A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a single dedicated server that is divided into multiple isolated servers. Each virtual server performs much like a single dedicated server, complete with root access and the ability to install programs of your choosing. A Private Server (VPS) is much like having your own dedicated server, but at a much more affordable price.
A single physical computer will still have one processor set, one set of hard drives, one motherboard and memory system, but that single hardware stack will support multiple operating systems simultaneously. Using advanced programming and a highly specialized version of the FreeBSD operating system, developers in the web hosting industry have packaged the operating system into a distinct unit. The virtual operating system runs under a master operating system, and the master can operate multiple virtual operating systems simultaneously. The result is a shared server running a dedicated operating system; each user on the system receives their own operating system and, optionally, unlimited access to virtually every facet of the system.
Most Web Hosting companies offer "VIRTUAL" or "SHARED" hosting. This means you literally share your resources, applications and environment with potentially hundreds of other users in the same directory. This configuration can allow any compromises to a single site to affect the performance and security of everyone else on the same server.
With Virtual Private Server (VPS Hosting), also known as Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS Hosting) technology, a web server is divided into multiple isolated environments. Each environment has its own server software providing independence for that website. Any compromise to a site would only affect that VPS and could not affect any other site on the same server. As with a dedicated server, each VPS has its own independent operating system with it's own web server, mail server and independent software instances. A crashed application (Apache, Sendmail, MySQL etc.) in another client's VPS has no effect on your VPS.
What may be even more appealing is that with VPS web hosting, you have nearly full control over the most common areas of a website/server. This includes:
- Full control of the web server configuration (Apache), including PHP, mod_perl, and other server-side technologies and modules.
- Full control of the e-mail server (Sendmail) configuration.
- Full control of MySQL configuration.
- Full control of most Perl modules.
You also have access to other miscellaneous configuration files within your account and a greater ability to install and run custom software.
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