What is a VPS?
The term VPS is an acronym for Virtual Private Server.
A VPS can also sometimes be referred to as a Virtual Machine (VM).
They are both essentially the same & both acronyms are often used to mean the same thing.
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a type of server environment that consists of hardware that, in general, isn't real.
A VPS has devices such as CPU, RAM & storage that are essentially just software-defined components (virtual) that appear real to the operating system installed within the virtual server.
These virtual components usually in turn share an equivalent physical device on the host server.
For example, virtual CPU devices in multiple VPS will share the same physical CPU installed in the physical host.
This means that each VPS has its own dedicated virtual server resources, including CPU, memory, and storage.
At Farbyte we specialise in Linux VPS.
VPS are a very energy-efficient way to run your own server for whatever task you require (e.g. web server, app server, etc.), as many VPS can be run from one physical server.
This makes VPS hosting the most eco-friendly type of server hosting, as we are utilising the resources of the server to the maximum.
A VPS infrastructure reduces both the materials required & energy for the whole life of any server project.
Resources are saved in the following ways:
- fewer servers are needed, thus fewer materials are required to produce computer components such as CPUs, cases, expansion cards, etc.
- a reduction in the number of physical servers that require transportation.
- maximum energy performance of each server due to the high density of workloads & utilisation of resources.
- reduction in server cooling energy requirements & equipment.
What are the benefits of a VPS?
A VPS can provide you with increased control over your server environment, as well as increased flexibility and scalability.
Additionally, a VPS can offer you improved performance, security, and uptime.
The benefits of an unmanaged VPS
There are several benefits to using an unmanaged VPS, including:
- Cost savings: Unmanaged VPS are typically much less expensive than managed VPS. This is because the provider does not have to pay for staff to manage the VPS.
- Increased flexibility: With an unmanaged VPS, the user has complete control over the server & can install any software they wish.
Unmanaged VPS are suitable for people with some server administration skills.
They offer the benefit of being able to save money, whilst also enabling fine-grain control over the configuration of the server.
They are more time-consuming than a managed VPS but are usually the preferred option for experienced system administrators.
The benefits of a managed VPS
At Farbyte we offer a managed VPS UK service that provides many benefits over an unmanaged VPS, due to our in-house experts taking care of the general maintenance of the server.
All managed VPS are added to our internal monitoring system which keeps a constant check on the uptime & performance of the virtual server.
This usually means more reliable & consistent performance, enhanced security and support.
Farbyte managed VPS plans include regular security scans and updates, as well as 24/7 monitoring and support from a team of experts.
This can provide peace of mind for businesses and individuals who may not have the time or resources to manage their own servers.
What features should I expect from an unmanaged VPS?
Some features that you may find in an unmanaged VPS include the ability to choose your own operating system, install and configure your own software, and have full administrative control over your server (e.g. root access).
What features should I expect from a managed VPS?
Some features you might expect from a managed VPS include:
- A managed host or provider that takes care of server administration and maintenance for you.
- Increased security through firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, and other security measures.
- Enhanced performance through caching, load balancing, and other optimization techniques.
- Guaranteed uptime and reliability.
- Support for popular web applications and frameworks. For example, managed VPS hosting with cPanel.
- Flexible scalability to accommodate future growth.
Which is better for you, managed or unmanaged VPS?
This depends on your needs, preferences & server administration skills.
If you need little to no assistance with managing your server, then an unmanaged VPS is often the better choice.
However, if you need help with server management tasks such as updates and security, then a managed VPS would be a better option.
How are VPS different to containers?
VPS are different to containers in that they offer a higher level of isolation and allow for more customisation of the server environment.
Our full hypervisor offerings are based on KVM VPS.
Containers, on the other hand, are more lightweight and offer a simpler way to package and deploy applications.
Farbyte also offers containers in the form of our OpenVZ VPS Linux VPS.
