What Can You Do With A VPS?

A Virtual Private Server, commonly called a “VPS,” is a virtual server. The way it works is simple. A dedicated server is split into many “containers” and each “container” is a separate “private server.” Each of these “containers” can function just like a dedicated server. Multitudes of operating system options are available and users can utilize these servers however they like.

So why choose a VPS over a dedicated server? Dedicated servers can be far more expensive to operate. This is a very important consideration because most users will not need the full capabilities provided by a dedicated server.

A VPS can be whatever a user needs it to be. It can run on minimal system resources, and can also be upgraded and scaled as the user sees fit. And all this at very affordable rates!

So what can you do with a VPS?

Using VPS for File Storage

VPS can be used to create and run personal cloud storage servers. Users can store music, pictures, applications or any other data or media. Paid storage services are an option, but these can limit the amount of control users have over their own data. When someone uses a cloud storage server, he or she has total control of their own data. This offers more flexibility.

Creating Backups with VPS

VPS can be a great option for creating data backups. This is useful for both personal and commercial applications. The safest backup solution is always an off-site location. This provides certainty – even in the event of a catastrophic system failure. Users can use VPS to backup website files, business data and even personal data. There are several third-party backup solutions that facilitate remote backup using VPS.

Using VPS to Create Web Servers

Shared hosting is suitable for most people, but there can be downsides. One of the biggest drawbacks that most shared hosting clients face is that resources are shared with many other people and their websites – some of which are using more resources than others. As time goes on, more and more websites are being added to a shared server. If your website is on that shared server, its performance can suffer.

Once a website has outgrown shared hosting, VPS is the most logical progression. When running a website on a VPS, the user has more control of server resources. When your site is the only one on a “server,” it operates at peak performance levels at all times.

The key is control. If you want full control of every aspect of your site, a VPS is your ideal solution.

Mail Servers Created with VPS

Third-party email providers such as Gmail and Yahoo have recently received public scrutiny because of potential privacy issues. When users log into these accounts, many providers place ads in or around the user’s interface. These ads are often targeted according to the contents of the inbox. This does not sit well with many people.

Running a personal mail server is a great way to stay in full control. A VPS can be used to run a secure and completely personal email server. Users are able to choose applications and fine-tune them according to their needs. Users can also extensively view logs and incoming connections.

Remember, though, running an email server is no small task. Should anything ever malfunction or break, the user is solely responsible for diagnosing and repairing the issue. Configuration can also be complicated due to the many aspects of email, including spam and virus filtering. One additional point to consider is that if an email server goes down, it can result in loss of data and lost email.

Setting Up a Virtual Private Network

A virtual private network, or VPN can also be useful. A VPN can secure internet connections and guarantee that data is secure. With a VPN, a person can gain network access through a network that they are not physically connected to. This is the most secure way to access data online.

There are several different ways that people can utilize a VPN. Below are some examples.

• Privacy – Some people just prefer privacy. The internet is a wide open space and it is full of prying eyes. Using a VPN can keep your communication encrypted.
• School – Many educational institutes provide students with access to a dedicated VPN. This keeps the school’s resources secure and is easy for students to access.
• Work – Workplaces will often use a VPN to keep data secure. For example, the medical field has to follow strict guidelines regarding patient information. One of the best ways to protect patient data is to implement a VPN. Access is only allowed to those who are safely connected to the VPN.
• Downloading – While many VPS providers will not condone the use of torrents, this is a common use for VPN. Even when downloading torrents legally, it is possible to end up on a watch list just for running software that is associated with torrent use. A VPN can keep you safe in this regard. *Disclaimer – URPad.net does not condone illegal downloading or torrent programs, this is simply an example of how VPNs can be used*
• Country Limits – A person traveling out of the country may use a VPN to connect to a network in his or her home country. Some applications and services are limited to specific regions. Using a VPN can overcome this limitation.

Using VPS for Development & Testing Instances

A VPS is the perfect environment for development. Users have complete control over the environment in which they work. A VPS can be as powerful as you need it to be. This can be useful for developers that are using older computers that just won’t handle the type of development they intend to do.

Working with a VPS during development can be especially useful for teams. VPS enables multiple developers to connect to a single “server” and work together to edit code or monitor testing processes. If development were being done exclusively locally, this would not be possible.

Most importantly, a VPS provides ease of scalability. As a project grows, the VPS can as well. If a server becomes slow due to increased resource consumption, the available bandwidth can be increased in little time. With physical hardware this is not the case, as downtime would be experienced while the hardware was physically being upgraded.

Many VPS Options

We’ve only began to touch on what can be accomplished using VPS. A VPS can do essentially anything that can be done with a dedicated server. The options are extremely broad, and the scalability is huge. Have a project in mind? We offer a wide selection of affordable VPS to get you started today!

How will you use your VPS? Let us know in the comments below.