The following FAQ provides detailed information about Dotster's VPS products.
What is a Virtual Private Server (VPS)?
With the use of virtualization software, physical servers can be partitioned into multiple "virtual" servers where each virtual server looks and acts like an individual dedicated server. Virtual Servers can run their own operating systems which means that each system can be administered independently – including system re–boot.
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is one type of Virtual Server. It has its own operating system, applications and data which are all isolated from all other data that resides on the physical server. A Virtual Private Server can enable you to leverage the benefits of dedicated servers at a fraction of the cost.
What are the benefits of using VPS?
The advantages of using a VPS include:
- Improved reliability
- Increased Security
- Ease of use
- Lower total cost of ownership
The most significant benefit is "flexibility". Given that VPS′s have their own operating environments, you can install you own operating system, you can add and remove software applications at will and you can modify you environment for optimum performance. A VPS allows you to customize your users′ experience.
Who should use VPS?
As web traffic increases, overall network performance can slow. Any business owner who anticipates growth should consider a VPS. As well, any business owner who needs specific / custom applications installed on their server, but isn't ready to invest in a dedicated should consider a VPS.
What is the difference between a VPS and a Dedicated Server?
A Virtual Private Server is a partition on a physical server. The physical server can be divided into numerous virtual partitions. Because the cost of the physical server is essentially shared between the VPS′s, the servers that are typically used in a VPS environment have greater performance capabilities and greater capacity than dedicated servers. For most small business owners the cost of a comparable, dedicated server is cost–prohibitive.
What is the difference between a Virtual Server and a Reseller Server?
Some hosting providers offer reseller hosting plans that give users the capability to manage e–mail, FTP and multiple domains. These Reseller Server plans are popular with small business owners who are managing many domains. These plans, however, fall short if you want to install a software application or if you need to use a specific version of an operating system or a database. With VPS, you can, via remote desktop administration tools, install and update software applications and operating systems.
Do I get a dedicated IP address with my VPS account?
Yes. With your own dedicated IP address you can run your own web, e–mail and FTP servers. You can also improve their SEO performance by having a dedicated IP address.
Does VPS support both Linux and Windows operating systems?
Yes, Virtual Private Servers support both Linux and Windows.
Are the VPS servers and software scalable?
Yes. If you are anticipating growth you should consider the use of a VPS. The capacity of a VPS can easily be increased to meet your needs. The applications and data that reside on your VPS can be easily moved to larger and / or to additional servers. Mirroring and load balancing servers is also another option.
Are Virtual Private Servers secure
Yes, when operating in a shared hosted environment, even with all the appropriate security measures, breaches in security can occur. The level of security increases significantly when you upgrade to VPS′s. Each VPS is isolated via virtualization software which keeps all data, applications and processes safe and secure in its own virtual environment.
Are Virtual Private Servers reliable? Couldn′t someone else′s application crash my server?
Virtual Private Servers are private, isolated, environments. Your server and your data will not be affected by other users′ code. This benefit is especially important when mission critical web applications are being deployed.
You can easily back up both your data and your applications. You can essentially save the "state" of your VPS and, in turn, guarantee reliable services to your clients.
Can I customize my Virtual Private Servers?
Yes. You can use your VPS to host unlimited domains, you can install applications with root–access capabilities and you can resell hosting services.
Is VPS easy to use?
With the use of remote desktop access, you can easily manage your VPS. You can add and delete software / data to and from your VPS and you can optimize performance, scalability and throughput.
Is VPS more or less expensive than dedicated servers?
Virtual Private Servers are less expensive reseller hosted servers or dedicated servers. Dedicated server users pay more to obtain the server performance and capacity that they can get from a Virtual Private Server solution.
What is the VPS Early Termination Fee for 1–3 Year Paid Monthly Plans?
Subject to any 30–day money back guarantee, your cancellation of VPS 1–3 year Paid Monthly plans at any time during the contracted term is subject to the following early termination fee, based upon the Service term:
- One–year term paid monthly:$150.00
- Two–year term paid monthly:$250.00
- Three–year term paid monthly:$350.00
If you choose to cancel the then–current Service in favor of a longer Service term, the early termination fee may be waived by Dotster, and the new longer service term will begin as of the date of activation. The early termination fee does not apply to one–year pre–pay packages.