Virtual Private Servers
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is also known as a Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS).
It offers the same features as that of a dedicated server for multiple web hosting clients in the form of virtual computers. Although there is the contradictory usage of ‘dedicated’ and ‘multiple users’ in the same breath, implying a shared hosting environment, this paradox can be fully explained.
In a Virtual Private Server then, you only share systems resources like CPU and RAM with other users; however the resources are allocated in such a way that no one on the system can discern the presence of the other, making it function much like a dedicated server.
The resources are grouped in such a way that each hosting client is allowed the use of an allocated percent, thus those resources assigned to you will always remain available to you. In short, each virtual server looks and acts like a dedicated server.
Most hosting customers like to have complete control of their server environments without having to share the same with multiple users. In saying that, however, many websites do not have the need for a dedicated server. This is where the role of the Virtual Private Server comes into play. The VPS is an attractive niche hosting solution for a large chunk of web hosting clients who would like the stability of a dedicated server but on a smaller scale. With each person using only the resources allocated to him, the site tends to remain more consistent as it will always have the same amount of access to the CPU, memory, and bandwidth. It also tends to be more secure because as you share the memory and CPU, you are allocated your own file system. Moreover, it is a much cheaper alternative than a dedicated server with similar benefits.
The important thing in VPS is to ensure that your provider guarantees that their setup is strong enough to handle operations at the highest and busiest level. A deficit of resources could end up causing problems for everyone hosted on such a server, thereby negating the benefits of a VPS. In a shared or dedicated environment you are able to access more resources during peak periods but since the VPS environment limits you to your part of the server resources, it can be a drawback.