A VPS is a portion of a physical web server that has limited resources and the ability to install its own operating system. Depending on the virtualization type, resources may have a strict quantity (KVM) or be allocated upon release (OpenVZ). Although there are other resource provisioning options, these two are the most common.



In contrast to VPS hosting, VDS still comprises a separate server with its own environment, thereby offering several advantages such as better performance than hosting. Regardless of the resources given on hosting, VPS is usually a more productive solution. Another advantage is the ability to set up your environment. Although this can be both a plus and a minus - you can tailor the server environment for your project only if you possess appropriate knowledge.

VPS servers come with dedicated IP by default, and full access lets you connect via SSH to work with your site, making it easier to work on the site and configure it faster. If you opt for KVM virtualization, server resources will be provided to you guaranteed, so you'll receive no less than what you're promised.

Despite all the advantages, VDS has some downsides too. You'll need to administer the virtual server, which usually comes with a clean OS. Servers with KVM virtualization are costlier than hosting, but servers with OpenVZ have comparable pricing. Control panels aren't available by default, and if you want them, you'll have to pay for them.

To sum up, the main difference between VDS and hosting is that VDS is a bare server that needs to be administered independently, while hosting is a pre-made software package provided by providers, already configured and ready to host websites.

Virtual hosting is, in fact, a convenient and cost-effective solution that ensures smooth website operations. You'll find that virtual hosting sites are typically pre-installed with all the necessary software you need to comfortably manage both small web resources and large-scale e-commerce projects. This type of hosting service caters to your needs, and technical support services are provided by the web hosting provider to quickly resolve any issues or problems that arise.

Apart from its price, the main advantage of VPS hosting is the consistency of allocated resources. This means that the power and resources remain constant until such time as you decide to increase them. Unlike shared hosting, your virtual server won't be impacted by neighboring sites. However, one drawback of VPS hosting is the need to pay for an additional IP address when necessary, which might be a downside for some people.

In simple terms, a VPS is a virtual machine that a provider company rents out to its customers.

It is worth noting that most modern websites are built on content management system (CMS) platforms, which greatly simplifies the work of webmasters. Therefore, before choosing a hosting provider, it's important to determine whether they support the CMS system your website runs on. While virtual hosting services may not offer such features, a virtual server can be configured for any system.

In addition, many hosts offer special packages called CMS hosting that provide hosting with support for specific systems like Bitrix, Jumla, Drupal, and others.

Thus, the difference between virtual hosting and a virtual server is clear. VPS offers advantages that allow you to install and configure sites of any complexity while virtual hosting is suitable only for smaller portals with less than 2,000 visitors.

Shared hosting and VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server) are two different types of web hosting services. Here's a detailed comparison of the two:

1.    Resource Allocation   : In shared hosting, multiple websites are hosted on the same server and share its resources such as CPU, memory, and storage. In contrast, VDS provides a virtual server with dedicated resources allocated to a single user, offering more control and stability.

2.    Performance   : Shared hosting can be less predictable in terms of performance, as the server's resources are shared among multiple websites. VDS, on the other hand, provides consistent performance since resources are dedicated to the user's virtual server.

3.    Customization and Control   : With shared hosting, users have limited control over server settings and software configurations, as these are managed by the hosting provider. VDS allows users to customize and configure the server environment according to their specific requirements, providing more flexibility and control.

4.    Security   : In shared hosting, the actions of other websites sharing the same server can potentially affect the security of your website. VDS offers a higher level of security since each virtual server operates independently, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities due to other users' activities.

5.    Scalability   : VDS typically allows for easier scalability, as users can easily upgrade or downgrade their server resources based on their needs. Shared hosting may have limitations in terms of scalability and resource allocation.

6.    Cost   : Shared hosting is generally more affordable than VDS, as the resources are shared among multiple users, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses and personal websites. VDS, while offering dedicated resources, tends to be more expensive due to the exclusive use of server resources.

7.    Technical Expertise   : Shared hosting is a good choice for those who have limited technical knowledge or don't want to manage server configurations, as the hosting provider takes care of most maintenance tasks. VDS, on the other hand, requires a higher level of technical expertise as users are responsible for managing and maintaining their virtual server's settings and configurations.

8.    Control Panel Access   : Shared hosting often comes with a user-friendly control panel for managing website settings and configurations. VDS also provides access to a control panel, but users have the ability to install and configure custom control panels based on their preferences.

9.    Isolation   : In shared hosting, there is a risk that a spike in traffic or resource usage by one website can impact the performance of other websites on the same server. With VDS, each virtual server is isolated from others, providing more reliability and stability in terms of performance.

10.    Server Management   : In shared hosting, the provider is responsible for server maintenance, updates, and security patches. In VDS, users have more control and are responsible for managing their virtual server, including updates, security measures, and software installations.

11.    Software Compatibility   : With shared hosting, users may be limited to the software and applications provided by the hosting provider, whereas VDS allows for greater flexibility in installing custom software and applications tailored to specific needs.

12.    Performance Stability   : Shared hosting performance can be affected by the activities and traffic of other websites sharing the server. VDS offers more stable performance since users have dedicated resources, ensuring consistent performance levels regardless of other users' activities.

13.    Root Access   : VDS typically provides root access or administrative access to the virtual server, allowing users to make system-level changes and configurations. This level of access is not available in shared hosting environments.

14.    Backup and Recovery   : Backup and recovery options in shared hosting are often managed by the hosting provider, while in VDS, users have more control over implementing and managing their backup solutions.

15.    Support and Assistance   : Shared hosting often comes with basic technical support included in the hosting package. In contrast, VDS may require users to have a higher level of technical expertise, as they may need to handle more advanced server configurations, with the option of purchasing more specialized support if needed.

16.    Resource Limits   : Shared hosting plans often come with predefined resource limits, such as disk space, bandwidth, and CPU usage. If these limits are exceeded, it can impact the website's performance. In contrast, VDS allows users to allocate resources based on their specific needs, providing more control over resource utilization.

17.    Server Environment   : Shared hosting is suitable for websites that do not require an advanced server environment or specific software configurations, while VDS is beneficial for users who need a customized server environment, specialized software installations, or specific server-level configurations.

18.    Traffic Handling   : Shared hosting may have limitations in handling sudden spikes in website traffic, as the shared resources can be quickly exhausted. VDS, with its dedicated resources, is better equipped to handle high traffic volumes without compromising performance.

19.    E-commerce and Database Applications   : For e-commerce websites and applications with intensive database requirements, VDS is often preferred due to its dedicated resources, scalability, and better support for database-driven applications.

20.    Security Compliance   : Depending on the nature of the website or application, compliance requirements such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) for e-commerce sites may necessitate the use of VDS, as it provides more control over security measures and configurations.

Considering these points will help users make an informed decision based on their specific hosting needs, technical proficiency, budget, and the nature of the website or application they intend to host. Both shared hosting and VDS have their own distinct advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the unique requirements and goals of the user.

VDS provides a bare-metal experience, which can be advantageous for developers seeking maximum performance and customization. Yet, this comes at a higher price point, and the need for self-administration can be daunting for those without the requisite skills. In essence, while VDS can outperform traditional hosting, it's not always the best fit for every project, especially for those who prefer a hands-off approach.