Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : VPS Hosting : New to VPS

[ipodman]

Hi,

Well I am new to VPS plans, I have used reseller plans etc and am very compitant with them. But is a semi managed VPS a big step up?

What do I need to look out for?

Thanks

-Dan

[devonblzx]

Well you will have to know how to basically manage the control panel you choose. What control panel were you using with your reseller account?

Semi-managed usually means the host will help you resolve issues but they will not setup accounts or software for you. You will need to know how to install the modules and such that you require for your web hosting.

Every host has their different definition of management, you will need to double check with the host you are buying from.

[nimbar]

Hi, with a VPS you'll have total control of your enviroment and you'll be able to install the software you desire, so that's a good improve (reseller -> vps). On the other hand you'll be in an isolated enviroment and you're not going to be affected by users that don't belong to you.

I would recommend to get a xen vps, which is the virtualization that better emulates a dedicated server. Take note of the control cpanel you use and calculate the perfect quantity of ram to run it, if you use cPanel you'll need 384+MB to have everything in shape. Also check the OS, if they offer CentOS, ask if it 5 or 4.5.

Be carefull with the vps offers, always ask for the node's specs. I wouldn't get a vps in a low end machine, always ask for dual xeons and such with tons of ram. If the main node have a lot of vps machines ask about the server port, the more speed the port has the more data per second it will handle, so your sites will be speedy. 100mbits or 1gbit, imo it's a waste of time get a vps in a 10mbps port node... Also ask if the vps comes with unmetered bw option (you're capped to a speed, example: 2 mbit) or capped data transfer, example: 500GB in+500out, or 1000GB total or whatever.

Humm, ensure you'll have a way to reboot your virtual machine and ensure you get an offisite backup service, as the health and security of your business is number one. If you crash your virtual machine, see if the provider can restore an image or it, or reload the system, etc...

I was forgeting it... regarding the semi-managed option, ask if they harden your machine, what the service covers, etc.

That's my sincere opinion, now take a look to the offer section and good luck!.

Greetings.

[ipodman]

Originally Posted by devonblzx

Well you will have to know how to basically manage the control panel you choose. What control panel were you using with your reseller account?

Hey,

Well I have used Cpanel/WHM but also had the chance to have a play and use Virtuozzo on a VPS.

thank you both so far for your input

-Dan

[PogiWeb]

nimbar summed it up perfectly and the only thing I would add is to do research on the company before you buy your vps.

[Jatinder]

My suggestion will be to look for a cheap VPS initially. Play around with it for a couple of months. That should give you enough time to figure out what all is involved in managing a VPS.

You can get a 256 MB RAM VPS for $10 from the VPS Hosting Offers forum.

[tsj5j]

Originally Posted by ipodman

Hey,

Well I have used Cpanel/WHM but also had the chance to have a play and use Virtuozzo on a VPS.

thank you both so far for your input

-Dan

There are three ways to approach this :

1.) Get a fully managed for one month, and everytime you get the tech to do stuff, ask him to tell you how he did it.

2.) Get an unmanaged for a few months and play around with it.

3.) Install Linux on your own computer and get familiar.

[bryonhost1]

Hi!
I'll be honest..I tell people to buy a decent Unix book. I have my trusty good ole Fed 2 for Dummies here..and still use it now and again (I could write me own now). There is no better way to learn linux than to have it local.

When you get really good at this...like me...all your PC's will be multi-boot (i.e. Multiple partitions to boot Win98/XP/Linux/whatever.

I even ordered a free Solaris CD. Why not?

It's not hard at all once you learn the basics.

In fact...it's even easier today. I can boot this PC with Ubuntu anytime I want via CD..and it was free..all you have to do is ask for it.

I've even had Win server 2003 on here. Nothing like having it local..to really learn it.

I even brought Openvz in..back in the day when I wanted to learn that.

Bryon

[ipodman]

thnak you all for your help guys

It is helping