While browsing the forum, I noticed that numerous individuals are asking the same question: how to select a VPS and what sets it apart from a VDS. With this in mind, I've decided to gather a thread containing recommendations for frequently asked inquiries.

How does a VPS differ from a VDS? Nothing much unless you delve deeply into the specifics. Essentially, hosting companies classify virtual servers into segments based on their virtualization technologies, such as VPS based on OpenVZ while VDS is based on KVM and Xen. However, you should be able to rely on technology instead of virtualization itself.

In terms of selecting a VPS and tariff plan, there's no straightforward answer, but here are some pointers:
1) Consider the resources being consumed and the memory requirements of your scripts.
2) Keep within your budget (as a high cost could capsize your server.)
3) Utilize private (independent) resources to compare hosters regarding price and performance.

In my opinion, the most critical factor when selecting a VPS is whether it is managed or unmanaged. If the hosting owner takes the reins, then it's considered "managed" hosting. Conversely, "unmanaged" means you take full responsibility for administration.

Unmanaged hosting is only suitable for specialists or those with significant experience in this area. It's essential to pay particular attention to the level of management needed, its complexity, and the tariff plan as a whole when selecting an unmanaged host.

What are the various disk types available for virtual servers? We indicate the disk system type on which the virtual server operates. We've decided to identify six options, although there are numerous combinations of disks and interfaces.

The first two options consist of classic HDDs with speeds ranging from 7.2k to 15k rpm, paired with SATA or SAS interfaces. They're appropriate for storing large amounts of data or projects that don't require high access speed or performance. This is also the most economical option.

The next two options are a combination of an HDD/SAS HDD with frequent info caching on SSD solid-state drives. They provide sufficient disk space and typically provide faster speeds compared to standard hard drives, making them slightly more expensive.

SSD drives are prevalent nowadays, providing a substantial increase in performance compared to other types. It's also the most common option for most tasks since it significantly boosts database work speed and site opening time thanks to several times faster read/write speeds compared to HDD.

NVMe SSDs are the latest addition, interacting with SSD via the PCI Express port through a modern protocol called NVMe since the speed of drives was restricted by SATA and SAS interface buses. NVMe SSDs provide even greater performance than standard SSDs and handle parallel operations quicker.

What are the differences between virtualization methods, and which one should I choose? Virtualization aims to split the power of a single physical server/server cluster to create logically isolated VMs that provide each other with specific resources and the ability to operate independent OS.

One possible approach is operating system level virtualization, which separates resources and VM isolation independently. Its disadvantage is that it can't run an OS kernel that differs from the host system kernel. OpenVZ and Virtuozzo utilize virtualization at the OS level.

Hardware virtualization offers a higher degree of VM isolation. It eliminates architecture limitations and enables the installation of various guest OSs that aren't dependent on the host system core. KVM, VMware, Xen, and Hyper-V all use hardware virtualization.

If you're planning to install a specific OS, you should consider hardware virtualization that lets you install almost any system from an ISO image independently of the host architecture. OpenVZ VMs often disable TUN/TAP devices. Otherwise, you won't notice a significant difference.

Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing a VPS:

1. What are the key factors to consider when choosing a VPS?
  When choosing a VPS, it's important to consider factors such as the amount of resources (CPU, RAM, storage) you need, the level of technical support provided by the hosting provider, the scalability of the VPS, the location of the data center, and the pricing.

2. How much CPU and RAM do I need for my VPS?
  The amount of CPU and RAM you need depends on the specific requirements of your website or application. If you have a high-traffic website or a resource-intensive application, you will need more CPU and RAM to ensure optimal performance.

3. What type of storage should I choose for my VPS?
  The choice of storage (HDD or SSD) depends on the performance requirements of your website or application. SSD storage offers faster read/write speeds and is ideal for websites and applications that require fast data access.

4. What level of technical support should I expect from a VPS hosting provider?
  It's important to choose a VPS hosting provider that offers reliable technical support. This includes 24/7 availability, quick response times, and expertise in troubleshooting VPS-related issues.

5. How scalable is a VPS?
  Scalability is an important factor to consider, especially if you anticipate future growth of your website or application. A good VPS hosting provider should offer easy scalability options to accommodate increased traffic or resource demands.

6. Does the location of the data center matter?
  The location of the data center can impact the latency and load times for your website or application. Choosing a data center location that is close to your target audience can result in faster access to your content.

7. What pricing options are available for VPS hosting?
  VPS hosting providers offer a range of pricing options, including monthly, yearly, and custom plans. It's important to choose a plan that aligns with your budget and provides the necessary resources for your website or application.

Choosing the right VPS involves careful consideration of technical requirements, support options, scalability, data center location, and pricing. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision that meets the needs of your website or application.