Hello WHTers,

I have a website that currently requires the following features:

Linux/Unix Hosting;
Currently using 3 subdomains;
Currently using 500 MB of Disc Space but may need 1G or more;
Currently using 20-25 GB/Mo Traffic;
PHP 4;
MySQL (currently using 5 databases, may need more)
Support for everyone.net email services
1 dedicated IP;

My site is powered by PHP-Nuke with Chat and a Forum so it's pretty much PHP/MySQL intensive. I am being hosted on a shared hosting right now and I am wondering if it would be beneficial to switch to VPS. What is the advantage of switching? With the amount of traffic I get from my site, is it better and worth it to switch to VPS? Dedicated server is out of the question because I cannot afford it. However, I can dish out $40-$50 a month... enough for VPS, right?

Also, what is the difference between VPS and shared hosting? I am not familiar with how web hosting works. I just do my thing coding PHP/MySQL and upload all my files, that's it. What are the requirements for VPS hosting knowledgewise? Do I need to know more about how the server works?

What about support issues? Will I be able to get help with simple issues like email not working, or site is down or am I pretty much responsible for these issues?

Thanks.

Do I need to know more about how the server works?
Yes, you do. Virtual servers are nice for people who want a fixed share of server resources, would like to install software of their choosing, root access, etc. It doesn't sound like you would benefit greatly from having one. Well, there are always benefits but your needs are pretty standard. As for support, that varies - you'd need to talk to various companies.

Originally posted by Rotifer

Yes, you do. Virtual servers are nice for people who want a fixed share of server resources, would like to install software of their choosing, root access, etc. It doesn't sound like you would benefit greatly from having one. Well, there are always benefits but your needs are pretty standard. As for support, that varies - you'd need to talk to various companies.

Thanks but I'm getting tired of shared hosting. My current host keeps on moving my site to a different server because they say it's a "high-traffic" site (20-25 GB/month) and in the process the same problem occurs, subdomains don't work, email don't work and it takes a few days for these problems to get resolved.

I think a VPS would greatly benefit me because I have specific resources alloted to me. What do you think?

Sure, you'd probably enjoy it. If you had a good host you wouldn't experience the problems you are having.

Make sure you know some Unix before purchasing a VPS or the experience will be more frustrating then if you had stuck with your shared account.

find a nice shared plan with control features like VPS
besides, some webhosts do not believe in VPS..they think it is a rip-off. all it is, is a super large shared account.

Originally posted by intellec
is a super large shared account.

This is kinda harsh, a VPS with the correct software and configuration is nothing like a super large shared account. I mean, shared is just that, shared amongst others.

A VPS is not shared, and with new technology, can even gaurantee server resources, something that a shared environment can not.

Plus you get features like root access, freedom to install customized software, protection against other domains runaway scripts or resource intensive sites.

VPS is a great solution for someone who is requiring the need for a customized server configuration, without the need for all the power of a single dedicated server. It is there to bridge the gap between shared and dedicated. It is not a super shared site or a crappy dedicated server.

Shared hosting is for standard websites, static sites, scripts that don't require special versions of this and special versions of that.

Thats my .02 on the matter based on articles, research, and personal experience with shared, VPS, and dedicated options.