Virtual Private Server Defined
A Virtual Private Server comes with the features of a dedicated server under a shared hosting setup. Also known as Virtual Dedicated Server, it is a method of partitioning a single physical server into multiple servers that operates like dedicated lines, and where each virtual server can run its own full-fledged operating system, and each server can be independently rebooted.
This gives each operator in the virtual environment independence from other operators in software terms at a cost which is less than that of a physical dedicated server. Customers of VPS gain superuser-level access to an independent operating system and can install any software that runs on that OS.
The Advantages of a Virtual Private Server
Individuals and companies would prefer to have complete control of their server environment. Given the opportunity, they would not want to be hosted on a server with numerous other users who would compete with resources or cause instability in the server environment. However, most would not have a real need for a hosting solution provided by a dedicated server.
The Virtual Private Server is the next best option for those who seek to gain the stability that a dedicated server offers but on a lower level. In a setup where each operator can only use the resources that is allotted to them, your site will be more stable as you will have the same amount of access to the CPU, memory and bandwidth.
This hosting solution also protects your site from hackers who might gain access to other websites within the physical server. The hackers will only have access to the file system of that website and would not do any harm to other websites. VPS is a cheaper hosting solution than dedicated web hosting.
The Disadvantages of Virtual Private Server
A close scrutiny of the virtual private setup would logically tell us that it is the next best option to the dedicated web hosting. However, not all virtual private hosting providers follow exactly the same setup.
Provider of the virtual private hosting may employ a trick widely used in the reselling and shared space known as ‘overselling.’ This simply means providers are selling more in terms of services that are not actually physically available, with the hope that the end users will not use up all the services at the same time.
If this happens in virtual private server, it really becomes a serious issue as operators would be expecting a stable environment and many clients would be running more intensive applications like message boards and custom web applications.
Another issue to consider is that certain software applications may not run well in a virtualized environment. These include firewalls, anti-virus clients, and virtualizers themselves.
Generally, a virtual private server has limited processor time, RAM, and disk space as there are virtually many operators running on a single machine.
As VPS is more expensive than shared hosting plans, it will only be a cost-effective option to shared hosting if the operator is using all the allotted space.
VPS operators must also have the relevant manpower complement as they are responsible for some of the server-side administration such as application installation and maintenance.
