| If you're too big for shared hosting, but not big | | | | If you don't have your own operating system |
| enough for a dedicated server, VPS hosting is | | | | preference, it's tough to beat CentOS 4 or 5. You |
| made for you. You are still sharing a server with | | | | should also verify that you get full root access to |
| other users, but you have your own environment | | | | your VPS so that you can run or install anything |
| that they don't have access to. What happens in | | | | that you need to, within the hosts terms of |
| the main server is split into smaller, virtual | | | | service. You also want to verify that you can |
| "servers". In the end you get all of the | | | | host as many domains as you think you may |
| independence and flexibility that comes with a | | | | need. Also check that they offer the control panel |
| dedicated server, without the larger price tag. | | | | that you like working with. If they don't offer the |
| When looking for a VPS hosting company you | | | | control panel you use see what they do offer and |
| want to make sure to be on the lookout for a | | | | if it will fit your needs. If not you may have to |
| few things. Some of these may be absolute | | | | move on. You should also get at least 2 dedicated |
| necessities, and some may be completely useless. | | | | IP addresses. So, make it a point to ask this very |
| Anyway, here is a list of some of the perks that | | | | important question before you write your new |
| you should look for in your search for the perfect | | | | Web host a check for the first month. |
| VPS Web host. Good luck, and happy hunting! | | | | Don't pay too long |
| Check the Hardware | | | | You also want to be very careful if you choose |
| Make sure you find out from any VPS hosting | | | | to pay in advance for hosting services. Even if |
| company what hardware they are running. Quad | | | | you get better pricing you may want to move |
| core Xeon servers are some of the best around. | | | | next month, or the host may go downhill. You |
| You also want to make sure the hard drives are | | | | should always look to pay monthly so you can |
| RAID protected. Look for RAID 5 at a minimum, | | | | leave when you need to. |
| but RAID 10 will be faster and more stable. | | | | Make sure you do your research, but for most |
| Check the software | | | | sites VPS hosting makes a great choice. |