What’s a VPS? KVM vs OpenVZ & More. Which virtualization should you use?
A virtual private server is a private chunk of a server that is virtualized, running its own operating system privately while sharing a physical server with others. Many “cloud” services are essentially virtual private servers (VPS.) There are different software that are used, called “virtualization” technologies. Each have their own benefits, but for most purposes, a VPS can function just like a dedicated server. For this guide, we will first see if you need a dedicated server or VPS and then determine the virtualization you require if you decide to use a VPS, and finally go over some things a VPS can do.
Do you need a VPS or dedicated server?
Virtual servers can usually be much cheaper than a dedicated server, since you’re buying a chunk of a dedicated server. They can essentially do what a dedicated server can at a smaller scale. In addition, a hosting company generally will manage your VPS for you better than you could manage your own dedicated server. However, you should always go with a dedicated server if you know how to manage & troubleshoot your own service, and if you have the funds to rent the entire server. In the end, you can run the same applications on both a dedicated server and a VPS since a VPS can run its own operating system.
Benefits of a dedicated server:
- Full control over the physical server
- Maximum privacy & stability – no neighbors
- Generally more powerful + dedicated resources
- Flexibility on server specifications
Benefits of a virtual server:
- Cheaper (smaller chunk, cheaper licensing, etc.)
- Scalable – easier to upgrade & grow
- More control & stability than shared hosting
If you’ve decided a VPS is for you, then you need to know what type of virtualization to use. Some hosts do not publish what they use, but if they do, we can help you quickly compare the top open-source hypervisors. We usually recommend KVM virtualization as it’s the ultimate balance between cost and features.
Seamlessly integrates Windows and Linux operating system, and does not allow over-committing, which means the allocated resources are yours. This usually results in a higher pricing. Allows using your own kernel. Xen has some overhead, meaning some performance is lost.
Container-based virtualization, with a shared kernel, which means lower overhead and lower price. Can only run Linux, and may be over-committed. This is the way to go if you’re looking for the lowest price. OpenVZ has very small overhead, meaning you get the most bang for your buck.
Highly supported by many hosts & Redhat. Many features, and also affordable. Usually between OpenVZ and Xen in pricing. Can run both Linux and Windows and you can use your own kernel. Harder to over-commit than OpenVZ, so the resources are usually yours to use. KVM has some overhead, so some resources (such as a small amount of RAM) are used by the kernel.
What can you do with a VPS? The answer is pretty simple: almost everything you can on a dedicated server. For the sake of simplicity, we will describe what you can do on a KVM virtualization VPS.
Running your own operating system
You can run any flavor or Linux or Windows. Usually your host will have a panel where you can install a large number of operating systems. Operating systems can come with or without a GUI (desktop.) Operating systems without a desktop are usually lighter, and you can access them through SSH. Otherwise your operating system may come with VNC (a graphical sharing program, usually used with Linux but can also be used with Windows) or Windows Remote Desktop (for Windows.)
Running your own applications
You can run any application on your VPS. This includes hosting your website. For example, you can install cPanel on your VPS to easily manage your websites. You can run any Windows application that you would on your computer or dedicated server on a Windows VPS. You can even run other popular services, such as a proxy or VPN server on your VPS.