1. A Virtual Private Server (VPS), also referred to as
Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS), provides the
features of a dedicated server for multiple web
hosting customers to share. At first instance it
sounds contradictory, how can you have a
dedicated server if it is being shared by multiple
users? Isn't that a regular shared or virtual hosting
environment? It is true that with a Virtual Private
Server you still share system resources like the
CPU and RAM with other users but the resources
are allocated in such a way that you cannot tell
that the system has anyone else on it, much like a
dedicated server. So resources are usually setup
in such a way that each hosting client is only
allowed to use an allocated percent, meaning that
resources assigned to you will always available to
you.
dedicated server
2. Advantages of Virtual Private Server (VPS) web hosting Most hosting
customers would rather have complete control of their server environments
They don't want to be hosted on a server with tens or hundreds of other users,
who could easily use up all the resources or cause the server environment to
be unstable But at the same time most websites don't need a dedicated server
The Virtual Private Server (VPS) alternative is a very attractive niche hosting
solution for a fairly large chunk of web hosting clients who would like the
stability of a dedicated server but on a smaller scale
3. With the resources setup in such a way that each person can only use what is
allocated to them, your site will be more consistent because it will always have
the same amount of access to the CPU, memory, and bandwidth Virtual
Private Servers are also more secure since even as you share the memory
and CPU time, you are allocated your own file system If a website on the
server is hacked, the hackers will only have access to that particular file
system and would not harm the other websites A VPS is also much cheaper
than a dedicated server
4. Disadvantages of Virtual Private Server (VPS) web hosting Now that you
have read the pros of a VPS you are probably thinking that this is the best
thing since sliced bread Well, almost - as is the case with every other type of
hosting service, not all providers setup or define Virtual Private Servers, also
known as Virtual Dedicated Servers, the exact same way You must make
sure that your provider guarantees that their setup is robust enough to handle
operations at a peak level A trick used by many providers in the reselling and
shared space is 'overselling'
5. What this means is selling more in terms of services than what physically
available, with the hope that the end users wouldn't use up all the service that
were advertised to them In the realm of VPS this can be a bit more serious,
since at least the expectation is that you are operating in a more robust
environment and many clients could be running more intensive applications
like message boards or custom web applications A shortfall of resources
could end up causing problems for everyone hosted on such a server,
therefore negating the benefits dedicated server of a VPS In a shared or
dedicated environment you might be able to access more resources during
peak or spike periods but since the VPS environment limits you to to your slice
of the server resources, it can be a drawback
6. As if the technology rich lingo of regular web hosting wasn't enough, the VPS
services add a few new wrinkles Apart from storage space and bandwidth you
must also deal with CPU cycles and RAM So you will see ads for hosting that
might include *** MHz and *** MB RAM to go with the usual hosting related
features
7. It is somewhat harder to figure out how much CPU time or RAM you might
need, so seek out a hosting provider that will provide you with some
benchmarks and the ability to upgrade or downgrade the VPS service if
needed Conclusion - Allows complete control of your virtual server and its
resources - Allows you to run web applications without adversely affecting
other clients - Flexible - cheaper than dedicated hosting, more expensive than
shared Please refer following web sites for useful resources related to web
site hosting: About Author: Paras Shah Chief Technology Officer VIP
PowerNet, Inc Phone: (713)787-6501 Email:
