VPS Online: How To Set Up And Control Your Server

VPS servers run on physical hardware with virtualised capacities and are divided into individual virtual machines using a hypervisor. The physical server is also usually shared with several dozen users, each using its own dedicated resources (CPU, RAM, and storage). However, these are isolated from the resources of other customers and, thus, do not affect each other.

Who Is A VPS Suitable For?

VPS is most commonly utilised by customers who find the parameters of traditional web hosting insufficient yet find it uneconomical to operate their own dedicated server. A dedicated server is not suitable for many users due to unnecessarily oversized capacities and higher costs.

So, who can benefit from the advantages of a VPS server?

• A business operating its corporate website with a web hosting company shares all server resources with hundreds of other customers. As a result, the website lacks sufficient performance, leading to long loading times. Migrating to a VPS will ensure higher performance and better security.
• An e-shop owner who needs a reliable and affordable environment for their business. A VPS’s flexibility allows them to increase server performance during peak shopping times and ensure the smooth operation of their e-shop throughout the year.
• A team of developers working on their own application development benefits from a VPS, providing suitable conditions for the testing of the application and full control over the server settings. The scalability of the VPS is advantageous, allowing them to adjust resources as needed. Some virtualisation platforms also support Docker containers, enabling developers to work on individual parts of the application in isolation.
• An organisation that uses its own mail server. A VPS allows easy email management and installation of software or custom security settings.

The Choice Of Management And Platform

When setting up a virtual server, you can choose from two types: managed VPS (offered at MasterDC as ‘Managed VPS’) and unmanaged VPS. A Managed VPS includes complete server management, including updates, security, and monitoring. This means that customers do not have to worry about the technical aspects of the server and can fully focus on developing their projects. This type of solution suits users who lack the necessary know-how or do not want to deal with server management.

On the other hand, customers who opt for an unmanaged VPS handle the technical side of the server themselves. They receive what is called root access to their VPS, giving them full control over the server and allowing them to configure it as needed. This type of service is suitable for users with at least basic server management knowledge.

Next comes the choice of virtualisation platform. Some VPSs can run on a platform that virtualises only at the operating system level, called lightweight virtualisation. This type of virtualisation comes with some limitations, e.g., it often does not allow nested virtualisation or containerisation. Therefore, we recommend that you use full-weight or native virtualisation. This virtualises at the hardware level, providing a more isolated environment and security. It also enables nested virtualisation and the operation of advanced tools, such as Docker.

Parameters And Configuration Change Options

The settings of the VPS parameters depend on the purpose of the server. For example, you usually need less computing power and memory for website hosting but higher disk and network connection speeds. On the other hand, it is advisable to choose a larger amount of memory and computational power for application hosting.

Before configuring the basic parameters of a VPS, it is important to consider the project’s future needs and server requirements. As the project grows, it may require more performance, additional storage space, or the installation of other software. Therefore, inquire with your provider in advance about the conditions and possibilities for changing server parameters. When choosing the right provider, also focus on server performance, technical support availability, and security.

The Choice Of Operating System

The selection of the operating system also depends on the VPS’s usage. There are two options available: Windows OS and Linux OS.

Windows is user-friendly and operated via a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Its configuration does not require advanced technical knowledge, which is why it is particularly popular among regular users. Its widespread use is also fuelled by the large number of applications that are often available first for this operating system. One example is the MS Office suite, one of the most popular software packages. However, using the Windows OS requires purchasing a license, making it a more costly option.

Linux is classified as open-source software. Thanks to its open-source code, users can adapt it to their needs, making it a popular choice for programmers or developers. Linux systems are often used to host websites as they are less vulnerable to attacks and provide greater stability. Unlike Windows, Linux is controlled by entering instructions at the command line.

Use A Control Panel

You can bypass the command line when working with the Linux operating system by installing a control panel. This allows you to control the server using a graphical interface that makes working with the server much easier.

The most used control panels are cPanel, Plesk, or ISPmanager. At MasterDC, we offer ISPmanager for a server with a Linux distribution, which can be purchased as an additional service to the VPS server. This panel is characterised by its speed, stability, and reliability. We consider the open and responsible approach of the developers to its improvement to be its greatest advantage. In addition, the improvement of ISPmanager is based on systematically collected user feedback, which the developers can implement into the product very quickly.

Here are some tasks that can be performed using this tool:

• Creation and management of user templates.
• Create and manage web domains – install and redirect SSL certificates and install CMS systems.
• Management and editing of domain records.
• Email management – creating email domains and mailboxes, setting up email filters and anti-spam tools.
• Database management – creation of databases, users, and their rights.
• FTP user management – creation, activation, and suspension of FTP users.
• Firewall settings – setting up authorised communication according to specified rules.
• Data backup and resource monitoring.

Server Management Without A Panel

Of course, you can manage a VPS server without a control panel. For this, you would need to use an alternative to the typical graphical interface, often the SSH protocol (Secure Shell). SSH allows remote access to the command line, and due to encryption, it provides secure data transmission between devices.

The SSH protocol is used for communication between two devices based on the Linux system. This protocol can also connect Windows devices to a Linux VPS server. For this, installing a client that supports the SSH protocol is necessary. Examples for Windows can include software such as PuTTY, Cygwin, or Bitvise. The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is also commonly used to establish connections between Windows computers.

Thanks to these tools and protocols, automating and simplifying a large part of VPS management is possible. However, if you are unsure about managing your own VPS, we recommend reaching out to your provider directly, who will provide you with the necessary information and assistance.