A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is an isolated slice of a physical server, created with virtualization, that behaves like an independent computer with its own operating system, resources and administrator (root) access. Unlike shared hosting, you can install any software on it. It is used for websites, bots, online tools, proxies and databases, and is usually rented by the hour or month.
How does a VPS work?
A piece of software called a hypervisor runs on a physical server and divides the hardware into several virtual machines. Each virtual machine gets a set number of CPU cores (vCPUs), an amount of RAM and a disk, and runs its own operating system. If a neighbouring machine gets busy, your defined share is in principle untouched, although on some services resources are shared to a degree and real quality differs from one provider to another.
What are the advantages of a VPS?
- Full access: as root you install any package and run any service.
- Isolation: your files and processes are separate from other customers'.
- Flexibility: you create a server in minutes, resize it or delete it.
- Dedicated IP address: each server has its own IP.
- Cheaper than a dedicated server for small and medium projects.
What are the drawbacks and limits?
Managing the server is up to you: updates, security, backups and fixing faults. If you are not used to the command line, expect a short learning curve. Resources are finite too; if RAM runs out, Linux stops programs. For very heavy loads (a large database or continuous processing) a dedicated server may suit better. For the full comparison read VPS vs shared hosting vs dedicated server.
What do people use a VPS for?
- Hosting a website or a CMS such as WordPress
- Running a Telegram bot or any always-on program
- Databases, APIs and back-end services
- Development and test environments, or running containers with Docker
- Network services such as a personal VPN or proxy
Is a VPS different from the cloud?
Most VPSs today are built on cloud infrastructure. The difference is mostly one of habit: a "cloud server" usually means quick creation and deletion through an API or panel with hourly billing, while a traditional VPS was monthly with more manual setup. In practice both names describe a similar product.
Which operating system and size?
Most work is done on Linux (Ubuntu or Debian) because it is lightweight and has plenty of server tooling; Windows Server makes sense when your software runs only on Windows. For sizing, see how to choose a VPS, and to log in to a new server read what SSH is.
Simple steps to start with your first VPS
- Decide the project type and the resources it needs.
- Choose a provider, location and plan, and pick an operating system.
- Get the IP address and login details.
- Connect with SSH (Linux) or Remote Desktop (Windows).
- Update the system, secure the login and install the software you need.
If you only want to test something, take an hourly server and delete it when you finish. Remember that powering a server off usually does not stop the cost, since providers charge for a powered-off server too.
If you want to try one
CloudSnap sources servers from several cloud providers and takes payment in Toman. Linux servers come with the root user and SSH, and Windows servers with Remote Desktop. On hourly plans, deleting the server stops the cost. See today's plans and prices on the pricing page, or start from the Telegram bot.
FAQ
How is a VPS different from hosting?
Shared hosting gives you space for website files and you are not the system administrator. A VPS is a full operating system with root access where you can install any software.
What do I need to get started?
A server, its IP address and login details, and for Linux an SSH program. You install the rest according to your needs.
Is a VPS secure?
It is isolated, but software security is yours. Read about updates, SSH keys and firewalls in securing a Linux server.
What does an hourly VPS mean?
The cost is based on the hours the server exists, so you can test for a few hours.
How much RAM do I need?
It depends on the workload; a simple bot can run in under a gigabyte, while WordPress or a database needs more.