Virtual Private Servers - What Are They?

A VPS account is the next best thing you can get to a dedicated server you can get for your money. You'll hear some people talk about Virtual Dedicated Servers - they're the exact same thing as a Virtual Private Server. Basically these allow you the same basic features of a dedicated server without the cost. Instead of having a server dedicated to you a server is split up into virtual machines (one server pretending to be several servers) through the use of virtual machine software.

A VPS can run its own server Operating System and can even be rebooted separately from all the other virtual servers that are running. To the untrained eye it would look like you're running on a dedicated server.

So what reasons are there for upgrading your hosting to a Virtual Private Server?

Busy!!
The main thing that makes most people HAVE TO upgrade to a VPS is that shared hosting servers can't handle their volume of traffic. Those little websites can grow into monsters that overpower normal servers so a VPS is the next smart step for you to take. It basically allows your site to run faster so that visitors to your pages get the information they want without waiting. Anyone I know running a big messageboard/forum has had to upgrade to at least a VPS within 12 months.

Lots Of Sites
If you've got several websites that you want to be able to run separately from a busy shared hosting account then VPS is good for that too. There are indications that search engines might take your sites more "seriously" if they're using a VPS or dedicated server - you don't look like you're lost in the crowd if you get me?

Basic Ecommerce
If you're running an ecommerce business and you want to avoid a pile of headaches in terms of speed, performance and configuration then I'd go with a VPS from the start. If you're serious about running a large e-comm store then you'll have the money to invest in this resource. It's not an expense - it's a necessity.

Software Requirements
At some stage in your business you might need to install specific software onto your server. You can't do this on a shared hosting account. You CAN do this on a VPS - just like a dedicated server.

So the big question is....what will it all cost? Here's the costs broken down for you:

So do you need a virtual private server? That's down to you folks - the information above here should answer most if not all of your questions.

If you decide to go with a VPS solution then Hostgator gets my vote for pricing and features!