1. Introduction
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to use your VPS once you’ve purchased it, and explore all the things you can do with it.
2. WHAT IS VPS?
VPS (Virtual Private Server) uses virtualization technology to split a high-performance physical server into multiple independent virtual servers. Each VPS has its own operating system, IP address, memory, CPU, and other resources, essentially functioning as an independent computer.
VPS is created by virtualizing a physical server, giving you full control over it — you can install systems, software, and even restart the server whenever needed. Compared to a dedicated server, a VPS is more affordable and offers greater flexibility.
3. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VPS AND CLOUD SERVERS
Cloud servers (Elastic Compute Service, ECS) and VPS share many similarities, but their underlying architectures are different. A cloud server builds a resource pool from multiple physical servers, and then allocates virtual machines from this pool, while a VPS is created by isolating several virtual servers from a single physical machine.
Comparison:
VPS: Virtualization technology splits a physical server into multiple independent virtual environments.
Cloud Servers: Uses cloud technology to combine multiple physical servers into a resource pool and allocates resources dynamically.
You can choose the type of resource configuration you need based on your requirements.
4. COMMON USES OF VPS
Here are some of the most common and interesting uses of a VPS:
1. HOSTING A PERSONAL WEBSITE
VPS is perfect for hosting personal blogs, business websites, and more. Compared to traditional shared hosting, VPS gives you more freedom and control. With its independent operating system and resources, you can install whatever services and configurations you need for your website.
2. BUILDING A PRIVATE CLOUD STORAGE
If you don’t want to rely on public cloud storage services like Baidu Netdisk, Google Drive, etc., you can set up your own private cloud storage on a VPS. This ensures better security and privacy, allowing you to sync files and have full control over your data.
3. EMAIL SERVER
Many users choose to set up their own email servers on a VPS to avoid the restrictions of third-party email services. A VPS email server gives you the flexibility to manage email sending and receiving, and even allows you to customize your domain suffix.
4. DEPLOYING WEB SCRAPERS OR AUTOMATED TASKS
The 24/7 uptime of a VPS makes it ideal for running web scrapers or automated tasks. Whether you need to scrape data or monitor website statuses, a VPS provides stable and continuous support.
5. DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING ENVIRONMENT
A VPS can also be used as a remote development and testing environment. You can set up Python, Java, Node.js, or any other programming environment and start coding right away.
6. CROSS-BORDER E-COMMERCE
For cross-border e-commerce or international business, VPS provides high stability and low latency. It’s perfect for setting up e-commerce platforms, handling high-traffic websites, and managing product listings. Plus, during traffic surges, VPS allows you to easily scale resources as needed.
5. HOW TO CHOOSE A VPS
When selecting a VPS, there are several key factors you need to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the most important points:
1. DATA CENTER LOCATION AND NETWORK LINES
The location of the VPS data center and the quality of the network lines can greatly affect performance. VPSs located closer to your target audience typically have lower latency and faster speeds. For example, VPS in Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore are often better for Chinese users than those in the United States.
Network quality is also crucial:
Direct connection lines are usually better than those that route traffic.
CN2 GIA lines offer higher stability and speed compared to regular lines.
2. BANDWIDTH AND TRAFFIC
A higher bandwidth allows for faster data transmission. The more traffic your VPS can handle, the more data you can transfer. Most VPS providers offer several hundred GB to a few TB of data transfer per month.
3. CONFIGURATION AND PERFORMANCE
The performance of your VPS is directly related to its configuration (e.g., CPU, memory, storage). In general, the higher the configuration, the better the performance. We recommend:
NVMe SSD or SATA SSD for faster data access.
More RAM and CPU cores to boost overall performance.
4. PAYMENT METHODS
Payment options are also important. Most VPS providers support PayPal and credit card payments, while some offer more convenient methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
5. SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS
Most VPS providers default to Linux. However, if you need a Windows server, make sure to choose a VPS provider that offers Windows support, or opt for one that lets you install your own OS.
6. ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Some VPS providers offer additional features like backups, snapshots, and data center switching for free. These extra services can significantly enhance your experience.
6. CONCLUSION
VPS is a highly flexible and cost-effective solution, ideal for setting up websites, deploying applications, building private cloud storage, and even running cross-border e-commerce. When choosing a VPS, you need to take into account factors like data center location, bandwidth, and hardware configurations to ensure you get the best value and performance for your needs.