Linux VPS - What is it? Why You Could Need it?

Linux VPS stands for Linux Virtual Personal Server. Basically, it is a virtual server on a server. Virtual means the server runs in the memory of the host computer. A host computer can have several virtual servers running on it.

The number one reason is usually because you want to run packages that are yet not standard shared hosting. Another reason could be that you need a solution that is more scalable than the shared hosting solution. Also, perhaps you're not yet at the point where you need a dedicated solution, or collocated hosting is not an option yet.

One of the biggest reasons that switching to a Linux VPS could go wrong is not enough memory. Most hosting providers start the packages at 128 MB of memory. When running a web server, a MySQL database server, and PHP, 128 MB is usually not enough for the average user. For a web server with that setup to run smoothly, you will need at least 256 MB.

Add your visitor count and a statistics package; maybe even a firewall as well as anti virus and anti spam for an e-mail server. You would be better off choosing an overhead between 512 MB and 1024 MB.

So does going for more expensive hosting deliver a more stable environment? It could, but not necessarily; expensive doesn't always mean better. You might like one of the cheaper hosts. Check Netcraft to figure out what hosting provider could be the best choice. In the end it's all about uptime. If a cheaper host can get you the uptime you need then go for it. Help desks are always a hot issue with me. I want a help desk that is US based and speaks proper English. So that is what I look for. You might have other points that are important.