In this guide, we will look at the different types of VPS hosting and what they offer you
In a nutshell, VPS hosting is a type of web hosting that uses virtual private servers.
A VPS hosting service provides you with your own virtual server, which you can access via the internet. This gives you the ability to run your own operating system, install your own software, and have full control over your server.
The Different Types of VPS Hosting
There are two main types of VPS hosting: managed and unmanaged.
a). Managed VPS
A managed VPS is a type of hosting where the hosting company manages all aspects of the server for you. This means they will take care of things like updates, security, and performance.
Managed VPS in Canada can be a great option for those who don’t want to deal with the technical aspects of running a server, or for those who don’t have the expertise to do so.
However, managed VPS can be more expensive than other types of VPS hosting, as you are paying for the convenience of having someone else manage your server.
If you are comfortable managing your own server or are on a budget, an unmanaged VPS may be a better option for you.
Managed VPS Pros and Cons
Pros
- A managed VPS always has a team of professionals to help maintain and update your website for you.
- A managed VPS can take care of making sure your website is always up and running smoothly.
- A managed VPS can take care of updating your software and keeping everything compatible.
- A managed VPS can help you troubleshoot any problems you may have with your website.
- A managed VPS can save you time and energy in having to manage your website yourself.
Cons
- While a managed VPS does have a team of professionals to help, it may cost more money than if you were to manage the VPS yourself.
- If you are not comfortable with giving someone else access to your website, a managed VPS may not be the best option for you.
- If you are not happy with the service you are receiving from your managed VPS, it can be very difficult to find another provider. If your website grows, you may find that a managed VPS isn’t equipped to handle the needs of your site.
b). Unmanaged VPS
An unmanaged VPS is a great option for those who are familiar with server administration and don’t mind doing their own maintenance.
With an unmanaged VPS n Canada, you’ll have complete control over your server, making it easy to customize and configure to your specific needs.
However, this also means that you are responsible for keeping your server up-to-date and running smoothly.
If you are not comfortable with managing a server or don’t have the time to do so, an unmanaged VPS is probably not the right choice for you.
Unmanaged VPS Pros and Cons
Pros
- You have complete control over your server
- Can be customized to your specific needs
- More affordable than a managed VPS
- Increased flexibility and scalability
- Ability to install any desired software
Cons
- Requires Linux knowledge and server administration skills
- No support from the hosting provider
- You are responsible for maintaining and securing the server
- Updates and patches must be installed manually
- Backups must be created and managed manually
Besides the two, there are other types of VPS servers.
c). OpenVZ VPS Hosting
OpenVZ is a type of VPS hosting that uses virtualization technology to create isolated containers, or compartments, on a single physical server.
While it is similar to other VPS hosting solutions, it offers a few advantages over its competitors.
One advantage of OpenVZ is that it’s very efficient with server resources. Since each container shares the same kernel, there’s no need to run multiple instances of the operating system. This means that OpenVZ uses less CPU and memory than other VPS hosting solutions.
Another advantage of OpenVZ is that it is very easy to set up and manage. You can create and delete containers with just a few clicks, and you can easily change the settings for each container.
d). Xen VPS Hosting
Xen VPS hosting is a type of virtual private server (VPS) hosting that uses the Xen hypervisor to isolate each VPS instance from others on the same physical server.
This means that each Xen VPS has its own operating system, memory, and disk space, and is fully isolated from other VPS instances.
One advantage of Xen VPS hosting is that it’s typically more stable and performant than other types of VPS hosting (such as OpenVZ).
e). Windows VPS
Windows VPS is a type of hosting that uses Windows as the operating system.
It is popular for its flexibility and scalability, and it can be used for a variety of purposes such as web hosting, file storage, and email hosting.
Windows VPS is more expensive than Linux VPS, but it offers a number of advantages such as support for Microsoft products and easier integration with other Windows-based systems.
f). Linux VPS
Linux VPS is a type of virtual private server hosting that uses the Linux operating system.
It is often used by developers and businesses who need a reliable and secure hosting option that is also affordable.
Linux VPS in Canada can be customized to meet the specific needs of a website or application, making it a versatile option for many different types of projects.
Linux vs Windows VPS
There are many differences between Linux and Windows VPS hosting.
One of the most significant is that Linux is free and open source software, while Windows server operating system costs money to license.
Additionally, there are different types of control panels used with each type of VPS – Plesk for Windows and cPanel or Webmin/Virtualmin for Linux.
Linux systems tend to be more stable and require less maintenance than their Microsoft counterparts. They can also run on a wider variety of hardware platforms.
However, Windows servers offer a more familiar interface for many users and include features such as ASP .NET support and MS SQL Server database compatibility out of the box.
When to Use VPS Hosting in Canada
When it comes to VPS hosting, there are a few different scenarios in which this type of hosting can be beneficial.
If you have a small website with low traffic levels, VPS hosting may not be necessary.
However, if you have a medium to large website with moderate to high traffic levels, VPS hosting could be a good option. This is because VPS hosting offers more resources than shared hosting, so your website will be able to handle more traffic without crashing or loading slowly.
Another scenario in which a VPS server can be beneficial is if you need more control over your server than what is offered with shared hosting.
You see, with VPS hosting, you get your own virtual server environment where you can install the applications and software you need. This can be helpful if you want to run a complex website or application that requires a specific server setup.
Not to mention, VPS hosting also comes with a lot of security features that can help your site stay safe.
Read also: VPS Hosting vs Shared Hosting in Canada: Which One in 2023?
How to choose the right type of VPS hosting
As you’ve seen, there are many different types of VPS hosting, and it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a VPS host:
What type of operating system do you need? Windows or Linux?
In essence, there are two major types of operating systems for VPS hosting: Windows and Linux. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Windows is a good choice if you need to use specific Windows-only software or if you’re more comfortable with a Windows interface. However, Windows VPS hosting can be more expensive than Linux and it may not be as stable or secure.
Linux is a good choice if you want a more affordable option or if you need a server that’s going to be highly stable and secure. Linux can be less user-friendly than Windows, but there are many resources available to help you get started.
How much storage space do you need?
When it comes to choosing a VPS hosting plan, one of the key considerations is storage space. How much storage space do you need for your website or application?
This can be a tricky question to answer, as it depends on the size and complexity of your site or app, as well as how much data you expect to have to store.
If you are not sure how much storage space you’ll need, a good rule of thumb is to start with around 30GB and then increase your storage as needed.
Of course, if you’re expecting to have a lot of high-quality images or videos on your site, you’ll need more storage than if your site is mostly text-based.
And if you plan on storing a lot of data (like customer information or product inventory), you’ll need even more space.
Consider the amount of bandwidth you will need
Different types of VPS hosting plans offer different amounts of bandwidth. If you’re not sure how much you’ll need, consider the amount of traffic your website gets and the size of your files.
Just like the storage, if you have a lot of high-quality images or videos, you may need more bandwidth than someone with a smaller website.
Some VPS plans allow you to add more bandwidth as needed, while others have set limits.
Be sure to check how much bandwidth is included in your plan and whether you can upgrade if necessary.
Otherwise, you may find yourself paying overage fees or dealing with a slow website.
Do you need root access?
The answer to whether or not you need root access for your VPS hosting depends on what you plan to use your server for.
If you are just running a simple website, then you likely won’t need root access (go with managed VPS).
However, if you’re planning on running a more complex setup, such as a game server, then you’ll probably want root access so that you can install the necessary software.
Keep in mind that if you do choose a VPS hosting plan with root access, then you’ll be responsible for maintaining your server and keeping it secure.
In that case, get unmanaged VPS.
Support you will need
When you’re trying to decide which type of VPS is right for you, it’s important to consider the level of support you’ll need.
If you are new to hosting or don’t have much experience with servers, you’ll want a host that offers good customer support. Look for a host that has 24/7 customer support available by phone and live chat.
Even if you have experience with servers, things can go wrong. You might have a question about how to set something up or what features are available. It’s always helpful to have access to someone who can help resolve any issues you might come across.
Some hosts offer managed VPS hosting, which means they take care of all the technical details for you.
What’s your budget
How much are you willing to spend on web hosting each month? This will help you narrow down your choices of VPS hosts.
Once you have a general idea of your budget, you can start looking at features and deciding which host provides the best value for your money.
Do some research and compare features before making your final decision. A little time spent upfront can save you money and headaches in the long run.
Performance needed for your project
When torn between two VPS types, consider performance. Your chosen VPS should provide the resources and support needed to ensure that your project runs smoothly.
To better assess your project, look at the following:
- The size and scope of your project: A small project will have different performance needs than a large-scale enterprise project. Make sure to pick a hosting provider that can accommodate the size of your project.
- The technologies you are using: Different technologies will have different performance requirements. Make sure that your hosting provider can support the technologies you are using.
- Your budget: Performance comes at a cost. Make sure to factor in the cost of getting high-quality performance when choosing your hosting provider.
Read also: How To Choose The Best VPS Hosting Provider in Canada
Final thoughts
VPS hosting is a great option for businesses of all sizes. It’s affordable, flexible, and can be scaled to meet the needs of any business.
There are two main types of VPS hosting: managed and unmanaged. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Managed VPS is more expensive, but it offers more features and support. Unmanaged VPS hosting is the most expensive option, but it offers the most freedom and flexibility.
No matter which type of VPS hosting you choose, make sure you do your research and pick a reputable provider. A good provider will offer great uptime, good customer support, and a money-back guarantee.