What is a VPS?
VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. To better understand what it is, it is important to analyze what each of these terms means.
Server refers to a computer used to store, for example, data, files and applications that can be accessed remotely.
We can see one of the ways of realizing this model within companies, where such machines allow several computers to share data and access applications in a practical way.
Servers also play an essential role in accessing Internet pages, storing sites and making them available when someone wants to access them.
In other words, the performance of your site depends a lot on the proper functioning of the machine where it is hosted.
We are talking about a server that also has the characteristic of being private. That indicates a restriction, so that only someone who has permission can access it.
And why is it a virtual server? The term indicates servers that are virtualized through a software, being able to exist (in fact it is the usual thing) several in the same physical machine.
Thus, VPS refers to a virtual server hosted on a physical machine, which allows hosting a website or other application exclusively.
What is the purpose of a VPS?
In the traditional Web Hosting environment, the hosting of any website or blog is done on a shared basis. That is, on the same machine are hosted several websites of many other people and companies.
On the other hand, if you want something more "powerful and exclusive", we have dedicated servers, which are synonymous with exclusivity. We are talking about a computer with excellent processing power just for your site or application, which represents a really premium service (i.e., you will have to pay a lot extra).
From these definitions, we come to the following conclusions:
A conventional hosting is cheaper, but offers inferior performance;
A dedicated server is more expensive, but offers excellent performance.
So, isn't there a middle ground? In other words, wouldn't it be ideal to have a service with quality and affordable price? Well, the answer is YES. This service exists, and it is known as VPS. It is something similar to a dedicated server, but virtualized on a physical machine.
When you opt for VPS, your project (application, web, etc) is hosted on a computer next to other sites, but not as many as with traditional hosting.
This means that the hardware resources of the machine are shared with fewer sites, so the VPS is an excellent option that offers better performance for a more affordable price than the dedicated server.
How does a VPS work?
You may have already heard of virtual machines. If you have Windows installed on your computer, you should know that it is possible to experience another operating system, such as the famous Ubuntu Linux, without having to remove the Microsoft system.
In the same way, those who have Ubuntu installed can try other Linux features, or even Windows, in a practical way.
It is enough to resort to the installation of virtual machines, which is done, for example, with the help of VirtualBox.
This software makes it possible to install one operating system inside another. It is possible to allocate hardware resources, such as processor, RAM and storage, to the host system.
This, in turn, becomes a complete virtual environment that simulates a computer inside the host operating system.
Something similar happens in the case of virtual servers. In a physical server with great processing power, software is used to create virtual servers that behave as if they were computers.
They are virtual environments in which it is possible to install an operational system and host your site and any application you want.
Such virtual servers are independent of each other, so each client can only access his own VPS.
The user receives root access, which means having special permissions to make configurations, which is not possible in traditional hosting.
In addition to privacy, this independence also guarantees the performance of hardware resources, such as RAM, storage and processor, which are dedicated.
Thus, the operation of one VPS does not affect the performance of another. In other words, the operation of a private server is very similar to that of a dedicated one, even though the processing power is lower.
Who is a VPS suitable for?
If you've come this far, it's already clear to you what a VPS is and how it works. However, an important question arises: do you really need a dedicated server?
Well, it depends.... In the field of investments and cryptocurrencies, more and more applications or projects, aimed at generating passive income, involve (or may involve) the need to use a VPS. This is the clear case of one of my favorite systems; "money making machines", which I constantly talk about in the channel. As you know these machines are mostly node/masternode systems that involve the use of servers for their installation and execution. These systems usually need to be active 24/7, so if you do not want to invest in additional hardware, or complicate your life with complex configurations, the easiest way is to allocate part of the potential benefits you get with these projects to hiring a good VPS service that meets the necessary technical requirements for the project in question.
But it is not only for running nodes that VPS can be interesting. Trading Bots have also historically been a potential niche market for VPS. Just like a node, a trading bot, especially if it trades cryptocurrencies, will need to be operational 24/7, so you may not want to have a PC or server connected all the time just for this function. In this case the easiest solution is to hire a VPS.
The advantage of VPS services is that they are scalable. That is, you can hire the hardware/computing capacity you need, at any time. And you can increase it at any time, or hire other parallel VPS for other applications. The price of these services varies depending on these technical requirements (processor, RAM, HD capacity, Operating System, etc).
Who is a VPS suitable for?
If you've come this far, it's already clear to you what a VPS is and how it works. However, an important question arises: do you really need a dedicated server?
Well, it depends.... In the field of investments and cryptocurrencies, more and more applications or projects, aimed at generating passive income, involve (or may involve) the need to use a VPS. This is the clear case of one of my favorite systems; "money making machines", which I constantly talk about in the channel. As you know these machines are mostly node/masternode systems that involve the use of servers for their installation and execution. These systems usually need to be active 24/7, so if you do not want to invest in additional hardware, or complicate your life with complex configurations, the easiest way is to allocate part of the potential benefits you get with these projects to hiring a good VPS service that meets the necessary technical requirements for the project in question.
But it is not only for running nodes that VPS can be interesting. Trading Bots have also historically been a potential niche market for VPS. Just like a node, a trading bot, especially if it trades cryptocurrencies, will need to be operational 24/7, so you may not want to have a PC or server connected all the time just for this function. In this case the easiest solution is to hire a VPS.
The advantage of VPS services is that they are scalable. That is, you can hire the hardware/computing capacity you need, at any time. And you can increase it at any time, or hire other parallel VPS for other applications. The price of these services varies depending on these technical requirements (processor, RAM, HD capacity, Operating System, etc).
How to choose a VPS?
If you have come to the conclusion that a VPS is a good option, you just need to learn how to choose a good hosting. Now, here are some tips to help you make a good decision.
Know the management levels
The management level is one of the main characteristics of a VPS. There are three types, as shown below.
Unmanaged
When a VPS is unmanaged. This means that the company providing the service is not responsible for the management of your server.
We can compare this situation to having a computer in your home and doing the updates, backups and protection against threats yourself.
The difference is that managing a service remotely requires a good level of technical knowledge, since you will not have a user-friendly interface.
The access will be done by command line, if the system is Linux, or by Remote Access Protocol, in the case of a Windows server.
Also, the security issue requires a lot of attention, which also includes advanced computer knowledge.
Semi-managed
In the case of a semi-managed VPS, the hosting company provides some kind of management, which includes an administration panel with basic resources that help to make the configurations.
However, even this management modality requires good technical knowledge and attention regarding security.
Managed
This is the most convenient management option, since the hosting company is responsible for updating the operational system and correcting any errors that arise.
In addition, constant monitoring is performed so that any problems can be quickly resolved by the technical team. The result of this is more stability and security.
Also, in this type of management you have access to a fairly complete control panel, which allows you to make adjustments without having a high level of technical knowledge.
Consider your level of knowledge
This topic is related to the previous one. We have just seen that management levels may require more or less technical knowledge.
If you don't understand enough about server configurations, it is better to have a managed VPS, which comes already pre-configured and offers support. Of course, this is a service that costs more.
On the other hand, if you have a good knowledge in the area and can configure servers, even via command line, as well as know how to take care of security, it is worth opting for the unmanaged or semi-managed VPS.
In the end, this will be a way to save money on the hosting service, once this option costs less.
Consider your needs
One of the features of virtual servers is the ability to hire a virtual server that caters to your specific demands.
At this point, it is necessary to know the minimum technical requirements demanded by the service/application you need to run on your VPS.
