In the past, I only had experience with shared hosting. However, now I need to transition to a VPS (Virtual Private Server).
What steps should I take to familiarize myself with the principles of working with hosting?
In case I have limited understanding, where can I find hosting options? Are there services that offer VPS hosting with pre-configured setups? Or perhaps partially configured setups?

Transitioning from shared hosting to a VPS can be an exciting step towards more control and flexibility over your hosting environment. To familiarize yourself with the principles of working with hosting, here are some steps you can take:

1. Research VPS Basics: Start by understanding the fundamental concepts behind VPS hosting, such as virtualization, server management, operating systems, and network configurations.

2. Learn about Server Administration: Acquire knowledge on server administration tasks like setting up and managing user accounts, installing software, configuring security measures, and handling backups. Familiarize yourself with tools like SSH, FTP, and control panels that facilitate server management.

3. Explore Operating Systems: Choose between Linux and Windows as your preferred operating system. Linux, especially distributions like Ubuntu or CentOS, is commonly used in VPS hosting due to its stability and open-source nature. Windows offers compatibility with specific software and technologies.

4. Understand Networking: Learn about network protocols, IP addressing, DNS management, firewall configurations, and load balancing to ensure proper connectivity and security.

5. Study Virtualization Technologies: Comprehend the different virtualization technologies, such as KVM, OpenVZ, or VMware, as they affect how resources are allocated and isolated within a VPS.

When it comes to finding hosting options, there are several reliable providers that offer VPS hosting with pre-configured or partially configured setups. Some popular providers include:

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS offers Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances that allow you to configure and scale VPS resources according to your needs. They provide a wide range of pre-configured templates known as Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) for easy setup.

2. DigitalOcean: DigitalOcean provides a simple and user-friendly interface to deploy VPS instances known as "Droplets." They offer various pre-configured setups, including popular applications and frameworks, making it easy to get started.

3. Linode: Linode offers VPS hosting with a range of pre-configured setups, including popular Linux distributions and applications. They provide a straightforward control panel for server management.

4. Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP offers Google Compute Engine (GCE) instances that provide scalable VPS hosting options. They offer pre-configured images and easy integration with other Google Cloud services.

few more hosting providers that offer VPS hosting with pre-configured or partially configured setups:

1. Vultr: Vultr offers high-performance cloud servers with various pre-configured templates, including popular Linux distributions and applications. They have a user-friendly interface and flexible pricing options.

2. DreamHost: DreamHost provides managed VPS hosting with pre-installed software, security features, and automatic updates. They offer a control panel for easy management and scalability based on your needs.

3. Bluehost: Bluehost is primarily known for shared hosting but also offers VPS hosting with pre-configured setups. They provide a cPanel interface and 24/7 support to assist with server management.

4. A2 Hosting: A2 Hosting offers VPS hosting with partially configured options, such as pre-installed operating systems and control panels. They focus on performance and speed, with options for both Linux and Windows environments.

In order to transfer, you will require a VPS/VDS server along with a web hosting control panel. A suggested option is to utilize a VPS/VDS server package on Centos 7 + ispmanager 5. The ispmanager5 panel comes at a cost of approximately $4 per month and offers a simple installation process and easy management.
Moreover, it provides a free trial period of 1 month, allowing you to assess its suitability for your needs. Alternatively, you have the option of using free web panels or configuring LAMP independently for your project. If you need any assistance, feel free to ask for my help at no charge.

Affordable and efficient VPS options are available at hetzner.cloud.
Ubuntu is a reliable choice for hosting.
Do not bother with installing a control panel; it will only hinder you in the long run. Instead, invest time in learning how to work with the command line.
Check out digitalocean.com/community/tutorials for detailed, step-by-step guides on setting up a VPS and deploying LAMP (nginx-mysql-php).
Give it a try, and if something goes wrong, simply reset the VPS and start again. You can also set up a virtual machine using VirtualBox, install minimal Ubuntu without a GUI, and practice there.
For a pre-configured VPS setup script, visit forge.laravel.com (forge.sh). You may find useful insights there.

You need to get comfortable with terminal commands, server configurations, and possibly even some coding. Look for VPS providers like Bluehost or HostGator that offer managed solutions, which can save you from the headache of initial setup. They often come with pre-configured environments that can help you get started.

However, if you're not willing to put in the effort to learn, you'll likely find yourself overwhelmed and regretting your decision to upgrade.

If you prioritize uptime and quick issue resolution, hostpro.com could be a good fit. Their VPS performance is consistent, and the included daily backups add an extra layer of security. The support team is also one of the best I've dealt with—always available and actually helpful.