The router configuration has come to an end. I have registered a domain for the VPN server, and now I got the idea to host a blog with that domain.
So I checked for information on the Internet and learned about the virtual host and VPS. I have never paid attention to this aspect before, this brought me to a new world.
Server Considerations
Virtual Hosting
A vHost is a http server software environment built with Nginx(or may be Apache), some kind of database and PHP. Everything is ready so you can build a site with a few clicks.
Pros:
- Easy to configure and use.
- Since a large number of vHosts can be built on one server, it's cheap.
Cons:
- The environment is almost fixed, and basically can only be used to host websites, nothing else.
- Poor performance(While it may be enough for a small blog for hobby).
VPS
VPS means Virtual Private Server. You rent a virtual machine, so you can install the operating system yourself, and install any software and run any service you want.
Pros:
- The performance is relatively better, you can fully obtain several CPU cores and RAM resources according to your VPS plan.
- Much more flexible, you can configure the environment to any purpose.
Cons:
- According to the configuration, the price varies greatly, can be quite expensive for better performance.
- Total traffic and bandwidth may be limited.
Physical server
In fact, you could buy a server yourself, of course. If you compare a virtual host to a shared dormitory and a VPS to a condominium, then you can say that you bought a piece of land in the internet world by buying a server yourself.
Pros:
- All yours, no limitations. Even google starts from some PC servers in a garage.
- A lot of fun, and a lot of knowlege.
Cons:
- Requires some initial investment
- Electricity bills may make you sad. (in fact, VPS also use electricity, so they are much more expensive with the same hardware spec.)
- You have to manage and maintenance everything, it's fun for some people but not true for everyone.
- Noise issues (Tower servers is much more quiet than rack mount ones.)
Summary
| vHost | VPS | physical server | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy to use | One-click | A lot of settings are required, but usually comes with useful presets | Do everything from hardware to software |
| Cost | Cheap | Price changes depending on the spec | not cheap, but less than VPS for the same specifications |
| Specs | only for small sites | enough for hosting | Depends on your machine, but is generally better than a VPS |
| Functionality | Web server | anyting within one VM | anything you want |
Conclusion
- If you just want to create a blog for hobby, cheap and convenient vHost would be nice.
- If you want to run a blog seriously, or want to run something else for example a game server in addition to a website, a VPS is the most suitable.
- I think that you should consider to run physical servers at home only if you like /r/homelab
