Even for many tech-savvy individuals, the behind the scenes operations of web servers and hosting remains a mystery. Very few people really understand what goes on inside a server. This is due, in part, to the genuinely complex and sophisticated nature of server functions. It can also be attributed to the fact that, over the years, web hosting in general has become so smooth and user friendly that even highly technical webmasters don't see the need to learn about what goes on in the back end of their hosting account. Learning some of the basics of web hosting, however, can help you choose the right hosting plan for your needs and avoid paying too much for you hosting service.
When choosing a hosting provider and monthly plan, keep two questions in mind: first, what functionality do I need i.e. what do I want my website to do; and second, how much money do I want to spend each month on hosting my website. Of course there are other things to take into account, like storage capacity, bandwidth, and processing speed, but in practice, those issues fit under the first heading of website functionality. Since each web server can be built with specific hardware, run a specific operating system, and come with specific software offerings, there are a lot of options for the prospective web hosting consumer. One of the more popular choices, for reasons we will explore below, is a virtual private server running the Windows OS.
A virtual private server, usually abbreviated VPS, is one of the most popular web server configurations and has numerous benefits for webmasters. A virtual private server is a part of a physical web server that has been split off in a process called virtualization. The virtual server behaves and is used by the webmaster as if it were a separate, independent sever, even though many of these virtual machines live on the same physical server. Each one can have a different operating system and software applications, affording flexibility to the user. Each webmaster with a VPS plan also enjoys a level of administrative access to the server, so if they are technically inclined, they can tweak various server settings without affecting other webmasters. Meanwhile, the newbie webmaster renting the virtual server "next door," who doesn't care at all about software and administrative controls, just uses his VPS account as-is to get his website up and running quickly. They both enjoy the cost savings of VPS plans, since the expense of maintaining the physical server is split between many customers.
When a virtual private server is combined with the Windows operating system, it's a recipe for a winning web host solution. Windows Server is a popular choice for server OS because of its long track record of reliability and the wide variety of software applications designed for it. Many webmasters enjoy Windows virtual private server plans because they are familiar with Windows in general and there is less of a learning curve for those who aspire to dig deeper into the inner workings of their web server. There are, of course, alternative operating systems in wide use in web hosting, most notably Linux, but for most webmasters - especially new ones - the user experience won't really differ all that much. Volumes could be written about the pros and cons of various operating systems in servers, but Windows is proven, and is used by millions of webmasters all over the world.
Whether you are brand new to web hosting and are looking for a quick and inexpensive way to get your first website online, or you're a seasoned veteran of IT looking to get deep into the technical back end, a Windows VPS might be exactly what you need. The exceptional savings you will enjoy are matched only by the privacy, flexibility and control of a Windows-based VPS plan. Our plans are completely customizable, so you can create the perfect plan for your needs and budget. Check them out and you're sure to find one that's right for you.