ZaRHost

What is a VPS?

Updated 26 October 2026

A VPS, short for virtual private server, is a slice of a bigger physical server that behaves like a computer of your own. It has its own operating system, its own IP address and its own share of memory, processor and disk. You get full control, without paying for a whole machine.

How a VPS differs from shared hosting

With shared hosting you rent space on one set-up that many customers use together. It is simple, but you cannot install your own software or change the system.

With a VPS you are the administrator. You sign in over SSH, install what you like and decide how the server is set up. Nobody else can see your files.

How a VPS differs from a dedicated server

A dedicated server gives you a whole physical machine. It costs more and takes longer to set up. A VPS gives you a fixed share of one, which is enough for most websites, APIs and databases.

What people run on a VPS

  • Websites and web apps, including WordPress
  • APIs and the back ends behind mobile apps
  • Databases that need their own space
  • Test and staging copies of a live set-up

How to choose a size

Memory is the number to look at first. 1 GB is enough for a small site or for testing. 2 GB suits a small web app. 4 GB or more suits databases and container stacks.

You can start small. On ZaRHost you can stop the server, open Resize and pick a larger size later, and everything on the disk stays.

What you need to know

Some Linux and SSH helps, but not a lot. In the ZaRHost panel a terminal opens in your browser with one click, and common software such as Docker and Nginx installs from the Apps tab.

Questions

Is a cloud server the same as a VPS?

In practice, yes. A cloud server is a VPS that you can create in a minute and pay for by the hour. ZaRHost servers work this way.

Do I get root access?

Yes. You have full control of your own server and sign in with its own SSH key.

Can I run more than one site on a VPS?

Yes, as long as the server has enough memory for them. A small server comfortably runs a few light sites.

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