Virtual Server

A virtual server (virtual private server, or Vserver) creates a virtual image of a server, enabling it to be divided into several individual servers. Each of these virtual servers has its own operating system, so server administrators can work independently on each Vserver.

Virtual servers as alternative

Basically, a virtual server can do everything you can expect from a regular server. It is therefore possible to install all programs desired by the user on the Vserver and the system is completely configurable. Frequently used programs such as web servers, mail servers or a program to manage administrative rights are often already preinstalled. As with an ordinary server, you can also create different user accounts and assign access rights to them. This allows domains and e-mail addresses to be managed separately from each other.

Basic structure

The following virtualization system is the basic principle on which a virtual server is based. All Vservers of a host system are managed by this system. It runs on the Hardware of a computer and performs the following tasks:

• It allocates resources such as RAM, CPU time, or storage media to the virtual servers.

• The isolation between the individual virtual servers takes place through the virtualization system. The Vserver is not allowed to change resources that are destined for another Vserver.

• The virtualization system is responsible for managing the Vserver. This includes actions such as starting or stopping the server.

Benefits

In principle, one can compare a virtual server with web hosting offers, but the virtual server is significantly more powerful because it has no physical limitation, such as a data storage device. The main advantages of a virtual server are the costs, which are considerably lower than with a regular server and the independence. Independence means that the server, while it is being used, cannot be disturbed by any other user.

Disadvantages

Virtual servers are always dependent on the host system. The host system is the main server containing the Vserver. If the host system is restarted, all Vservers running on it must also be restarted. Another disadvantage are small performance failures of the guest system when several Vservers simultaneously attempt to access the resources of the host system.

What must be taken into account when selecting a virtual server

You will often find offers on the Internet that are too expensive and have limited service. It can also happen that the virtual server fails and the user cannot work. For a good Vserver, the price-performance ratio should be right and both the hardware and the service support must be reliable and accessible. Possible server failures of about one percent is acceptable because this one percent is maintenance.

For inexperienced users, it is recommended to buy a small package with Traffic of ten gigabytes. This can be increased at a later date with an upgrade.

Relevance to search engine optimization

If a domain is hosted on a virtual server, it means that the domain shares a server with other domain owners. For SEO experts, virtual servers can be dangerous if another webpage that is used on the same server is noted to conduct severe spam actions. It can then happen that a search engine like Google blocks the IP address of the server, whereby all other website operators, which use the same Vserver, will inadvertently also be affected.

Conclusion

If you want to offer other services besides the provision of files and information, or configure your own email server or web server of a domain yourself, a virtual server can be used. You can use the Vserver for classic publication of web pages, or access the files stored there from different places.

A virtual server has many advantages. If you decide to use it, you should first compare different offers and not enter into low-price offers. Again, quality has its price.