A Virtual Private Server (VPS, also referred to as Virtual Dedicated Server or VDS) is a method of splitting a server. Each virtual server can run its own full-fledged operating system, and each server can be independently rebooted.
The practice of partitioning a single server so that it appears as multiple servers has long been common practice in mainframe computers, but has seen a resurgence lately with the development of virtualization software and technologies for other architectures.
Freedom of Choice:
VPS Web Hosting is a useful hybrid between shared Web Hosting and dedicated Web Hosting services, allowing the freedom of choice at a fraction of the cost of an individual physical server.
Resource Sharing:
VPS Web Hosting is a single physical server which is split into several virtual servers. That is, the single virtual server is portioned in such a technique that the sole server appears to be multiple servers. VPS are ideal for those who want something different from the dedicated or shared Web Hosting. Individuals and businesses often look for a VPS as it gives them some customization and privacy than a shared server. But, VPS is not as costly as a dedicated server.
Virtual Independence:
The best feature of this type of Web Hosting is that each sub-server is able to hold its own operating system (allowing different users to use different operating systems on the same main server) and perhaps more importantly each Virtual Private Server can be carry out any transactions independently of the others on the physical server, e.g. rebooting, etc.
System Structure:
Virtual Private Server is divided into ‘virtual machines’ with the help of the software operational on the server. However, some resources of the server like disk space, RAM etc. are still shared whereas the VPS gets its own share and functions completely unaided from the others. This independence allows you to run software and scripts or even installation of a different operating system without affecting the other Virtual Private Servers running on the same machine.
Total Control:
The main advantage of a VPS Web Hosting is the root level access you get with your server. You can delete or install software that you need and you can create accounts on your own. You can set permissions in the way you like effectively, and all these things that can be done with a dedicated server can be done in a VPS without huge payments.
Security:
In a shared Web Hosting all the websites are functioning with the similar operating system. So, when the server gets hacked, the sites sharing the server will also get affected. But, in Virtual Private Servers this can be avoided since even if one of the portions gets hacked, the other portions will not be visible to the hacker.