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Virtual Web Hosting vs. Virtual Private Servers

Posted by Thomas on November 22, 2008, filed in: Technology, VPS Hosting, Webhosting News

A web server can literally make or break your online business. This is why it is extremely important to make sure that you choose the right one. There are two different types of web servers that will be focused on here, Virtual Web Hosting and the other is Virtual Private Servers.

Over the last couple of years Virtual Web Hosting has been the main choice in web servers. One of the reasons they became so popular was because they supported necessary files and allowed more freedom than other conventional web hosts. Then Virtual Private servers, not to be confused with Virtual hosts, they are two completely different animals, came along and offered even more freedom.

Let me back up a little and first explain the difference is between a Virtual Host and a Virtual Private Server, so that you can fully understand.

Virtual Hosting

Let’s start with Virtual Hosting. Virtual Hosting is also known as Shared Web Hosting because you are sharing the physical server and a single set of software applications with other users. It has been extremely popular in the past because of it’s fast deployment, strong resources, and most importantly because it is very affordable. Another advantage to Virtual Hosting is that you have a powerful, reliable, and professionally managed server without having to possess advanced technical skills, making it ideal for an individual or small business.

The disadvantage of Virtual Hosting is that you are sharing the server with other users, which has been configured and is controlled by someone else, usually an administrator. You have no control what so ever. You literally have your hands tied behind your back and are at their mercy. You have to contact the administrator every time you need to make an adjustment or change your configuration settings. In addition, even if you are lucky enough to contact the administrator, they may not fulfill your request when you need it done. They call the shots, pure and simple.

Virtual Private Servers

Virtual Private Servers on the other hand are a hot topic these days and for a good reason. A Virtual Private Server is a single server that is partitioned at the root into multiple dedicated servers. This allows you to share the cost of the network connectivity, hardware, and system maintenance with other hosting customers, while maintaining flexibility and freedom. The real advantage of them is that they allow you to have complete control over site maintenance and you also have access to your password, aliases file, and sendmail configuration file. In addition, they have the security advantages of a dedicated server at the fraction of the cost. A Virtual Private Server is an excellent solution for small to medium size business that has increasingly complex needs.

There is however a downside to using Virtual Private Servers. You do need to have some programming knowledge to control and configure the settings. Sounds overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be since most web host companies that offer Virtual Private Servers have very detailed manuals, which makes it easier to configure and control your web site no matter if you know anything about programming or not.

Which one is right for you? It all depends on you and the size of your network. If you have or plan on having just one web site and have absolutely no programming knowledge, then Virtual Hosting is the recommended and the most economical way to go. If you have a larger more complex business, then you may want to consider using a Virtual Private Server web host.

Cost for both varies greatly with Virtual Hosting costing anywhere from $20 - $50 a month, versus a $100 or more per month for a Virtual Private Server. On the other hand, if you have a larger network that requires multiple web sites and you have some programming knowledge, then a Virtual Private Server would be ideal for your business.

With a Virtual Private Server account, you can host up to 50 web sites instead of having multiple Virtual Hosting accounts, which would then not be as economical. When it comes time to get a web server, make sure that the server fits your business needs and that it supports the essential software in order to run your online business effectively and more important, profitably.