VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. It works by providing private resources on a server with multiple users. It is similar to shared hosting in that a single server hosts multiple sites, but it functions more like a dedicated server in that your website has its own resources and can’t be affected by other sites’ actions.
VPS hosting can be used for a variety of different sites. However, in general, it is used by website owners who have outgrown the resources of a shared server but don’t have enough traffic to justify a dedicated server.
Web hosts usually offer VPS solutions in a variety of forms. For example, GreenGeeks has three different VPS hosting plans that let you scale your site when you need more resources.
The Benefits of VPS Hosting
- Performance
With VPS hosting, you get dedicated RAM, bandwidth, and power capacity. This means that your website will load faster on the user’s end. Additionally, you have the option to increase your allocated resources if you experience an increase in website traffic.
- Reliability
When comparing shared and VPS hosting, the main differentiator is reliability. The actions of another site can’t impact VPS hosting on the server. Unlike shared hosting, VPS hosting is independent of the other sites on the server, specifically dedicated resources. As a result, your site will be reliable for users.
- Security
When you use VPS hosting, you are securely isolated from the other server users. This guarantees that no one can access your resources. The virtual partition protects your website from processes that may crash a neighboring site. You can also put up firewalls and other security measures without worrying about how this might affect other users.
- Root Access
VPS hosting gives you more control over your server compared to shared hosting. As a result, you have total root access, the same as you have with a dedicated server. So you can use any scripts that suit your needs. Additionally, you can install software without having to first contact your hosting provider.
- Scalability
A VPS allows you to scale your resources up or down, depending on your current needs. This means you can start with limited hosting resources and gradually scale up as you grow. In other words, you only need to buy the resources you need and can increase or decrease these resources without causing technical glitches or downtime on your website.
Good Uses For VPS Hosting
- You have a website that exceeds the resource and architectural limits of shared hosting.
- You need a virtual development environment for your software development and testing.
- You require root access to the server.
- You need to install custom modules or applications that your shared host doesn’t support.
- You’re handling sensitive data or processing financial transactions.
- You’re experiencing extreme traffic fluctuations.
- You’re getting between 100 and 200 visits per day.
- You have a sustained increase in your bounce rate.
- You’re starting to see downtime.
- Your website’s loading times are getting slower.
Conclusion
VPS hosting is a type of hosting where you share a single server with multiple sites, but your site has its own resources. This means that your site can’t be affected by the actions of other sites, and you can increase or decrease your allocated resources per your needs. Additionally, you have full root access allowing you to add software without consulting your host provider. For these reasons, VPS hosting is ideal for medium to large businesses. It is particularly suited for eCommerce stores as it can handle between 100 and 200 visits per day.
Furthermore, it’s ideal for handling sensitive customer data and processing financial transactions. You should also consider VPS hosting if you are currently using shared hosting, and you find that your site is going down a lot, and your website’s load time is becoming slow. This is usually an indication that your current hosting environment can’t handle your site’s needs, and VPS hosting is the next best option.