At the end of this post, you will learn about the benefits of using a VPS, when you need it and what are the differences between a managed VPS and an unmanaged VPS. To make this difference, first, we must determine what a VPS is and what its characteristics are.
What is a VPS?
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a virtual machine created on a physical machine using virtualization software, a virtual server with dedicated resources (memory, processor, storage) and an independent operating system, other than the one operating system running on the physical server.
A VPS as a single product has the same characteristics, whether it’s a managed or unmanaged one. These features are enhanced performance, flexibility, and dedicated resources.
Unmanaged VPS
When you decide to purchase an unmanaged VPS, your responsibilities are multiple and require specific skills. Before seeing what the responsibilities of a client using an unmanaged VPS service are, I will list the provider’s responsibilities first:
Hardware – Troubleshooting the hardware-related malfunctions such as replacing a defective disk
Network – Solving possible interruptions or the impossibility to connect to specific websites.
The control panel – Usually VPS come from the vendor with a control panel from which the user can perform various operations such as: reinstalling the operating system, changing the root password and so on. Technical assistance and control panel issues will also be the responsibility of the hosting provider.
These are basic level support services, and it is therefore up to the client to handle the configuration of the VPS so that the website or the application that will be hosted there will function properly. Monitoring, troubleshooting, and intervention on the VPS in case of incidents or any operations, necessary for the optimal performance of the VPS will also be the responsibility of the client.
Managed VPS
For things to work well, someone needs to do the VPS management. In the case of a managed VPS, that “someone” is the hosting provider. In fact, “someone,” because many people are handling the non-stop administration and monitoring of the VPS.
A managed VPS is a turnkey service. Also, the hosting provider, through its professionals, ensures that the website, email and other functions work.
When you decide to purchase a managed VPS, it’s a good idea first to check out what hosting facilities your hosting provider offers as they vary from one vendor to another.
To better understand, we can compare this situation with the one in which you purchase a personal computer. You will receive the equipment yourself from the vendor, and as a user, you must configure and maintain that PC. You will install an operating system, programs, applications, or games that you have total control of and you need to update them, just like an unmanaged VPS.
If you do not have the necessary knowledge to perform these tasks or do not have the required time, you can call a specialist or person to do the work for you, a situation that we can compare with the purchase of a managed VPS.