A server is an advanced computer that stores all of the data and files needed to build your website. When the searcher types your domain name into their web browser on that powerful machine, your website is “served up” to their browser. OVHcloud offers two different types of servers.
A virtual server is hosted in a virtual environment. In other words, the server is not physically located in one place but is spread across several machines. Virtual servers are becoming increasingly popular due to their many advantages over traditional servers.
Virtual servers’ main benefits include the ability to scale quickly and easily, the ability to run multiple operating systems on one server, and the fact that they are often more cost-effective than traditional servers.
Various Types of Hosting
Shared Hosting
The most popular type of web hosting is shared hosting, which suits many new website owners well. When you buy a shared hosting package, you cooperate with other website owners utilizing the same server to share important resources like CPU, RAM, and hard drive space.
To help you better understand this idea, let’s utilize an analogy.
Imagine a shared server as a sizable apartment building where the various apartments are all rented by different website owners. Like the files on your website, each of you needs a place to live, yet buying a sizable family house would be out of your price range. Apartment buildings that share amenities and expenses like utilities can operate more affordably.
However, because you’re sharing, shared hosting has certain drawbacks. For instance, Having another user may impact the speed of your website if another user on your shared server experiences a significant increase in traffic. However, shared hosting is a fantastic method to go online if you’re just starting your website and don’t have a lot of traffic.
Dedicated Hosting
The antithesis of shared hosting is dedicated hosting. You have a single dedicated server that is set aside only for your website, as opposed to sharing resources (and fees) with other website owners.
That’s great, isn’t it? Although it is more expensive, you have total control over your resources and can customize the software to meet your unique needs. This hosting bundle is best suited for websites with significant technological requirements. For instance, dedicated hosting might be a good option for you if:
- Your website receives a lot of daily visitors.
- You must install your operating system.
- You are in charge of countless financial transactions.
- You need custom software for your website.
VPS Hosting
Between shared hosting and dedicated hosting, there is VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting. When you select a VPS, you, alongside other web owners, will host other websites on the same hardware as yours.
The only domain assigned to your specific virtual compartment is your website, which is a significant drawback. And as a result, you get a strong CPU, expandable RAM, your operating system, and limitless bandwidth. The section below covers more detail.
What Is a Virtual Private Server and How Does it Work?
A virtual private server (VPS) is a type of hosting that allows businesses and individuals to host their website or application on a server that is not shared with others. A VPS is similar to a dedicated server in that it provides its own set of resources and is not affected by the activities of other users on the server. However, a VPS is more affordable and flexible than a dedicated server, making it a popular choice for small businesses and website owners.
So how does a VPS work? A VPS is created by partitioning a physical server into multiple virtual servers. Each virtual server has its operating system, CPU, and memory and can run its applications. Each user has the freedom to customize their environment and ensure their website or application runs as they need it.
When Should You Switch to VPS?
Take an inventory of your website to determine whether you need to move to a VPS. Eight warning signals that it’s time to go virtual are listed below.
1. Security concerns are on your mind
Consider VPS if you require advanced security measures, sophisticated monitoring capabilities, extra backup space, improved website dependability, or if you intend to accept any online payment.
2. You begin to notice a lot of traffic
Shared hosting is the best option if your website is just getting started and doesn’t get significant traffic. However, you should consider updating if the number of visitors to your website keeps increasing.
3. Your website frequently loads slowly
Websites that consume a lot of RAM should not use shared hosting. You will start to see a reduction in load times as your website expands and you add more and more material.
4. You Own A Store Online
You should improve your hosting plan as soon as you decide to operate an online store. Why? Because a VPS gives you access to a secure, dedicated virtual server, you have a better chance of passing a PCI compliance exam.
5. Custom software installation is required.
Shared hosting is fantastic for website owners who built their site using WordPress or another popular Content Management System.
6. You Run Into Server Errors
Do you frequently experience 50X errors, “Internal Server Error” problems, or “Service Unavailable” errors? Your future consumers will likely notice mistakes when you do.
7. You have a limited budget
Even while a dedicated hosting package can solve many of the issues on this list, it’s crucial to remember that this is a considerably more expensive choice.
8. You Create Websites For Your Customers
Do you create websites for your clients as part of your job? You can host an infinite number of domains on a VPS while ensuring that each site has adequate RAM to run smoothly.
Virtual Private Server Pros and Cons
VPS hosting can be an ideal solution if that’s the service you need. Below, you can read the pros and cons of running a virtual private server.
Pros
- Compared to a shared hosting server, it is faster and more trustworthy.
- There is zero to very little variation in the resources that are accessible since server resources like memory or processing power are assured.
- Other server users’ problems and traffic spikes have no impact on your website.
- You are granted root (superuser) access to your server.
- Your files and databases are locked from other server users, giving you greater privacy.
- It is simple to scale this service. You may quickly improve your server resources when your website gets more traffic (RAM, CPU, disk space, bandwidth, etc.).
Cons
- Compared to shared hosting, it is more costly.
- Although many instructions are online, setting up a VPS requires more technical know-how.
- Technically speaking, server management is more difficult than shared or cloud plans.
- Security flaws could result from servers that are improperly configured.
Conclusion
Without needing to manage your server, VPS hosting gives you access to guaranteed resources and total management. It’s a great solution for resource-intensive, eCommerce websites with medium to high traffic.
However, firms anticipating significant expansion might also profit from the service’s dependability.
Consider VPS hosting for your website if you want a dependable, business-scale hosting environment at an affordable price. Consider using Cyberpanel VPS hosting powered by LiteSpeed, which includes a quick LiteSpeed web server and a pre-installed control panel for a simple setup.
