Every website owner needs to have a hosting plan in order for their website to be available online. However, there are several options that one can choose from. In this article, we will go over a simple web hosting plan and the more advanced option — VPS or Virtual Private Server.
Now let’s take a look at what you can expect from both of these options as well as what their differences are.
Simple Web Hosting
When you opt for a simple web hosting plan, you are allocated a specific amount of storage space on the server where your website will be hosted. However, as a user, you do not have direct access to the system and you cannot configure the server or add programs to your preference.
The web hosting provider takes care of maintenance, technical updates, and security updates on your behalf, which is a big plus for people who do not have the technical knowledge to do server upkeep.
Setting up a website on a web hosting plan is relatively easy, even for users with limited technical knowledge. With a pre-configured web hosting plan, you can quickly install content management systems like WordPress or Joomla, and get to work,
This type of basic web hosting is best suited for hosting less complex and smaller websites.
Benefits
The benefits of simple web hosting include its budget-friendly nature, as it is significantly more affordable than having your own virtual server. Since the server resources are shared among multiple users, the costs are reduced.
Additionally, web hosting does not require any prior server experience, as the hardware and software installation, upkeep, and operations are handled by the hosting provider. These services do not come at an additional cost, which makes this hosting a low-cost and worry-free option.
Web hosting also makes it simple to set up email accounts, allowing you to maintain a professional online presence. For small to medium-sized projects, web hosting is typically sufficient, and it offers user-friendly tools for easy installation of CMS systems. Domains are often included in web hosting packages as well.
Drawbacks
Simple web hosting involves multiple websites sharing a single host server. When the server becomes burdened with numerous websites, the increased traffic can lead to slower response times for users. Eventually, this strain on resources might lead to system crashes and complete server failures.
The performance of websites hosted on shared servers can be compromised due to resource sharing. Since the server components are shared among various websites, there’s no guarantee of even distribution of resources. As a result, the performance of a website can suffer based on the resource usage patterns of other sites on the same server.
While security is a big concern for web hosting, these hosting options offer relatively lower levels of security. Despite providing various services, simple hosting typically comes with minimal security guarantees. This vulnerability can make it easier for hackers to exploit security gaps and compromise your website. Detecting such breaches might be delayed, leaving you unaware of ongoing security issues.
Virtual Private Server
VPS is a system that runs on a dedicated server, with multiple virtual servers sharing resources such as the hard drive, cores, and memory. However, each virtual server operates independently with fixed resources provided by the host, ensuring guaranteed computing power rather than just storage space. Unlike basic web hosting plans, VPSs are suitable for more complex and demanding applications.
When considering a VPS, it’s important to note that it requires technical expertise and server administration knowledge. Unlike web hosting, which is relatively user-friendly, VPSs are recommended for applications that demand greater complexity.
Benefits
With this type of hosting, you have more control and flexibility. You can manage and configure the server according to your preferences, choose the operating system (such as Windows or Linux), and even restart or shut it down whenever needed. The flexibility of individual configuration allows you to tailor the hosting environment to meet your specific requirements and ensure optimal performance.
VPS can be used for various applications, such as hosting data servers, email servers, game servers, or acting as a test platform for private cloud storage. Additionally, VPS offers the ability to have a unique IP address, which enhances website security.
Compared to a dedicated server, VPS is more cost-effective, especially if you only need one for a shorter duration.
Drawbacks
VPS hosting sounds like a good deal — it’s like having your own powerful server without the high expense. However, there are some possible problems to be aware of. One downside is the cost — it’s pricier than simple web hosting plans. This might not be a good fit for websites that don’t need all that control and resources. While it’s not as expensive as a dedicated server, it is still a large investment for new website owners.
Another issue relates to the services you get. Some web hosts offer VPS hosting, but they don’t manage the resources well. This can lead to issues if a website uses up all its resources at once.
The reason behind this is that the host might have sold too many accounts for the server, assuming that not all accounts will use their assigned resources fully. But if they do, it can cause problems for all the websites on that server. To tackle this, make sure you know how many virtual accounts are on the server at any given time.
Unmanaged vs. Managed VPS
You can choose between an unmanaged or managed version of a VPS. With a managed VPS, you typically do not have root privileges. The hosting provider handles most administrative tasks. Managed VPS is recommended for website owners who do not have the time or knowledge to take care of tasks related to server maintenance. For a certain fee, the hosting provider will do all these tasks.
When it comes to unmanaged services, you are in complete control when it comes to server maintenance. The choice between the two depends on your level of technical expertise and the extent of control you require.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the differences between web hosting and VPS is crucial in determining the right option for your needs. Web hosting is suitable for simpler websites and offers affordability and ease of use, while VPS provides greater control and flexibility for more complex applications.
