Virtual Dedicated Server Hosting or VDS (also called VPS, “virtual private server”) is a remotely controlled machine used almost exclusively by the customer of the hosting company. Often the customer may configure his virtual dedicated server by choosing the type of operating system (Linux or Windows) and adding on features such more storage space or traffic. Though cheaper than a dedicated server, a virtual dedicated server limits the customer’s usage allowance and runs the risk of blacklisting the IP address of the server (and thereby harming all fellow sharers) if there is a spammer in the group. (Hence, it is “virtual.”) See dedicated server hosting plans below.

The difference between a virtual dedicated server and a dedicated server is that a VDS is cheaper and slightly less controllable than a dedicated server. With a VDS, your server is not dedicated – belonging only to you to use as you wish, no questions asked. There are certain limitations on use, but these options unlike the one-size-fits-all shared hosting are extremely customizable and upgradable to fit your growing business needs. It is a preferred middle step between shared and dedicated. The average cost per month is about 20 bucks.

A word of caution: in VDS, unlimited is not really unlimited! It’s just an abundant amount of (you fill in the blank) for your plan. Most customers use very little disk space and bandwidth, and the hosting company is expecting that when you sign up, you will use about the same or perhaps a bit more. But they do not mean UNLIMITED. If you have a website with a lot of traffic and frequent movie or mp3 downloads, be warned that they will close your account down or charge you extra because it will drain their operating system (not good). Remember: a private server is just that – concealed from other servers in appearance. That way you can install a bunch of software and access it yourself. But in reality, a virtual dedicated server is placed on the same machine as other servers, directly sharing their bandwidth, while affording you some of the control of a Virtual dedicated server hosting plan for a fraction of the cost.

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