iHostVPS Knowledge Centre
VPS Hosting Frequently Asked Questions
New to VPS hosting or looking for help managing your server? Find answers to common questions about VPS plans, setup, Windows and Linux access, security, performance and more.
Browse Frequently Asked Questions →VPS Hosting Questions & Answers
Helpful answers to questions customers commonly ask about virtual private servers.
Understanding VPS Hosting
What is a VPS?
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a virtual server hosted on
a physical machine. It has allocated computing resources
such as CPU, RAM and storage, and operates independently
with its own operating system. A VPS gives you more control
and flexibility than traditional shared hosting.
Learn more about VPS hosting.
How does VPS hosting work?
VPS hosting uses virtualization technology to divide a
physical server into multiple virtual environments.
Each VPS runs its own operating system and has allocated
resources. You can access and manage your server remotely
without needing physical access to the hardware.
What can I use a VPS for?
A VPS can be used for hosting websites, running applications,
remote desktop environments, development projects, databases,
VPN services and other server-based workloads. The right
configuration depends on the software and resources your
project requires.
What is the difference between VPS and shared hosting?
Shared hosting places multiple websites within a shared
hosting environment with limited control. A VPS provides
an isolated virtual server with allocated resources and
greater administrative flexibility.
Read our VPS vs shared hosting comparison.
Is a VPS suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners can use a VPS, although some server
administration knowledge is helpful. Windows VPS users
can work through a graphical remote desktop, while Linux
VPS users commonly manage their servers using SSH commands.
Our tutorials can help you get started.
Ordering & Getting Started
How do I order a VPS from iHostVPS?
Visit our VPS hosting pages, choose the operating system
and configuration that suits your needs, and follow the
available ordering instructions. Review the plan details
and checkout information before completing your order.
Explore our VPS hosting plans.
What information do I receive after ordering?
Your VPS access information should include the details
needed to connect to your server, such as its IP address
and login credentials. The exact delivery process and
information depend on the service and provisioning
process. Keep your credentials private.
How do I find my VPS IP address?
Your VPS IP address is normally provided with your
server access information or displayed in the relevant
client or service management area. You need this address
when connecting through Remote Desktop or SSH.
How long does it take to activate a VPS?
Activation time depends on the selected service,
operating system and provisioning process. Check the
order details or contact support if your service has
not been delivered within the expected timeframe.
Can I upgrade my VPS later?
Upgrade options depend on the available plans and
infrastructure. Contact iHostVPS support to discuss
whether additional CPU, RAM or storage can be assigned
to your current service.
Connecting to Your VPS
How do I connect to a Windows VPS from a Mac?
On macOS, install Microsoft’s Windows App if supported
by your version of macOS. Add a new PC connection using
your VPS IP address, then enter your supplied username
and password when prompted.
Read our step-by-step Mac connection guide.
How do I connect to a Windows VPS from Windows?
Open Remote Desktop Connection on your Windows computer.
Enter your VPS IP address, select Connect, and sign in
using your supplied credentials. If the connection fails,
check the IP address, credentials, network connection
and whether Remote Desktop is enabled on the server.
Read the Windows connection guide.
How do I connect to a Linux VPS?
Linux VPS access is commonly provided through SSH.
Open a terminal or compatible SSH client and connect
using your server IP address and assigned username.
Authentication may use a password or an SSH key,
depending on your server configuration.
Read our SSH tutorial.
Can I access my VPS from another computer?
Yes. You can generally connect from another compatible
computer using Remote Desktop for Windows servers or
SSH for Linux servers, provided you have the correct
credentials, network access and connection permissions.
Why can’t I connect to my VPS?
Common causes include an incorrect IP address,
incorrect login credentials, firewall restrictions,
network problems, a stopped server or a remote access
service that is not running. Check these items first.
If the problem continues, contact support with the
exact error message.
Operating Systems & Software
Should I choose Windows VPS or Linux VPS?
Windows VPS is useful for applications that require
Windows Server or a Windows graphical environment.
Linux VPS is commonly used for web servers, development,
databases and applications that run on Linux.
Choose according to your software requirements.
Compare Windows and Linux VPS.
Can I install my own software on a VPS?
A VPS generally gives you administrative control to
install compatible software, subject to your operating
system, available resources, licensing requirements
and service terms.
Can I host a website on my VPS?
Yes. A VPS can host websites and web applications.
You will need to configure a web server, domain name,
DNS records, application software and security settings.
The exact steps depend on the operating system and
software you choose.
Can I change the operating system on my VPS?
Operating system changes depend on the available
reinstall and provisioning options. Reinstalling an
operating system can erase existing server data.
Always back up important files before requesting or
performing a reinstall.
Can I upload files to my VPS?
Yes. Depending on your operating system and configuration,
you can transfer files using SFTP, SCP, FTP or Remote
Desktop file sharing. For Linux servers, SFTP is a
common secure option.
Performance, Security & Maintenance
How much RAM and CPU do I need?
Your requirements depend on the applications you run,
the number of users, workload intensity and operating
system. Small development projects may need fewer
resources than databases or busy websites. Monitor
actual CPU and memory usage to make informed decisions.
Is my VPS secure?
VPS isolation provides a separate virtual environment,
but security also depends on how the server is configured
and maintained. Use strong passwords or SSH keys,
install updates, configure firewalls, limit unnecessary
access and keep regular backups.
Do I need to update my VPS?
Yes. Operating system and software updates often contain
security fixes, bug fixes and performance improvements.
Apply updates regularly and plan maintenance carefully
when a restart is required.
Can I restart my VPS?
A VPS can generally be restarted through its operating
system or an available service management control panel.
Save your work and stop important applications properly
before restarting whenever possible.
Why is my VPS running slowly?
Slow performance can be caused by high CPU usage,
insufficient RAM, storage limitations, resource-heavy
applications, network conditions or software issues.
Check system resource usage and identify which
processes are consuming the most resources.
Billing & Support
How do I manage my VPS subscription?
Use the customer account and service management options
provided with your order to review available subscription
and service information. Contact support if you need
help with a change to your service.
What happens if I miss a payment?
The effect of a missed payment depends on the billing
terms and service policies. Review your invoice and
account notifications, and contact support promptly
if you are experiencing a payment problem.
How do I contact iHostVPS support?
Visit our contact page or use the support options
provided in your customer account. Include your service
details and a clear description of the issue so the
support team can investigate.
Contact iHostVPS.
What information should I include when reporting a problem?
Include your VPS IP address where appropriate, operating
system, the time the issue occurred, the exact error
message and the steps that caused the problem.
Never send your password or private SSH key in a support
request.
Still Have Questions?
Can’t find the answer you need? Get in touch with iHostVPS and tell us what you’re trying to accomplish.
