VPS

VPS stands for virtual private server, a form of web hosting and server provisioning that uses virtualization to divide a single physical server into multiple virtual servers. Each VPS runs its own operating system, has its own dedicated portion of resources (CPU, RAM, storage), and operates independently from other VPS instances on the same machine. The virtualization layer, or hypervisor, manages resource allocation and isolation.

Compared with shared hosting, a VPS provides greater performance predictability, root or administrator access, and the ability to install custom software. Compared with a dedicated server, a VPS is typically more affordable and easier to scale. Common virtualization technologies include KVM, VMware, Xen, Hyper-V, as well as container-based solutions such as OpenVZ and LXC.

VPS can be unmanaged, where the user is responsible for setup and maintenance, or managed, where the provider handles updates, security, and backups. Resources are allocated in plans that specify RAM, vCPU cores, storage type and size, and bandwidth. Storage may be HDD or SSD, with options for backups and snapshots. Operating systems commonly offered include various Linux distributions and Windows Server.

Typical uses include hosting websites and web applications, development and testing environments, database servers, and game or application servers. Users gain root or administrator access to install software, configure services, and manage security, subject to the host’s policy.

Limitations include the need for technical knowledge to manage a VPS, potential performance variation based on host load and virtualization type, and the cost compared with shared hosting for very small sites. With proper management and monitoring, a VPS provides a balance of control, isolation, and scalability suitable for growing workloads.