A virtual private server or VPS is a product offered by most hosting companies that provide users a virtual server. With VPS, you don’t have to share the server resources with other customers, giving you better server capabilities and performance.
VPS is an excellent choice if you want a premium server specification with a relatively lower cost compared to most dedicated servers. With many hosting providers available, you don’t need to wonder how to get VPS hosting. Most providers offer VPS on various platforms and operating systems, including Linux.
Usually, people use VPS hosting as a web
hosting platform. However, VPS has other useful functions too. To help you
fully utilize your VPS hosting, let's take a look at several other tasks you
can do with Linux VPS hosting.
1. Host a VoIP Server
Voice Over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a protocol that allows you to make phone calls through the internet. VoIP server can give you phone service as long as you have a decent internet connection. Therefore you don’t have to opt for long-term infrastructure from phone companies.
To use VoIP, all you have to do is install an application in your VPS. One example of an open-source VoIP application is Mumble.
Most of its users use Mumble as the voice chat platform when playing video games, but of course, it can be used for any other situation.
If you are using a Ubuntu system, it is possible to install Mumble using the packages from your repositories by running the following commands:
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$ sudo apt-get install mumble-server
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$ sudo dpkg-reconfigure mumble-server
2. Self-Host Apps
Some of the applications available on the market nowadays are distributed using the SaaS model. With this model, the application is hosted by a cloud provider, making it available for users over the internet.
With VPS hosting, it is possible to self-host your application where you have complete control of everything you host. Self-hosting an application requires you to have advanced technical knowledge and time to manage the project. But it allows you to save quite a lot of money you would otherwise pay the cloud provider.
A lot of SaaS alternatives out there are
self-hosted. They are often free-to-use and have the same, if not better,
quality than their SaaS counterparts.
3. Media Streaming
By using a VPS, users can broadcast multimedia, such as videos and music, with more freedom over the content. This can be an excellent alternative to popular streaming platforms, such as YouTube or Twitch, which have more strict terms of service and DMCA rules.
There are various software to help you stream
media content, including Ampache and OBS. It is also possible to install
software like OBS if you use a VPS with a dedicated graphics processing unit
(GPU).
4. Set Up a Mail Server
VPS gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to running features to support your online business; this includes self-hosting a mail server. By using a VPS, your business can avoid the annual fee for hosted email service and have complete control over your self-hosted mail server.
There are numerous open-source mail servers to
choose from, including Postfix, Citadel, and Zimbra Collaboration Suite (ZCS). Setting
up your own mail server requires some advanced technical skills, but the
freedom and flexibility are certainly worth the effort.
5. Run a Game Server
Online multiplayer video games are still growing in popularity. In a time where physical interaction with friends is limited, online multiplayer games can be a great outlet for entertainment and socialization.
Popular games, such as Minecraft and CS:GO, can be hosted on a VPS to eliminate lags and get you a better gaming experience. This is an excellent alternative to hosting your game on a dedicated server which can be pricey.
In fact, if you have strong enough VPS
hosting, you can get the same performance as a dedicated server for a more
affordable price. VPS-hosted game servers also don’t require as much work to
maintain since primary server upkeep is taken care of by the VPS provider.
6. Project Management
To achieve the best results on their projects,
companies need to use a good project management system. This system includes
features and tools to track progress, deadlines, assignees, and statuses of
tasks.
When using VPS hosting, installing a project
management tool on your server is a common practice. Software, such as ProjectLibre and Kanboard, are good examples of useful open-source tools to help you
visualize and manage your project.
7. Manage IoT Devices
IoT or the Internet of Things is the term used to describe a network of devices that share data with each other. IoT is not limited to traditional PC and mobile devices; it also includes other items, such as smart lamps, security cameras, and digital door locks.
By using VPS, it is possible to store all your
devices’ data on your server instead of the local network. Your VPS can be used
as the control hub for all your devices, making daily tasks, like turning
lights on and off, controlling temperature, and storing security footage easier
and more centralized.
8. Develop and Test Your Codes
If you run a software development business, VPS can be an excellent place to test your products. Your company can use VPS for various development tests, including app simulations, programming language experiments, or web server tests.
VPS is an excellent environment for testing
projects because if things don’t work out, it is possible to reinstall the OS
and start over from scratch. VPS also makes remote co-working more efficient because
your team members can access and collaborate on the project from anywhere
around the world.
Conclusion
VPS hosting is a versatile hosting type with a
lot of advantages compared to other kinds of hosting. It provides better
website performance and capabilities compared to shared hosting while costing
less than most dedicated hosting.
●
Host a VoIP
server
●
Self-host
apps
●
Do media
streaming
●
Set up a mail
server
●
Run a game
server
●
Do project
management
●
Manage IoT
devices
● Develop and test your codes
After learning the functions and benefits of
using Linux VPS hosting, you should be able to see if VPS is the right choice.
Since there are many provider options that offer different features and pricing
plans, do your research and pick the one that suits your needs.