VDS and VPS: what they are, their differences and which one to choose

In today’s article, you will learn what VDS and VPS are, how they differ, and what their advantages are over conventional hosting. 

VDS and VPS are services of hosting providers. The client receives a virtual server, which in its technical parameters practically does not differ from the physical one. This is a technology in which several virtual servers are isolated from each other on the same physical server. The client who orders this service gets admin rights to manage the server. The VDS/VPS administrator has almost unlimited possibilities (especially when compared to regular hosting). 

The administrator can:  

* reinstall the operating system; 

• turn on/reboot/shut down the server;

* install and configure software; 

* upload, delete, modify files; 

* update programs, install new modules. 

The principle behind operating and functioning a VPS is practically no different from a physical server. You can host databases, websites, upload and store files on it, install applications, and do all the necessary operations on it, just like on a real machine. 

Usually, a virtual server is assigned an individual IP address. VDS and VPS are on the same machine as the others, however, the operation of the “neighbours” has absolutely no effect on its functions. If one VPS fails, the others will not be affected. 

Generally, you have a virtual machine that can be treated just like a real one. Store, update, and/or modify any databases, any projects – as long as you have enough memory. 

VDS and VPS: what are the differences 

On the one hand, VDS is a virtual dedicated server. On the other hand, VPS is a virtual private server. 

You might think that these have different meanings. But in fact, they stand for the same hosting provider service – a separate server based on a real host machine. Some may say that these have different types of implementations: on the one hand, VPS is an operating system-based virtualisation, on the other hand, VDS is hardware virtualisation. In fact, they are quite literally the same thing. It’s just more convenient for some providers to separate these concepts, and to charge more for a “private” server.  

A word of warning, however. Both are dedicated virtual servers, and there are no real differences between VDS and VPS. These are two acronyms that are used in parallel, and VPS is more common, although VDS better reflects the essence of the entire concept.  

What to choose: VPS/VDS or hosting 

Before answering this question, let’s look at the pros and cons of a virtual dedicated server, and the differences between that and more conventional hosting. 

VPS advantages

1. You get unlimited control over the virtual server and your projects on it. You can configure the server for your project: install the operating system, software, and the modules that you need. You have administrator rights. With regular hosting, the client doesn’t usually enjoy these privileges.
2. The number of created and hosted websites, databases, and files is limited only by your imagination and server capacity. With a standard hosting service, you are limited to the selected data plan. Most hosting services allow you to host only one or two websites, if you want more, you have to pay more.
3. Complete independence from your neighbours. It doesn’t matter who else is in it with you on the physical machine – large projects will not pull over resources. When it comes to regular hosting, the norm is that several websites (there may be a dozen of them) sit on the same IP address. The more often visited websites take over the resources of the server, and other websites are slowed down or unavailable as a result. 
4. You have access to technologies that protect you against DDoS attacks. With regular hosting service, this is only possible only if it is included in your tariff plan.
5. You can make backups, thereby ensuring the safety of your data. With regular hosting (especially the cheaper kinds), this isn’t always possible.

Now we have seen the advantages of VPS, it’s important to be aware of the drawbacks, too. 

VPS disadvantages

1. The price – it is much higher than even premium plans for conventional hosting.
2. The owner needs to have administrative skills or hire someone who can maintain the server and service it.

So… which one to choose? The answer is — it all depends on your needs. 

To put it simply, if you are going to run a small website, regular hosting will suffice — there’s no need to overpay for a dedicated server. 

However, if you’re planning a large-scale project(s), or you already have a portal with a large amount of traffic and wide functionality, then it is better to choose VDS/VPS for stable operations. This will be done on the condition that the cost will pay off and that you have the skills to administer the server or have someone to do so for you.