VPS hosting is a powerful yet flexible choice. From private gaming servers to high-traffic ecommerce sites, the possibilities are endless when you choose a virtual private server. But what exactly are the different types of VPS hosting, and which is best for you? Read on to learn more.
What are the types of VPS hosting?
There are two main types of VPS hosting: managed and unmanaged. Both choices offer the same server resources and features, the main difference is simply who will run the server day-to-day.
Let’s dive into both types of VPS hosting.
Managed VPS
A managed VPS is the term used to describe a server overseen by a hosting provider. This means that your provider will manage the overall maintenance of your server, including internal changes. As the user, you will have very little responsibility for its upkeep. This is great for those who may not have a lot of tech knowledge or are just looking for an easy to use server.
Unmanaged VPS
An unmanaged VPS is the opposite of a managed server, and they rely on the user to maintain and manage them. Your VPS provider will take care of the OS installation, but after that it’s all up to you. This is an ideal choice for those who require very specific updates, resource levels or software on their VPS. An unmanaged VPS allows the user to take charge of the inner workings of their server. Our VPS Hosting is unmanaged, because we want our customers to have complete control and autonomy when it comes to their server.
The benefits of managed VPS hosting
Many people love the hands off approach of managed VPS hosting, but there are a few other upsides to choosing this type of server. If you opt for a managed VPS there are several benefits that you can expect:
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your VPS is in capable hands will give you the peace of mind that everything will run smoothly without any hiccups.
- Easy to use: If you don’t have much technical knowledge, a managed VPS is the easiest way to still get your fill of virtual private servers, without having to deal with the management side.
- More support: If something goes wrong with your managed VPS, then you can rest assured that your provider will have it covered. It won’t be up to you to fix any internal issues, and you’ll have all the support you need 24/7.
The benefits of unmanaged VPS hosting
If you’re looking for a VPS that you can mould to suit your needs, then an unmanaged server is the perfect choice. But what can you expect to benefit from this type of hosting?
- Ultimate server control: One of the main benefits of an unmanaged VPS is that you get to decide exactly what software is installed and your level of server resources. As the owner of an unmanaged VPS you get to make the executive decisions.
- Great for those with prior server experience: Most people opt for an unmanaged VPS because they already know how to manage a server. And if you do have previous server knowledge, then this type of VPS will be a piece of cake.
- Cost effective: Unmanaged VPS hosting can often save you a bit of cash compared to managed servers. Taking care of the overall maintenance of your VPS cuts the cost of paying someone externally to manage your server – so this is usually a cheap VPS option.
What are the types of VPS operating systems?
The two most common VPS operating systems are Windows and Linux. If your business primarily uses Windows-based applications, it may make more sense to choose a Windows VPS. However, if you've got a strong technical team, they may prefer to work with a Linux VPS for the extra control and flexibility.
Benefits of a Windows VPS
- User-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- Works seamlessly with Windows applications like SharePoint or Exchange
- Supports .NET framework
- High level of reliability and uptime
- Comes with built-in security features such as firewalls and intrusion detection
Benefits of a Linux VPS
- Direct access to source code for maximum control
- Open source and free OS
- Lighter and faster
- Supports a wide range of programming languages
- Security and stability
Types of VPS hosting technology
With regards to technology, there are two types of VPS hosting that really stand out:
Benefits of cloud VPS hosting
- Scalability: Server resources such as CPU or RAM can be scaled up or down as needed
- Availability: Cloud infrastructure provides high levels of redundancy to keep you online
- Flexibility: Cloud VPS hosting offers full control over your server, so you're free to manage it as you wish
- Security: Choosing a cloud VPS means you'll benefit from robust firewalls and regular backups
- Load times: Cloud servers are fast thanks to top-of-the-line hardware and optimised network infrastructure
Benefits of SSD VPS hosting
- Read/write speed: SSDs are much faster than traditional hard-disk drives, meaning they'll read and write your data quicker
- Page load times: Hosting a website with an SSD VPS will give you faster page load and response times, improving user experience
- Reliability: SSDs use flash-based memory and have no moving parts, reducing the risk of mechanical failures
- Energy efficiency: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, making SSD VPS hosting a much more environmentally friendly option
- Data retention: SSDs use a non-volatile storage chip, and this means that even if the server lost power, your data would be retained
Which type of VPS hosting should you choose?
The type of VPS hosting that's best for you will depend on your skills, experience, and how much time you have. If you know a thing or two about managing a server, choosing an unmanaged VPS will give you the ultimate flexibility and save you some cash. However, if you'd rather someone else did all the heavy lifting, you should spend the extra money and opt for managed VPS hosting.
If you're looking for your very own Virtual Private Server, we're here to help. From XS servers ideal for test environments, to beefy XXL VPS hosting for high traffic sites, we've got something to suit every project. If you'd like to talk to someone about your options, get in touch with our sales team.
