Just to emphasize how versatile and effective a Windows VPS is, in this article we will examine the use of a Windows virtual server and its benefits!
Windows virtual server is a server with Windows operating system, which is very popular for Microsoft users, with features and benefits such as ease of use and the possibility of customization, easy data management and maintenance, which have attracted the attention of users.
Arguably the most useful, popular and efficient tool that many businesses have today is a Windows virtual server or VPS for short, the popularity of Windows Server is due to the fact that they allow users to configure the servers to give them freedom of action. have, provide a wealth of functionality for software development and testing, and can also host a wide variety of services and applications,
An introduction to VPS hosting
With shared hosting, your site lives on a server alongside other sites and shares its resources. This is in contrast to dedicated hosting where one or more servers host a single site. VPS hosting is often considered a “hybrid” of shared and dedicated hosting, as it contains key elements of both.
When you have a VPS plan, your site is still on the same physical server as other users; However, each VPS account is effectively partitioned. Each virtual server has its own operating system, the resources of which are assigned to a site; This often results in a higher level of performance and security.
A dedicated server has a higher cost than shared hosting and a lower cost than dedicated hosting, and the operating system installed on your server also affects the final cost of your VPS.
Although many website owners start with a basic shared hosting plan, it may still not be the right choice as your website gets more attention, if your traffic levels have increased, it may be time. to upgrade
A virtual private server (VPS) hosting plan provides your site with its own separate operating system, disk space, and bandwidth, a stark contrast to shared hosting plans where resources are shared with many other users. However, VPS hosting enables you to provide better service to your visitors, which is essential as your site really starts to grow.
Your hosting program’s operating system, such as Windows or Linux, forms the core of your server and determines which programs you can install, how long key tasks take, and even how well your server performs; Windows-based programs are some of the most popular options, as they offer a high level of technical support and security.
To complete the concept of a virtual server, you can have a look at the article What is a VPS virtual server and what is a Windows virtual server
Various versions of Windows Server
There are different types of Windows Server with special applications; they are:
- 1993 Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server
- 1994 Windows NT 3.5 Server
- 1995 Windows NT Server 3.51
- 1996 Windows NT Server 4.0
- Windows Server 2000
- Windows Server 2003
- 2005 Windows Server 2003 R2
- Windows Server 2008
- 2009 Windows Server 2003 R2
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2016
1993 Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows NT comes in two versions: a normal and business version and a server version!
Applications are prevented from directly interacting with hardware on a 32-bit operating system due to the rigid abstraction barrier!
1994 Windows NT 3.5 Server
Integrated support for TCP/IP and Winsock by Microsoft is included in this version of Windows by updating key network features.
1995 Windows NT Server 3.51
Microsoft has modified Windows Server to increase its speed and reduce memory, using the network stack, this Windows operating system has been improved and allows for faster service delivery.
Thanks to improved communication support for businesses using both Windows servers, users can use a single credential to access services from both NT and NetWare Windows servers.
1996 Windows NT Server 4.0
Microsoft has modified the 95 user interface for use in its server operating system, Internet Information Services (now called IIS) is a new feature in this version of the operating system that allows the server to function as an information server (IIS). act
Windows Server 2000
A service that stores and maintains network information such as user data, systems, and services was first introduced in Windows 2000; Data encryption and file sharing access may be performed on a computer network provided by a service provider, such as a virtual private network.
Administrators may use this service to perform various tasks on PCs in the network of service providers; like the:
Virtual private network configuration
Data encryption
Access to share files
Windows Server 2003
Administrators may use Windows 2003 software to assign a specific DNS domain controller to a dedicated server or DNS service.
2005 Windows Server 2003 R2
The security and safety aspects of Windows Server 2003 have been improved in this version of the operating system.
Windows Server 2008
Hyper-V virtualization software, a set of services that prevent other services from stopping, event viewer, Server Core, and the server management interface are all introduced to this version of Windows Server, which has been released in four versions.
2009 Windows Server 2003 R2
The RDS service was reinstalled by Microsoft in this version of the operating system, along with other improvements including improved usability and access to Terminal Services.
Remote users will benefit from DirectAccess and BranchCache improvements in this release.
Windows Server 2012
The codename of Windows 2012 is “Cloud Operating System”, as a result of Microsoft’s focus on cloud features in this version of Windows Server.
In this version, we will have new features; Including:
- Hyper-V virtual switch
- Replica Hyper-V
- Storage space
- file system
This version of Windows Server has also been published in 4 versions like the ones mentioned above.
Windows Server 2016
Several new features have been added to this version to bring Microsoft closer to the cloud, Microsoft introduced NanoServer, a more secure server in an effort to reduce the attack vector.
Windows Server 2019
The Windows NT family of operating systems includes this version of Microsoft‘s server operating system; In addition to connecting to Azure, Windows Server 2019 adds additional layers of protection to enable you to build new, dynamic applications and infrastructure.
Interestingly, Windows Server 2019 was announced on March 20, 2018, and previewed for developers on the same day, but not publicly available until October 2, 2018.
Features of Windows VPS and its use cases
One of the most popular things you can find with Windows VPS hosting is its ease of use; No technical knowledge is required to set up a VPS; however, if you don’t have any computer knowledge, setting up a VPS is normally difficult; This is because of the way it is set up, there are many options available, and the software is relatively simple to use, if you have a basic understanding of computers and computer networks, you can use your VPS easily.
You can also install your own software that allows you to track the files on your server, you can be sure that your data is safe and easy to maintain.
It is always a good idea to use your operating system when using your hosting server as this will allow you to enjoy a smooth experience while using it; Since Windows VPS hosting is somewhat different from other servers, you can have much more control over the server than a dedicated server; You can also do a lot of customization.
What facilities are provided by Windows VPS? Here are some examples:
There are a variety of file sharing and backup programs in Windows VPS; The default program with your subscription allows FTP and rsync; These programs allow you to access your files from different computers and transfer them to a central location.
A VPS allows you to install and manage your software, hardware, and operating system, you can also create your operating system or use a pre-installed distribution such as Red Hat, and you can have multiple versions of Create and install your operating system; you can also create multiple virtual machines and use one or two at a time.
You can have unlimited resources or virtual private servers that provide you with a full server; After creating a dedicated server, you will only have access to the resources on your physical server.
You can also set different user accounts and passwords yourself and edit your data in Windows VPS; Easily change or add files or software from any computer.
Another great feature of Windows VPS is that you can easily install and configure websites and databases; If you want to host your own email server or have multiple blogs, a Windows virtual server is a great solution.
You can even create your own custom control panel to manage and monitor your server, and the flexibility that comes with Windows VPS is unparalleled; You can install various software or features that help you work faster, more securely, and with the most up-to-date and efficient technology available.
Windows virtual server applications
Email Servers: One of the most common and popular uses of Windows VPS these days is to run dedicated email servers, one of the main benefits of this is that it can give users direct control over different email services, not Instead of just passing them aimlessly through various shared service systems. Windows VPS uses special encryption software, which in turn provides a more secure email environment. For this reason, many high-profile businesses now use Windows VPS as their email server.
For web hosting: Arguably, the most common use of Windows VPS is to host web sites; Unlike shared hosting sites that do not allow installing and customizing software without administrator permission, with Windows VPS, the paying VPS user has full control over the server and can install any software; It can lead to increased performance and user-friendliness for different websites.
You can run your website through Windows Virtual Private Server; For example, you can install Wamp or Xampp server and run FTP/Apache website!
For Backup: Another very common and popular use for Windows VPS is for backup purposes; Offline backup of critical data is necessary, especially in case of a system crash or other similar issues; Windows VPS can keep a set of redundant copies of different backups in different physical locations globally, and as a result, it becomes much easier to recover files and data in case of any emergency problem. Provides you with additional items.
As a virtual desktop: By hosting various applications on a VPS, users can create a unique and personalized virtual desktop that basically looks and acts like a regular desktop on a regular computer.
As a result, organizations benefit because they use what is known as “dumb” terminals that help them save money, mainly because they no longer need to use expensive power,. It won’t be expensive on a desktop computer, as the applications are instead hosted on the cloud and run through a Windows VPS instead, saving money.
To host applications: Another great use of a Windows VPS is to host a variety of popular applications on Windows machines; For example, programs like Excel, PowerPoint, Office, and Outlook can all be hosted on a VPS.
FOREX: Forex traders can’t get enough of Windows VPS, namely because unique Forex trading systems need to be hosted in an environment with fast response times measured in milliseconds; Websites must be constantly available and connections must always be maintained, even during power outages!
Windows VPS systems tick all of the above, which is why forex traders have made literally billions of dollars thanks to Windows VPS.
Multiplayer Games: Online multiplayer games are once again very much in vogue, as they have been for decades now, and one of the most enjoyable things to do with a Windows VPS is to host multiplayer games to help online gamers from around the world.
For mission-critical applications: For mission-critical applications, or applications that experience sudden spikes in processing loads, redundancy is critical; Another great benefit of using a Windows VPS is that by using it to run multiple copies of various mission-critical applications, users can benefit from load balancing and real-time monitoring of the various services and software that are running. Absolutely must be running to enjoy and benefit from it and it is available 24/7, 365 days a year without any service interruption.
RDP Browsing: Most people use Windows VPS to browse banned websites like Netflix which are not allowed in their country or shopping sites like eBay, they can also watch popular sites like YouTube and if these sites are restricted by country You are disabled, you can use an RDP to watch them.
VPN: If you want to set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network), Windows VPS is the solution offered by VPN providers; You can use Windows VPS to easily configure VPN on your system.
SEO Tool: Removing and removing an IP proxy takes several times; So, when it comes to Windows VPS, you can easily use SEO tools like GSA and Scrape box to solve the problems.
File sharing: Another good feature of using Windows VPS is file sharing between PC and VPS; You can easily transfer or sync files between your devices (also mobile) and the VPS server.
Proxy: When you want to hide your real IP, using a proxy through your Windows VPS is one of the great solutions; You can simply install a proxy selected from all the software available on the proxy server.
Download large files: Windows VPS can be used to download large files like a backup file to your device; you can easily map your local drives on your Windows VPS and transfer data using RDP, gives
Application Testing: If you are a developer who needs to test a new application, Windows VPS can provide a platform for it; you know, Android developers need multiple PCs to test and develop a new application project; Therefore, using a Windows VPS allows them to run the program (software) 24/7 easily.
Windows vs Linux virtual server
Windows VPS and Linux VPS are two different operating systems, where the former is more ideal for web pages required by specific Windows applications, but the latter is the most popular web server; In fact, the Windows operating system is usually not needed for most of the regular hosting users, Linux is a hybrid in a form for desktop and server use called a Linux distribution, while Windows is a collection of operating systems developed by Microsoft.
When it comes to comparing them, Linux is the cheaper option; It’s open source and free, the only thing you pay for is the hardware, which is why Linux hosting plans are so much cheaper than Windows plans; Therefore, it does not need a license; Therefore, most Linux servers are free, Linux is a command line server while the main functionality of Windows servers relies on GUI (Graphical User Interface).
Another difference is the flexibility of the control panel; Linux is more flexible than Windows; you know, cPanel is only compatible with Linux and this option makes Linux a popular choice among developers and businesses; In terms of customization and end user, Windows server offers more features compared to Linux servers, and also has more favorable options than Linux when considering the gaming point of view.
For example, if you plan to use the MSSQL database management system or the ASP.NET development framework, your only choice would be a Windows server.
On the other hand, while it is not impossible to run PHP, MySQL, and web servers like Apache and Nginx on Windows, it is much more difficult to do so; So if you want to run a simple WordPress blog, you should probably go for a Linux server.
In terms of Windows performance, drivers or software must be installed again after each update. As you know, the Windows operating system uses a graphical interface. If it is not optimized, it can use all resources. But Linux does not need to restart the system when the system load increases, and compared to Windows, it requires less resources. Linux is designed with SSH and managed through the command line.
Of course, Linux servers are considered more secure than Windows due to the direct access of administrators to the server and the possibility of editing codes; In Linux, cPanel and WHM control panels are generally used, and in Windows, Plesk is generally used.
Windows virtual server, special software such as ASP Classic, ASP.net, MySQL, C#, VB Development 4; But open source applications in Linux such as PHP/Perl, ROR, Java, Python, SSH, CGI, FrontPage Extensions are highly compatible.
As we mentioned, the task of Windows virtual server support is the responsibility of the Windows VPS hosting service provider, but Linux has a public forum that has made it possible to solve the problem in this case.
You may want to consider your level of technical expertise, after years of using Windows on your desktop computer you should think you should have no problem using Windows Server; however, these two solutions serve completely different purposes, so you need to have some knowledge about server administration.
As a newbie, it’s best to go for a managed VPS solution and check with your host to see what kind of tools and support you’ll get as part of the service; You can also read the article on the difference between Linux virtual servers and Windows and hosting for a better understanding❗
In the table below, we will have a general summary of the difference between Windows and Linux virtual servers:
Advantages and disadvantages of Windows virtual server
With more than 77% of desktop and laptop computers running on Windows today, for many of you, it will be nice to see a familiar graphical interface when you start managing a server, which is a definite plus, especially for those who do not feel comfortable working with the command line interface; However, there are other things to consider.
Price is the most obvious differentiating factor between Windows and Linux hosted servers, the cost of Microsoft product subscriptions should always be considered when setting your hosting budget, in comparison, the open source nature of Linux welcomes users to add a variety of plugins and tools to improve the operating system to develop.
Security is another important point to consider when choosing your operating system, due to its proprietary nature, the number of threats targeting Windows devices is always on the rise, and cybercriminals are starting to attack Windows-based servers. They do not care about Windows.
While Linux isn’t immune to cyberattacks, it doesn’t seem to be targeted often, its open source architecture also allows code to be reviewed by a large number of people who are more likely to quickly identify bugs and fix them. Put the patches together.
The process of applying updates is also easier with Linux; you can update programs and make significant changes to the OS configuration without having to reboot the device; Windows is more likely to require a reboot after major updates, Which is hardly ideal considering you’re trying to host a website and minimize downtime.
Linux is generally considered faster and more efficient in using hardware resources, server performance depends on various factors, but the fact is that although Microsoft has done a lot to simplify its operating system, Windows is still in The comparison with its competitors is relatively heavy.
If you keep this in mind and choose a slightly more powerful VPS, it should no longer affect your website’s loading speed; However, if traffic increases, the server may struggle with a more resource-intensive operating system trying to maintain a decent level of performance.
Benefits of using a Microsoft product
However, using an open source operating system has its drawbacks, since Linux is developed by a community rather than an organization, it is a little more difficult to get technical support if you have a problem with the operating system or if you have trouble with a specific task. , you can use a forum to ask for help from other users and developers.
You never know when you’ll get an answer, and you never know if the person helping you is knowledgeable enough to do so; Given the fact that you’re trying to keep your website running 24/7, it’s hardly an ideal situation.
Along with the operating system, Microsoft provides you with an official channel to contact its support agents, which means you can expect more reliable and faster answers; Plus, since Windows development is done by one company, you’re more likely to find helpful tips, tutorials, and videos in a centralized knowledge base.
Windows benefits for administrators
Windows may not be great for the average user, but it is a hero in another place; In the corporate world where dozens (even hundreds) of users are connected to the same network and need immediate access to the same assets and services, Windows servers are much more popular.
They come with Active Directory, a directory service in Windows networks that can be very useful in business environments, two of the most important aspects when creating a corporate network; Responsible for authentication and access control.
Another useful feature of Windows Server is the ability to apply policies to groups and individuals, which is a hassle-free and efficient way to increase employee productivity and improve overall network security; Other solutions allow you to do more or less the same things, but they are not versatile enough.As a result of the popularity of Windows, many of the tools and applications critical to the operation of several businesses are available on no other platform. are not available
However, even if they were, the transition is often painful, especially if the network is relatively large, much of this extra effort comes from the fact that end users are too used to their operating system, so such a switch would never It is not an easy task.
conclusion
As more business is done online, the need to use a VPS increases, a Windows VPS like one of Cloudzy’s plans can be a great solution for your site; If you’re a Windows user, you might think that choosing the same operating system for your web hosting server is the best strategy, but that’s not necessarily the case!
A good hosting environment is essential for your website, and the server operating system is the main part of it. If you plan to get a Windows VPS, you must first make sure that there are no compatibility problems with the technology used by your project; If you decide Windows is the best choice for you after thorough research, you can enjoy more reliable technical support, stable performance, and the familiar interface you already know and love.
In this article, we discussed some of the Windows VPS use cases that might have convinced you to use a Windows VPS or upgrade your shared hosting to a new VPS service; I hope that it is useful useful for you if you want to purchase a Windows virtual server, please refer to the Windows virtual server purchase section of Ded9.com.