What is self-managed VPS hosting?

Key takeaways:

• Self-managed VPS hosting, also known as unmanaged VPS hosting, means you handle the server’s setup and day-to-day management yourself.
• With a self-managed VPS, you handle operating system updates, software, security settings, and ongoing maintenance.
• Self-managed VPS hosting suits people with the time and technical skills to manage a server, while managed VPS hosting suits those who want more help from their provider.

How much server management are you willing to take on? That’s one of the first things to consider before choosing self-managed VPS hosting.

With a self-managed VPS, your hosting provider takes care of the physical server, while you handle the virtual server. You’ll have more freedom to set things up the way you need, but you’ll also be responsible for keeping the server running.

If you’re weighing your VPS hosting options, it helps to know what you’ll be taking on. We’ll look at how self-managed VPS hosting works, its pros and cons, who it’s best suited for, and how it compares with managed hosting.

What is self-managed VPS hosting?

Self-managed VPS hosting is a type of hosting where you handle the setup, configuration, and ongoing management of your virtual private server. It’s also called unmanaged VPS hosting. You’ll have access to the server environment, so you can install software and configure the settings your website or application needs.

You’ll usually have full root access or administrator access, so you can choose the software you need and adjust the server to suit your setup. This can be useful when you need a specific configuration that a standard hosting plan doesn’t offer.

Here’s who handles what:

• Your provider: Looks after the physical server, hardware, network, and infrastructure covered by your plan.
• You: Handle the operating system, software, server settings, security, updates, and day-to-day server management.

Support can vary from one provider or plan to another. Some plans may include help with certain server issues, while others leave most administration to you. That’s why it’s worth checking what your plan covers before you sign up, especially if you’ll be handling the server yourself.

What are the pros and cons of self-managed VPS hosting?

The flexibility of a self-managed VPS can be useful for custom setups, but that flexibility comes with more hands-on work. The pros and cons largely come down to what you need from your server and what you’re prepared to manage. Here’s a quick look at what that trade-off involves.

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Who should use self-managed VPS hosting?

Self-managed VPS hosting generally suits people who already have the technical expertise, time, and resources to manage a server. It can be a practical fit for:

• Web developers: You need a customized server environment for a website or application and want more control over how it’s configured.
• System administrators: You’re comfortable managing operating systems, software, security configurations, and other server tasks.
• Businesses with a technical team: An internal technical team can take care of server administration without relying on provider-led management.
• Users with custom requirements: Your application needs configurations or software that aren’t available with a standard shared hosting setup.
• Experienced users who want hands-on control: You have the skills and time to manage self-managed VPS servers and prefer handling the technical side yourself.

Your business website may be ready for VPS hosting when traffic increases or you start running into the limits of shared hosting. That’s when having your own virtual server can make sense.

But do you want to manage that server yourself? If server administration isn’t your thing, managed VPS hosting may be worth considering. You’ll have more help from your provider with the technical side, while you focus on your website and business.

Managed vs. unmanaged VPS hosting: What’s the difference?

The main difference between managed vs. unmanaged VPS hosting comes down to who handles the server administration. Both give you a VPS, but the amount of help you get from the provider can vary.

When to choose managed or unmanaged VPS hosting

The right management level depends on your technical expertise, available time, desired control, and budget.

Self-managed or unmanaged VPS may suit you if:

• You have the technical skills to handle server administration.
• You want complete control over your software and configurations.
• You or your technical team can handle ongoing server tasks.
• You don’t need bundled management services.

Managed VPS may suit you if:

• You don’t have much server-administration experience.
• You want the provider to manage more technical tasks.
• You’d rather focus on your website, application, or business.
• Paying for fully managed services makes sense for your needs.

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Frequently asked questions

Could self-managed VPS hosting be for your business?

If you’re comfortable managing a server, self-managed VPS hosting may be worth considering. You’ll handle the technical side yourself, including server setup, updates, and security.

Your domain is just one part of the setup. Network Solutions includes free tools and apps with domain registration, so you can add what you need as you build your site.

And when you need a VPS, our Self-Managed VPS is there for the technical side. You’ll take care of the server, while we take care of the underlying infrastructure.