A server is a computer on which your web host stores the files and databases needed for your website. Whenever an online visitor wants to access your website, their browser sends a request to your server and it transfers the necessary files through the internet. VPS hosting provides you with a virtual server that simulates a physical server, however, in reality, the machine is shared among several users. Using virtualization technology, your hosting provider installs a virtual layer on top of the operating system (OS) of the server. This layer divides the server into partitions and allows each user to install their own OS and software. Therefore, a virtual private server (VPS) is both virtual and private because you have complete control. It is separated from other server users on the OS level. In fact, VPS technology is similar to creating partitions on your own computer when you want to run more than one OS (e.g. Windows and Linux) without a reboot. Running a VPS lets you set up your website within a secure container with guaranteed resources (memory, disk space, CPU cores, etc.) you don’t have to share with other users. With VPS hosting, you have the same root-level access as if you had a dedicated server, but at a much lower cost.

Unmanaged VPS With unmanaged VPS, your web hosting takes over installing the operating system, and you as the site owner take over managing various aspects of the server such as: Installing software, your control panel and taking care of software updates. Monitoring for security threats, installing security patches and fixing error messages. In the event of an outage or hardware failure you won’t get much if any support from your host. Configuring and maintaining your server including any upgrades you might want to see. You take over the responsibility of setting up your sites backup services. This is recommended for site owners who have a technical background. Managed VPS Site owners with less technical acumen or a smaller staff can benefit from managed VPS. With managed VPS hosting, IT professionals lighten your load by keeping your server running correctly and taking care of your virtual server. Here’s what you should expect from a web hosting provider: Initial server setup When you launch your site with a VPS there are a few steps to take in order to set the server up including installing your control panel, server software and installing any applications and your operating system. A managed host will take care of this. Updates Similarly, all applications and OS updates, and ongoing fine tuning of the server will be handled for you. Security patches Security patches for your OS and core server software are installed and updated, on your behalf. Monitoring Monitors for early warning signs of hardware failure and malicious attack Automated backups In the event anything goes wrong with your site, you can retrieve it back to an earlier version. Check with your VPS hosting provider to see what levels of management they offer. Some have greater flexibility, like Namecheap; we offer Self-Managed, Managed, Fully Managed and Emergency Assistance. The tradeoffs between managed and unmanaged hosting are cost vs flexibility. While unmanaged services are naturally, far cheaper than managed plans, there’s a snag - you need to have the tech know-how to run and maintain a server, or be prepared to hire someone to keep it running smoothly and safe from potential attacks.

What’s best for you depends on your needs. Shared hosting users upgrade to a VPS because, despite the higher price, they need: Consistent performance Root access for a specific web application More server resources for database-intensive web applications WHM to resell server space with cPanel accounts versus addon domains Many users who may want a dedicated server settle on a VPS for: A cost-effective solution for the amount of resources required Technical support from the web hosting company The biggest deciding factors: root access requirements, pricing, and bandwidth availability. If you need root privileges and dedicated bandwidth at a low price, you need managed or cloud VPS hosting. If most of your business is conducted online and your traffic is growing, a VPS could be the perfect solution. InMotion Hosting’s VPS hosting is simple, fast, and reliable – giving you and your clients the power and performance you deserve.