What is VPS hosting? – The basics for beginners

Byjames brown

If you as a web designer or developer need a more flexible hosting solution, simple shared hosting is often no longer sufficient. Are you ready for the next step? Use a Virtual Private Server (VPS) in the future. We’ll explain what VPS hosting is, how it works, and the benefits you get from it.

VPS stands for Virtual Private Server and uses virtualization technology to provide dedicated resources on a server with multiple users. Since you get dedicated server space with VPS, it is more stable and secure than regular shared hosting. You can compare a VPS to a condo, where you get your own physical space within a larger building that you share with other tenants. Shared hosting is more like an apartment, while a dedicated server is like owning your own home.

Why is VPS a good choice for web designers and developers?

There are numerous features of VPS hosting that are beneficial to web designers and developers, especially those hosting websites for multiple clients:

  • Dedicated Resources

 You get high-performance SSDs (solid-state drives) to serve your website super-fast with unlimited traffic and the ability to expand resources as your business grows quickly. Best of all, you don’t have to share your resources; they’re all yours!

  • Accessing the Control Panel

 There are several options for managing accounts, whether you prefer a Linux or Windows environment. You can use WHM, Plesk, or ISPconfig. And you can even set up individual cPanel or Plesk accounts for each customer. We’ll explain what that is later in the article.

  • Full Control & Fixed Costs

 You can create your hosting packages within your control panel and set resource limits for your customers. Unlike cloud hosting, the cost doesn’t fluctuate, making it easy to plan your budget. The good thing about VPS is that you have a fixed monthly price.

You have these VPS options with Navicosoft.

There are two categories of Navicosoft’s advanced VPS hosting options: VPS and managed VPS, that is, server products with an operating system fully managed by Navicosoft, such as the cPanel WebServer and Classic WebServer products.

Benefits of Virtual Private Servers (VPS)

Once we understand what a VPS is, it’s easy to determine the benefits.

Better security

A VPS is a closed environment and, therefore far more secure than shared hosting. When a virus infects a website on a shared host, it can easily “walk” through the directory structure and infect everything else along the way. Navicosoft is providing Economy Linux Hosting With Cpanel.

 

Fixing a virus on shared hosting is a nightmare. There is no telling how far and deep the virus has spread, and even if a single account purge is overlooked, the system will be back on its knees.

A VPS does not have such disadvantages. There is no direct disk structure to traverse, and a single VPS can certainly be destroyed if not hoped for.

Better performance

Since a VPS does not share resources, you can be sure that you are getting the specs offered to you. In this case, 2GB RAM means 2GB RAM, and you can log into your system and monitor usage. However, you can do this carefully – there will never be confused. As a result, a VPS offers significantly better performance than a shared hosting account.

I’ve personally rescued several clients from shared hosting who have had unresolved performance issues (the hosting company will never admit the problem is infrastructure!), yet to complain even after months of one-time (painful) setup.

You are responsible

You can add or remove software as you see fit on a VPS. If you have PHP set up and want another on Node, all you have to do is install Node and tweak a few settings. Updating or moving databases, installing free SSL certificate scripts, tighter security – anything is possible.

Disadvantages of a VPS

With great power comes great responsibility. And so, it is with a VPS. Forget about working with a VPS unless you are a system administrator yourself. Yes, there are managed VPS solutions on the market, but they mostly behave like a shared host, which severely limits what you can change.

If you don’t update your VPS server software regularly, you expose your site to security risks. If you break something (a typical scenario is WordPress plugins breaking when upgrading PHP), there’s no one to turn to can turn!

Finally, VPS solutions are more expensive and can cost a few dollars per month.

Who is a VPS best for?

A VPS is suitable for anyone who wants better stability, performance, and security (e.g., WordPress setups with several thousand active users). They are also the favorite of software teams looking to develop custom software using the technologies they choose or software architects looking to weave complex systems with multiple VPS servers.

And I am now parting advice. If you decide to hire a consultant and go the VPS route (which I think is the best option), don’t buy the VPS from your well-known default hosting providers. In my experience, providers that aren’t VPS exclusives manage them poorly and are therefore best avoided. Navicosoft is providing Linux Hosting Australia.

 

What if you don’t want shared hosting or VPS hosting since you don’t have the skills or time to manage it? There are a few options, and I would recommend Navicosoft. They are known for the best support, performance, and security.

 

VPS Hosting: The Differences Between VPS and Managed VPS

VPS – With a classic VPS (Virtual Private Server), you are responsible for managing the server yourself.

Who is VPS suitable for, and what are the advantages?

  • Ideal for experienced users who want total control.
  • When you need high and dedicated server performance.
  • If you want to choose your operating system: Debian, CentOS, Ubuntu, or Windows Server.
  • VPS can be easily managed with control panels: such as Plesk Obsidian, cPanel/WHM, free ISPconfig…

More information about Navicosoft’s Virtual Server products

Manages VPS – Navicosoft manages your servers for you.

For whom are managed VPS suitable, and what are the advantages?

  • Powerful solutions for security-conscious customers – we take care of the administration and security updates for you.
  • Managed VPS can be used flexibly and managed conveniently.
  • You have more time for your customers’ orders.
  • Do you have questions or problems? You can reach our support 24/7/365.

In summary: Managed VPS from Navicosoft offers you significantly more performance than a classic web hosting product and is also suitable for more demanding and complex web projects. Managed servers are the most cost-effective option for you if you cannot take care of the administration of your server because you do not need any external service providers.

Access Levels and Control Panels

In the following, we will introduce you to the basics of managing a virtual private server.

  • Root Access: This is the advanced way to manage and administrate a Linux server. You can use the command line by connecting to your server via SSH (Secure Shell) in Terminal or PuTTY.
  • RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol): RDP is the advanced way of managing and administering a Windows server. It uses a Windows desktop environment that you can connect to remotely. It looks identical to a Windows operating system you would find on a home computer; it just has a lot more settings and options.
  • Plesk: Plesk can run on Windows or Linux servers. A web hosting control panel is used to set up websites, reseller accounts, email accounts, and DNS. It is one of the most flexible control panels as it can also run virtualization and container platforms by default. It also allows you to set up virtualization containers like Docker containers. Ideal for anyone who enjoys app development or maybe does more front-end app programming, such as React. Navicosoft is providing Economy Linux Hosting With Cpanel.

What’s new in Navicosoft VPS hosting?

These new VPS features from Navicosoft make our VPS solution so unique:

  • Global Platform: VPS focuses on optimizing performance with industry-leading technology like OpenStack with KVM, super-fast SSD drives with up to 3x faster data access, and global data centers. Choose your preferred server location from state-of-the-art data centers in Europe, North America, or Asia-Pacific and benefit from faster page loads and a better user experience.
  • Resource Tiers: VPS gives you great resource flexibility, allowing you to start small and scale up as needed. Options include: 1 to 8 vCPUs, 1 to 32 GB RAM, and 20 to 400 GB SSD storage. Upgrading to a larger product is completely automatic; you don’t have to do anything.
  • Management Layers: There are various management options, so you don’t need to be an expert to get started with VPS. The default VPS option is self-managed and offers a variety of operating system options.
  • New Features: Some of the new features of VPS make it easy to manage a server and maximize performance. You get uptime and resource usage monitoring and notifications.

What is cPanel?

A Linux-based web hosting control center with a graphical user interface (GUI) for the hosts. With a cPanel license, you access valuable features that make managing and maintaining websites and servers more accessible, minimizing the need for deep technical knowledge. It uses a Tier III structure, which benefits administrators, resellers, and website end users.

Due to the intuitive interface, various automation tools, API-based access to third-party software, application-based support, and compatibility with many Linux distributions, this software is one of the most popular hosting control centers today.

What is WHM?

Web Host Manager is a server management interface part of the cPanel & WHM software suite. WHM grants administrative access to the cPanel backend and the ability to create and manage multiple websites. With it, users can easily monitor their servers, manage backups and security, create, delete or suspend cPanel accounts, access DNS zones, etc.

The combination turns cPanel & WHM into a versatile control center with valuable functions for simple website activities and more extensive, server-wide maintenance work.

What is cPanel used for?

For many reasons. Mainly because this software offers:

A simple GUI. Without a control center, you have to run everything from the command line on the server. However, cPanel users need minimal knowledge of website and server administration as everything can be done with a few buttons on a simple web browser interface. Navicosoft is providing Linux Hosting Australia.

Easier website maintenance and domain management. With an inexpensive cPanel license, users can install additional applications, addons, extensions, and software that automate repetitive server tasks and allow them to create and customize websites quickly. Features like zone editor, site publisher, aliases, redirects, and subdomains make creating and editing domains quick and easy.

Improved security. Website and server protection is enhanced with built-in tools like IP blockers, leech protection, and two-factor authentication.

Great file management. You can upload, create, remove and edit multiple files through the file manager without the need for third-party applications or FTP.

Database management. It also allows users to create and interact with their databases using tools like phpMyAdmin or phpPgAdmin. It also has MySQL and PostgreSQL database assistant interfaces for handling large amounts of data.

Helpful email functions. Users achieve a more effortless email experience using built-in tools such as forwarding, email routing, auto-replies, mailing lists, filters, gray lists, address importers, calendars and contacts, archives, and even encryption.

Metric tracking. The cPanel license further grants access to metric tools that allow you to track everything on your website and server: traffic, visitor behavior, bandwidth usage, and errors.

What is the difference between cPanel and Plesk?

Both are popular control centers for hosting websites. While they share similar characteristics, they have some key differences:

Distribution Compatibility. Plesk is available for Windows, Linux, and 14 Linux distributions such as RedHat Enterprise, Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian. cPanel is only available for Linux operating systems.

Interface. Optimized for first-time users, Plesk groups function in a list on the left side of the window, creating a very clutter-free interface. cPanel doesn’t group similar tools & features, but you can customize its home screen.

Expandability. Plesk comes already installed with various server management extensions, enhanced security measures, website building, etc. There are plenty of additional third-party addons to choose from. cPanel allows users to download additional applications via auto-installers from an app store that is carefully managed and verified by official support.

What is the difference between cPanel and DirectAdmin?

The key differences between the two are:

Distribution Compatibility. While both run exclusively on Linux OS, DirectAdmin only works on RedHat Enterprise, Debian, CentOS, and FreeBSD, while cPanel officially supports RedHat Enterprise, CentOS, and CloudLinux.

Interface. DirectAdmin groups the functions into four main categories and has a more straightforward design. cPanel provides direct access to all tools and features, and users can customize the interface.

Expandability. Directadmin offers addons and plugins, but only with a limited selection. cPanel has an app store with pre-approved apps and code options for advanced features. Navicosoft is providing Economy Linux Hosting With Cpanel.

 

What is the difference between cPanel and WordPress?

cPanel is a web hosting control center used for website and server management. With a cheap cPanel license, users can set up domains and email accounts, install databases, manage files, and perform other system administration tasks. It is considered a server configuration and automation tool.

WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS). Put, it’s a database for building websites, blogs, portfolio websites, and more. It is considered a self-hosted blogging tool usually installed on control centers like cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin, etc., to facilitate website creation and maintenance.

Can I use the cPanel in Windows?

cPanel was only developed for Linux and did not support Windows versions. Although more experienced users use backdoor methods to run this software on Windows servers, it is generally advisable to use alternative control centers such as Plesk for convenience.

Is cPanel free?

No, it’s not free. Users must purchase at least one cheap cPanel license to use this program and its features. However, those interested in cPanel & WHM can take a virtual tour and try the free trial on cPanel’s official website or install our OS template trial. Navicosoft is providing Linux Hosting Australia.

 

Can I use cPanel without a license?

You can install it on your server, but you won’t be able to use it—only the license grants access to the interface and all functions and tools on the control center.

How can I pay for a cPanel license?

Like our other services, you can pay for cPanel with PayPal, credit card, ALIPAY, or cryptocurrency.

How do you activate the license?

It will be activated automatically after purchase. You have to provide your VPS IP address during the check.

What happens when the license expires?

Your website and services will continue to run as planned; you will just be locked out of the cPanel interface. And you can no longer use the program to manage server tasks or update systems like Apache, PHP, etc.

Do I need a cPanel license for each website hosted on the VPS?

No, a single license covers all websites hosted on a single server.

Can I enable cPanel on more than one server?

You can transfer the license to another IP address on the same server. If you want to license a separate, additional server, you must purchase an additional license.

How do I install cPanel & WHM?

That’s quite easy. Just follow these instructions:

  • Log in to the client area;
  • Choose “Services”> “My Services” in the top menu;
  • In the list of services, select “VPS” and click “View details”;
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page, select “VPS control panel,” and click “Install OS”;
  • Select “cPanel & WHM + CentOS 7 (64-bit)”.
  • After 5 – 10 minutes, the program is installed. The template includes: CentOS 7, Apache 2.4.33, PHP 5.6.36, MySQL 5.6.38.
  • For a manual installation, run the following command on your server:
  • cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latest

How do you open cPanel & WHM?

After purchasing and activating a cheap cPanel license and installing the programs, you get access via these interfaces:

cPanel – https://your_server_IP:2083

WHM – https://your_server_IP:2087

Can I manage multiple domains from one account?

That’s fine. You can do that with addon domains. You can add these through the “Addon Domains” interface. You can find this under “Start” > “Domains” > “Addon Domains”. Before creating more, your account must have a primary domain. Add them outside of our “public_html” directory to keep track of the additional domains.  Navicosoft is providing  Economy Linux Hosting With Cpanel.

 

How to update the cPanel license key/run license script?

If you upgrade from a trial license or change IP addresses, you must update your license. To do this, run the following command on your server:

/usr/local/Cpanel/cpkeyclt

 

The WordPress Toolkit: a highlight for the convenient administration of WordPress sites

The WordPress Toolkit is a suite of WordPress tools pre-installed on Plesk. It automates and simplifies many standard WordPress functions, such as WordPress installation, plugin and theme management, remote site management, updates, etc.

Want to know more about Plesk’s WordPress Toolkit? We have compiled the essential functions in this article: “Manage WordPress customer sites easily with the WordPress toolkit from Plesk.”

 

0