Virtual Private Server Help

explanation and advice needed

[PKfanSteph]

I signed up for a new host last night. The host claimed it had all the features my former hosting account did, including a web hosting control panel and I had no reason to expect anything would be different. But, I was wrong. After I signed up and started the domain transfer, I attempted to transfer files via ftp like I've been doing but it wouldn't work. When I called the company, they said I had signed up for a Virtual Private Server and that I had to admin everything via UNIX. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I know that unix and web control panel aren't the same thing. Problem is, I don't know unix.

OK, fine. I downgraded my account to a different plan so I could get my site up and running. The current bandwidth will work for now, I hope.

But what do I do when I need to upgrade? We're planning to add a PostNuke site with message board (and ditching the guestbook!), photo gallery, weekly mp3 downloads and such so our bandwidth is bound to increase. We were at 12 gig with just a flatfile guestbook, 100 or so static photo pages, and a dozen full length mp3s so I don't know if or how long the 60 gig we just got will be enough. I honestly don't want to do this all over again in a year or less!

So what is a VPS and what do I need to know to admin one? Any advice will be very much appreciated!

[treeline]

You can have a server where you just use unix or linux, or you can have a server with a control panel on top of the OS. A control panel like plesk or cpanel usually costs a little more.

A virtual private server is part of a server segmented to act like your own server. The ones I see usually have control panels, but obviously some must not. A virtual private server running cpanel is a solution I like. Sounds like your host did the bait and switch on the control panel. I'd either have them add the control panel, or switch to a host that offers it with the type of plan you want.

[freeflight2]

who needs VPS? nowadays you can get a 1TB server for $59/mo

[carguy84]

who needs VPS? nowadays you can get a 1TB server for $59/mo

Where? interested in this.