Even before your website can be designed, created, and prepared for launch, you must select a web hosting service. In order for your website to be available online, the files need to be uploaded to a web server, and hosting is the key to this essential step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than using shared hosting, with many websites using the same server, website owners these days are switching to VPS hosting<\/a> services due to the advantages. Depending on your business and website needs, VPS hosting may be well worth your investment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The acronym VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. So to explain what VPS hosting is, let\u2019s begin with the definition of a server. A server is a powerful computer that stores all the data and files that your website consists of. When a person wants to browse your website, that massive computer \u201cserves up\u201d your site onto that individual\u2019s device so he or she can access it and interact with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But how is the server \u201cvirtual\u201d? Every VPS uses virtualization technology to split that one larger server into multiple smaller virtual servers. Each \u201csmaller server\u201d has its own operating system along with dedicated storage, RAM, and CPU resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The term \u201cprivate\u201d is used because, when you use a VPS, you are the only one using your virtual server<\/strong>. It is reserved solely for your use, and you won\u2019t have to share your CPU or RAM with any other websites, which brings many advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of new website owners begin with a shared hosting plan. This type of hosting is provided by one physical server that is host to multiple sites<\/strong> without the division of small, virtual portions. In other words, you aren\u2019t using your own private server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A shared server may host hundreds of users. Each user retains a section of the server where individual website files are stored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You could compare shared hosting to renting a space in an apartment complex \u2013 it\u2019s cheaper than buying your own home and comes furnished with everything you need. The downside is that you may have to share larger living spaces with others and sometimes resources are limited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, a shared hosting plan usually works fine for smaller websites that don\u2019t require as much speed, bandwidth, storage, and reliability. When you\u2019re on a shared hosting plan, your website is being run on the same operating system as everyone else using the same server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The loading time of your website can be affected by the volume of traffic of another website on the hosting server<\/a>. For this reason, shared hosting is less of a problem for lower traffic sites, but VPS hosting will be a far better option above a certain threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For businesses with large or perhaps rapidly expanding websites and greater traffic volume, a shared hosting plan will be invaluable. VPS hosting is sure to make a difference in the performance and security of the website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you may have noticed by reading the above, shared hosting and VPS hosting both allow users to share the resources of a single server. However, the main difference is that, with shared hosting, all of the server\u2019s resources are shared equally between users. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A single user using shared hosting will never have control over how the server handles the website at any given time; it will always fluctuate depending on the usage and traffic of all the other sites on the server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Returning to our housing illustration, VPS hosting could be compared to condo living. While you still have to share the building (server) with others, there are fewer people around and you have more control over how and when you use your space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Likewise, when you use a Virtual Private Server<\/a>, you\u2019re able to customize your resources based on your needs<\/strong> with more control over your data and bandwidth usage. While other websites are still hosted on the same large server as yours, the difference with VPS hosting is that you will have your own RAM, CPU, storage, operating system, and bandwidth at your disposal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The result? Increased performance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While Virtual Private Servers allow users to equally share a portion of a single server, a dedicated hosting plan<\/a> actually allows users to rent an entire physical server for their websites. If you have a large, high-traffic traffic website, then dedicated hosting may be the best option for you. Your own personal server will be fast, flexible, and completely customizable. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The downside of a dedicated hosting plan is the cost. This type of plan is more expensive than VPS hosting. However, if you have a large business, the service quality may be well worth the extra expense. A dedicated hosting plan gives you full control over your resources and allows you to customize the software to meet the needs of your website (or websites).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many website owners are choosing VPS hosting because it combines some of the best features of shared and dedicated hosting<\/a>. Consider some of the following benefits<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shared hosting doesn\u2019t work well for websites that use a large amount of RAM. As your business expands and you add more content to your website, your site\u2019s load times will start to decrease. This is an indicator that you are maxing out your limits on your shared hosting plan and it\u2019s time to upgrade your plan to use a VPS. Increased loading time decreases website visits and sales conversions, so website speed should be your priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With shared hosting, the mistakes of other users could affect the functionality and performance of your website. A VPS allows you more privacy and security since your databases and files are locked away, separate from other server users. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A VPS is relatively easy to customize, allowing you to choose your bandwidth, CPU, and even your own operating system. As your website grows and is visited more frequently, you can simply upgrade your plan when needed to accommodate the influx of traffic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With VPS hosting, you have your own allocated storage and bandwidth at your disposal \u2013 you don\u2019t have to share with other companies. Your memory and bandwidth are guaranteed and won\u2019t fluctuate with usage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A VPS functions as an independent server, meaning you get root access. This is needed to install your own operating systems, applications, and custom-built tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n VPS hosting is a great, more affordable alternative to a dedicated hosting plan. Consider VPS hosting if you are restricted to a budget but still require more bandwidth, security, and RAM. A VPS will provide you with many of the same features of a dedicated hosting plan but at a lower rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A VPS is beneficial for users who build websites for clients because it will allow you to host an unlimited number of domains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you run an online store selling goods or services, you\u2019re definitely going to need a VPS (as opposed to shared hosting) for your website. With a secure VPS, your site is more likely to pass a PCI compliance test. When you are accepting credit cards as payment on your site, you want to ensure that your customer\u2019s information is as secure as possible. A Virtual Private Server is more secure than shared hosting, making it a better, safer option for eCommerce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you require more than what a VPS can provide but hesitate to jump straight into dedicated hosting, KnownHost also offers semi-dedicated<\/a> and budget dedicated hosting plans<\/a> to better meet your intermediate needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you know what a Virtual Private Server is, how it differs from shared and dedicated hosting, and some of the many advantages of VPS hosting. If you\u2019re considering switching your hosting plan, you\u2019ll need to decide what type of VPS hosting plan is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At KnownHost, we offer both managed and unmanaged VPS hosting packages. In order to select the one that best meets your needs, please consider the differences between the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An unmanaged VPS is often referred to as a self-managed VPS. In other words, with lower cost comes less perks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With unmanaged VPS hosting, the hosting provider provides the server, maintains the hardware, and ensures network connectivity. But you, as the website owner, are responsible for installing server software, monitoring security threats, setting up your website\u2019s backup services, and configuring and maintaining your server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The major advantage of an unmanaged VPS is that it is more cost-effective. However, you\u2019ll only want to consider using this type of hosting option if you are knowledgeable in server administration and troubleshooting, or if you have an IT person on hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With a managed plan, your hosting provider will take care of the initial server setup, maintenance, and software updates installation. The hosting team will also watch for signs of hardware failure or security breaches and backup your files so that you won\u2019t lose everything in the event that something goes wrong with your website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website owners without a technical background, the time to spare, or an IT team on staff are going to want to go with a managed VPS plan. When your website\u2019s VPS is managed by the hosting provider, you\u2019ll have a group of IT professionals handling the technical side of things and ensuring that your server is functioning at peak performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website owners should select a VPS hosting provider that they feel confident in and comfortable with. KnownHost has worked hard to build reliable and cost-effective VPS services for our valued clients, and the outstanding features of our VPS hosting packages speak for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A VPS hosting service should have a minimum acceptable uptime rating of at least 99.5 percent. Anything lower than that is simply unacceptable since even each second your website lags could lead to significant reputational and financial losses for your company. The Virtual Private Servers that KnownHost provides, though, are built on some of the fastest and most reliable drives in the world, so you can get the reliable speed you need. Our proven availability is 99.996 percent as of 2021!<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are shopping around for a website host, ask for information on the servers that the hosting provider uses for their VPS services. A good hosting service provider should offer the newest and most powerful hardware available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This should include solid-state drives (SSD), which, simply put, lack moving parts and are thus faster than traditional hard drives. At KnownHost, all our clients have access to high-speed SSD that outpaces the competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is a VPS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is Shared Hosting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
VPS Hosting vs. Shared Hosting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
VPS Hosting vs. Dedicated Hosting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Best of Both Worlds: Benefits of VPS Hosting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Enough speed<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Reliable security<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Customizability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Reliability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Root access<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Reasonable cost<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Great platform for website building<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Secure online store infrastructure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to Know Which VPS Hosting Plan is Right For You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unmanaged VPS hosting<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Managed VPS hosting<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Choose the Right VPS Hosting Provider <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Uptime<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHardware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n