What Can You Do With a VPS?

If you’ve been looking to complete your own web projects, you’ve likely seen advertising for VPS packages. A VPS, or virtual private server, is a powerful tool that can help you create and host a range of projects or make your internet experience safer and less of a hassle.

Read on to find out more about what a VPS is and a few ideas for how you can use one.

What is a VPS?

A VPS is a virtual private server. It’s something you may have heard about in conjunction with hosting, especially site hosting, so it’s helpful to discuss it in that context.

Hosting

Shared hosting is the hosting plan that most site owners use.

If you have a website, you likely use a hosting service like HostGator or Bluehost to keep your site up and online. With these services, you pay for space on a shared server and have hard drive space allocated to you by the service.

On the other end of the spectrum is dedicated server hosting. As the name suggests, you have a private, dedicated server. This hosting method is typically for large companies that require their own space for complex web operations.

A VPS is in the middle of these two options. While you still share a server on a VPS, you have a virtual container on the server — almost like your own smaller server. You have access to your own space and storage and a private operating system.

How You Can Use a VPS

A virtual private server presents a unique situation in web hosting, and with that comes many ways you can use it. If you’re in development or use many online devices, a VPS might be an excellent addition to your web experience.

Self-Host a Website

If you have a high-traffic blog or online store, you can self-host your own website on a VPS. This option is useful if you require added security or want additional domains for your site.

Host Other Websites

With a VPS, you can make money by providing hosting services to small businesses. This option is great for web developers who design and build websites for clients. 

With a VPS, you can now host websites yourself, too. This method makes it easier for clients and is likely to draw business due to the ease of hosting and site-building all in one.

Host a VPN

A VPN is a virtual private network that establishes exclusive connections and adds extra security layers for internet use and online exchanges. With a VPS, you can host a VPN on your own container and take in all of the added benefits that VPNs bring to internet use.

Develop Code

VPSs are great ways to ensure access to shared development files if you work on app development with a team. You can also test apps or other development projects in a realistic, secure environment similar to the one customers will use to interact with your product.

Manage IoT

If you have multiple IoT (Internet of Things) devices, you can use your VPS to collect information from these devices. With this information, you can use the server as a hub to manage all of your smart devices in one secure location, particularly if you pair your IoT with a VPN.

Host a Private Server

If you’ve spent any time playing online multiplayer games like World of Warcraft, then you know it can be a nightmare to find a server to connect to and an even bigger hassle trying not to be dropped by lag or the server owner. 

If you have a VPS, you can have your own gaming server. This method means you can control who connects to your server, reduce lag, and ensure greater privacy.

Conclusion

A virtual private server is an excellent, powerful tool that can help streamline and secure your digital experience. If you run a high-traffic website or a web development business, a VPS is a great way to protect your work inexpensively. 

Even if you’re also only looking to have your other internet activities more secure than you might otherwise, a VPS is a great way to do it.