Table of contents

What is a Linux VPS?BenefitsUse casesDistrosHow to chooseNext stepsAdditional resources

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What is a Linux VPS?

When you’re ready to move beyond shared hosting, but not quite at the dedicated server stage, a Linux VPS hits the sweet spot. It gives you more power, flexibility, and control—without breaking the bank or requiring a full IT team to manage it.

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What is a Linux VPS?

A Linux VPS (virtual private server) is a type of hosting environment that uses virtualization to divide a physical server into multiple private server instances. Each VPS runs its own operating system, and in this case, it’s a Linux-based OS like Ubuntu, AlmaLinux, or Rocky Linux.

You get dedicated resources—CPU, RAM, storage—so you’re not competing with other users. And because Linux is open-source, you benefit from a flexible, secure, and cost-efficient environment that can be customized to your needs.

Benefits of a Linux VPS

Running a Linux VPS offers a range of advantages for developers, businesses, and site owners who want more control than shared hosting can offer.

Full control: With root access, you can install, configure, and manage any software you want. No cPanel restrictions or waiting on support to tweak settings.
Resource isolation: Your VPS gets its own dedicated portion of the server’s CPU, RAM, and storage. You’re insulated from noisy neighbors and surprise slowdowns.
Scalability: Easily scale your server resources up or down as your site traffic grows or changes. You don’t have to start over—just upgrade your VPS plan.
Cost-effectiveness: A Linux VPS delivers many of the benefits of a dedicated server but at a much lower price point. Plus, Linux itself is free and doesn’t require licensing fees.
Security and reliability: Linux is known for its stability and strong security model. When paired with isolated VPS environments, you’re in a good spot to fend off threats.

Popular Linux VPS use cases

Linux VPS hosting is a flexible choice that fits a variety of business needs and technical goals. Some of the most common use cases include:

Web hosting: Whether you’re running a business site, blog, or ecommerce store, a Linux VPS gives you reliable performance and room to grow.
Game server hosting: Run multiplayer game servers like Minecraft, Valheim, or CS:GO on a lightweight, cost-efficient VPS.
App development and testing: Developers use Linux VPS instances to build, test, and deploy apps in isolated environments that mirror production.
Database hosting: Host MySQL, PostgreSQL, or other databases on your own terms, with fine-tuned performance and security.
Email servers: Set up private, secure email hosting without relying on third-party providers.

Popular Linux distros for VPS servers

A Linux distro (short for distribution) is a version of the Linux operating system bundled with specific tools, libraries, and features. Different distros suit different workloads, so it’s worth knowing the top choices for VPS hosting.

Ubuntu VPS

Ubuntu is one of the most popular and user-friendly Linux distributions. Backed by Canonical, it has a huge community, regular updates, and long-term support (LTS) versions.

Why Ubuntu works well on a VPS:

Easy to use, even if you’re newer to Linux
Extensive online documentation and support
Compatible with a wide range of server software
Frequent security patches and system updates

AlmaLinux

AlmaLinux is a CentOS alternative built for stability and long-term support. It’s designed to be 1:1 binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), making it ideal for production environments.

Benefits of AlmaLinux for VPS:

Reliable and enterprise-grade
Free and open-source with no license fees
Maintained by a community-driven foundation
Long-term support for up to 10 years

Rocky Linux

Rocky Linux is another RHEL-compatible distro, created by one of CentOS’s original co-founders. Like AlmaLinux, it aims to fill the gap left by CentOS’s shift in direction.

Why choose Rocky Linux:

Strong community support and enterprise focus
Great for RHEL-based server migrations
Stable, secure, and production-ready
Transparent governance and roadmap

How to choose a Linux VPS hosting provider

Not all VPS providers are created equal. Here’s what to look for when picking the right host for your Linux VPS:

Performance: Look for SSD storage, guaranteed resources, and fast CPUs. These all directly affect your site or app speed.
Uptime and reliability: Aim for a provider with a strong uptime SLA (99.99% or higher) and a track record of consistent service.
Support: 24/7 support with Linux expertise is a must, especially if you run into issues with your VPS stack.
Security: Features like DDoS protection, server firewalls, and regular backups should be standard.
Scalability: Make sure you can upgrade your VPS plan easily as your needs grow—without downtime or migration headaches.
Linux distro options: Choose a host that offers the specific distro you want or need for your workloads.

Getting started with VPS hosting

A Linux VPS gives you a solid foundation for hosting websites, running apps, or building out new tech projects. It’s powerful, customizable, and more affordable than most people think.

If you’re ready to try it out, your next step is simple: pick your Linux distro, choose a VPS hosting package that fits your needs, and launch your server. Most providers offer fast provisioning—so you could be up and running in minutes.

When you’re ready to upgrade your hosting to a high-quality VPS, Liquid Web can help. We’ve been leading the industry for decades, because our VPS servers are fast, cloud-based for easy scalability, and unbeatably reliable. Choose your favorite OS and the management tier that works best for you.

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