This ensures consistent performance and eliminates the potential slowdowns caused by other sites on a shared server.
2. Full control
With a VPS, you have full root access and administrative control over the server environment. You can install custom software, configure settings, and optimise the server to meet your specific needs.
3. Scalability
Most VPS hosting providers offer flexible scaling options, allowing you to easily upgrade your resources as your website grows. This scalability ensures your site can handle increased traffic and demand without compromising performance.
4. Isolated from others on the server
Each VPS is isolated from others on the same physical server, providing enhanced security and preventing issues caused by other users' websites or activities.
What are the downsides of VPS hosting?
1. Cost
While more affordable than dedicated servers, VPS hosting is generally more expensive than shared hosting plans. The cost can increase significantly as you require more resources.
2. Self-managed
This may not be a con for those that need full root access. But unlike shared hosting, you’re responsible for managing and maintaining your VPS, including software updates, security patches, and server configurations. This can be time-consuming and requires technical knowledge.
3. Can become limited in time
While more powerful than shared hosting, VPS resources are still limited compared to dedicated servers. If your website experiences sudden traffic spikes or requires extensive resources, you may need to upgrade to a dedicated server.
When to switch to a VPS
There are several signs that indicate it's time to upgrade from a shared hosting plan to a VPS (virtual private server). Here are some common scenarios where switching to VPS hosting makes sense:
1. High traffic and frequent surges
If your website is experiencing a significant increase in traffic, a shared hosting environment may struggle to keep up with the demand. Shared servers have limited resources that are divided among multiple websites, which can lead to performance issues and slow page load times during traffic spikes. A VPS provides dedicated resources, allowing your site to handle higher traffic volumes without being impacted by other sites on the same server.
2. Resource-intensive applications
Similar to the resources required to maintain high traffic, certain applications or scripts, such as content management systems (CMS), ecommerce platforms, or multimedia-heavy websites, can be resource-intensive. If your shared hosting plan is unable to provide sufficient resources for these applications to run smoothly, upgrading to a VPS can give you the necessary computing power and memory to ensure optimal performance.
3. Customisability
With shared hosting, you're typically limited in terms of server customisation and access. A VPS, on the other hand, offers root access and the ability to install custom software, configure server settings, and optimise the server environment according to your specific needs. This level of control is essential for developers, system administrators, or those with advanced hosting requirements.
How to use a VPS
Firstly, you need to decide whether you want a managed or unmanaged VPS. While a managed VPS can take a lot of the stress away from maintaining and configuring your server, the cost is much higher and you'll have less independent control. An unmanaged server is more cost-effective and allows for full autonomy, however requires more time and technical expertise.
Be sure to weigh up the pros and cons of each before you make a decision. After which, you’ll be ready to utilise your powerful, scalable VPS to host:
- Dense and/or high-traffic websites – Ideal for sites with large numbers of pages, lots of images to store and load, and hefty spikes in visitors. A VPS will also be able to handle the use of your own technologies and custom software.
- Your own gaming server – Host massive multiplayer games, with full control. Choose all the settings, upload your own mods, implement your own rules, and invite your friends to join. Enjoy less lag than shared hosting for a lower cost than your own home server.
- A VPN – Keep business, client and personal data safe from hackers – as well as securing your online payment details by creating an encrypted tunnel between your computer and a remote server. Invaluable for business security on public networks.
- Your own VoIP – A Voice over Internet Protocol allows you to make phone calls over the internet, so you can speak to people regardless of location. Useful for global businesses.
- Multiple websites – The generous and scalable RAM and CPU of a VPS lets you host multiple domains at once without affecting performance. Useful for building and hosting websites for clients.
Plus, there's so much more! Explore in detail what you can do with a VPS and follow our easy step-by-step guide to learn how to connect a VPS.
How to choose the best VPS hosting plan
Choosing the right VPS hosting plan is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and scalability for your website. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a VPS plan:
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a critical resource for running applications and handling concurrent users. Websites with more traffic, databases, or resource-intensive applications will require more RAM. Typically, 1-2GB of RAM is sufficient for basic websites, while more complex sites may need 4GB or more.
CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for executing instructions and processing data. CPU performance is measured in cores and clock speed. More cores and higher clock speeds translate to better performance, especially for CPU-intensive tasks like video encoding or data processing. Most VPS plans offer 1-4 CPU cores, but you can opt for more if your website requires heavy computation.
Storage and SSD
VPS hosting plans offer varying amounts of disk space or storage for your website files, databases, emails, and logs. Storage can be either traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) or faster solid-state drives (SSDs). SSDs provide better performance but are more expensive. Evaluate your storage needs based on the size of your website, content, and anticipated growth.
Operating system
VPS hosting providers typically offer a choice between Linux and Windows operating systems. Linux is generally more cost-effective, secure, and suitable for most web applications, while Windows is preferable if you require specific Windows-based software or technologies like ASP.NET.
Control panel
Many VPS hosting providers include a control panel, such as cPanel, Plesk, or a custom interface, to simplify server management tasks like creating email accounts, managing databases, and installing applications. Consider the ease of use and features offered by the control panel when choosing a VPS plan.
Bandwidth
Ensure that the VPS hosting plan provides sufficient bandwidth and network resources to handle your website's traffic. Higher bandwidth means faster data transfer rates, which is essential for websites with heavy media content or high visitor volumes.
Uptime and reliability
Uptime and reliability are crucial factors, as downtime can lead to lost revenue and customer dissatisfaction. Look for VPS providers with a proven track record of high uptime, redundant infrastructure, and robust backup and disaster recovery solutions.
Customer support
We believe in 24/7 support, which is why we offer this to all of our customers, no matter their package or plan. Reliable and responsive customer support is invaluable, especially when dealing with technical issues or server-related problems. Evaluate the provider's support channels, response times, and the expertise of their support team.
What are some alternatives to a VPS?
While VPS hosting offers an excellent balance of performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, it's not the only option available. Depending on your specific needs and budget, you may want to consider these alternatives:
Shared hosting
Shared hosting is the most affordable option, where your website shares server resources with multiple other websites. It's suitable for small websites or blogs with low to moderate traffic. However, shared hosting can be limiting in terms of performance, customisation, and resource allocation.
Dedicated hosting
At the opposite end of the spectrum, dedicated hosting provides you with an entire physical server dedicated solely to your website or application. This option offers maximum performance, security, and control, but it comes at a higher cost.
Bare Metal
Bare metal servers give all the resources to one user so you get the full power of the server's computing, storage, and network without sharing. A VPS uses a hypervisor to make many virtual environments on one physical server, but a bare metal server doesn't. This cuts out the extra work from virtualisation making it even more efficient. Also, since you can access the hardware, bare metal servers let you customise and control more – at a higher monthly cost. So it’s only worth upgrading to one if you absolutely need to.
Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting is a relatively newer hosting model that utilises a network of virtual servers to distribute resources and workloads. It offers scalability, redundancy, and high availability, making it suitable for websites with fluctuating traffic or resource demands.
Maximise your VPS features with Fasthosts
Ready to boost your business with a faster, more flexible way to host? Our next-generation VPS is packed full of amazing features that can help you reap all the rewards of this server option, and then some.
Explore our wide-ranging VPS packages to fit your business needs, and get in touch with our friendly team today on 0800 0612 153 for all the expert advice you need to get the ball rolling.
