What problem does this article solve?
Many beginners hear the term “VPS” when trying to build a website, but don’t really understand what it means or whether they need one. This article explains what a VPS is in simple terms and helps you decide if it’s right for you.
What is a VPS?
VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. It is a virtual machine that runs on a physical server but behaves like an independent computer with its own operating system, resources, and configuration.
Unlike shared hosting, where many users share the same environment, a VPS gives you isolated resources and full control over the system.
How does a VPS work?
A physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers using virtualization technology. Each VPS has its own CPU allocation, memory, storage, and operating system.
VPS vs Shared Hosting
- Shared hosting: Easy to use, but limited control.
- VPS: Full control, better performance, more flexibility.
What can you do with a VPS?
- Host your own website
- Install Apache or Nginx
- Configure HTTPS and security settings
- Learn Linux and server management
When should a beginner choose a VPS?
A VPS is a good choice if you want to understand how websites really work, need full control over your environment, or plan to grow beyond basic hosting.
Common beginner mistakes
- Choosing the cheapest VPS with not enough memory
- Not securing the server properly
- Running multiple services without understanding port usage
Summary
A VPS gives you independence, flexibility, and a deeper understanding of how servers work.
This article is part of a larger journey where I document building a website from scratch — from domains and DNS to servers, HTTPS, and content.
If you are curious why I decided to build everything myself, you can start here: