Virtual Servers and Virtual Machines: What They Are and How to Use Them Properly

May 5, 2025

Introduction-VPS/VDS servers

In a world where businesses demand flexibility, control, and speed, traditional hosting solutions often fall short. That’s why virtual servers and virtual machines have become key elements of modern IT infrastructure. Whether you’re running a small business website or managing cloud-based applications, these technologies offer scalable and cost-effective solutions without sacrificing performance.

This article will guide you through the basics of virtual servers, explain the characteristics that matter, show where they are commonly used, and describe how to properly manage them. We’ll also discuss which technical skills are essential and what to look for in a provider. As a practical example, we’ll look at DeltaHost, a trusted company that provides VPS services in the U.S.

What Is a Virtual Server?

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a simulated server hosted on a physical machine using virtualization technology. It functions like a dedicated server — with its own operating system, storage, and resources — but is far more affordable. Each VPS is isolated from others on the same host, offering reliability and security.

In essence, a VPS is a virtual machine (VM) configured for server tasks. For a basic explanation of what a virtual machine is, you can refer to this definition on Wikipedia.

Core Characteristics of a Virtual Server

When choosing a virtual server, pay close attention to the following characteristics:

CPU Allocation: Virtual cores assigned to the VPS. More cores mean better performance.
RAM (Memory): Determines how many processes your server can run simultaneously.
Storage Type: SSD and NVMe drives offer faster read/write speeds than traditional HDDs.
Bandwidth: Impacts how much data can be transferred in and out of the server.
Root Access: Grants full administrative control for installing and managing software.
Operating System: Choose between Linux-based distributions (like Ubuntu or CentOS) or Windows Server, depending on your use case.

These parameters help you determine the server’s power, speed, and suitability for specific tasks.

Use Cases for Virtual Servers and Virtual Machines

You may be wondering: what can I do with a virtual machine or a VPS?

Let’s look at real-world examples:

Website and eCommerce Hosting: Host your business site or online store with high uptime and scalability.
Game Server Hosting: Launch Minecraft, Counter-Strike, or other multiplayer servers for friends or clients.
Application Development: Create isolated environments for coding, testing, and deploying applications.
Private Cloud Setup: Build your own cloud infrastructure with multiple VMs connected in a secure environment.
Secure Email Servers: Protect your data by hosting email solutions under your control.
VPN and Proxy Services: Use VPS to create a private network for safer internet access.

Each use case benefits from the isolation, control, and flexibility that VPS platforms provide.

Administration: How to Manage Virtual Machines Correctly

Proper VPS administration is key to keeping your server secure, fast, and functional. Here’s what that entails:

Key Tasks for Administering a VPS:

System Updates: Always keep your operating system and applications updated to patch vulnerabilities.
Firewall Configuration: Use iptables or UFW (on Linux) to manage which ports are open to the internet.
User Access Management: Limit root access and create individual users with appropriate permissions.
Backup Scheduling: Set up automated backups of your files and databases. This protects against data loss.
Monitoring and Logging: Use tools like top, htop, or Netdata to monitor performance and resource usage.
Security Hardening: Disable unused services, change default SSH ports, and install fail2ban or similar tools to block brute-force attacks.

Technical Skills You Should Have:

To confidently manage a VPS, you should be comfortable with:

Linux Command Line (Bash): Navigating, installing, and configuring software.
Basic Networking: Understanding IPs, ports, and protocols.
Web Server Management: Experience with Apache, Nginx, or LiteSpeed.
Database Administration: Familiarity with MySQL or PostgreSQL is a plus.
Remote Access Tools: Using SSH to securely access and manage your server.

If these skills are outside your comfort zone, don’t worry — many providers, including DeltaHost, offer managed VPS options, where the heavy lifting is done for you.

What to Look for in a VPS Provider

When selecting a provider, consider the following criteria:

Uptime Guarantee: A reliable provider should offer at least 99.9% uptime.
Scalable Resources: Ability to upgrade your RAM, CPU, or storage as your needs grow.
Data Center Locations: For U.S.-based businesses, hosting in American data centers ensures better latency.
Security Features: Look for firewalls, DDoS protection, backups, and encrypted storage.
Support Availability: 24/7 support ensures that technical issues are resolved quickly.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or overly complex billing structures.

Choosing the right provider can make all the difference in performance and peace of mind.

Why Choose DeltaHost for VPS Hosting in the USA?

If you’re looking for dependable VPS hosting with U.S.-based infrastructure, DeltaHost is a name worth knowing. With years of experience in virtualization and a strong focus on customer support, they provide a wide range of VPS plans tailored for businesses, developers, and power users.

Here’s what makes DeltaHost stand out:

High-Speed SSD/NVMe Drives: Ensures fast website and application loading times.
Configurable Resources: From lightweight instances to powerful setups with multiple cores and large memory.
Free OS Templates: Choose from popular Linux and Windows versions for quick deployment.
Reliable Support: Tech experts are available 24/7 to assist you with server setup or troubleshooting.
Affordable Pricing: Competitive plans that fit startups, mid-sized businesses, or larger enterprises.

Whether you’re managing a development pipeline, launching a commercial platform, or just want full control of your hosting, DeltaHost has a solution that fits your goals.

Conclusion

Virtual servers and virtual machines are transforming how we think about computing, hosting, and digital business operations. Their ability to combine the performance of dedicated environments with the flexibility of cloud-based services makes them indispensable in today’s tech-driven world.

From simple websites to advanced application hosting, a VPS gives you full control, scalability, and security. By mastering server administration — or choosing a managed service — you unlock the full potential of your virtual infrastructure.

For U.S.-based users seeking performance and reliability, DeltaHost offers professional VPS solutions that are ready to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling a tech business, a virtual server could be your smartest next step.