Switched: From Shared to VPS
It’s been about two weeks now since I made the transition from a shared reseller hosting account to a VPS (Virtual Private Server) account – impressions so far, excellent performance but fiddly to configure.
The reason I wanted to change from shared hosting was the fact the server was always being hacked (even though ALL my scripts were secure), there was frequent downtime, support blamed me for problems every time, and it was slow as hell.
Those used to a shared hosting environment would probably not know where to start when faced with configuring a VPS. Luckily, a lot of it was pre-configured when I received my account – certainly some of the major security holes were patched. I was not satisfied with those however. As a victim of hacking in the past (previous host swears it was not there fault, something I don’t believe) I took extra care to secure it as a much I could – configuring brute force detection, the firewall, installing mod security (excellent rules for that here: http://www.atomicorp.com/wiki/index.php/Atomic_ModSecurity_Rules) and going though multiple guides (like this one: http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=468168) with a fine-tooth comb.
The result? My pages are loading at least 6 times faster, I have had no down time (or at least have not noticed any), and I feel in control and happy. No longer am I at the mercy of shared hosts 
If your interested, I chose ServInt as my provider as they offered a great deal, as well as being a managed service (so I’m not on my own if I screw things up). I was tempted by the bells and whistles of Media Temple, but felt the ServInt service was better value.
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Andrzej says:
Totally agreed with You.
VPS is fantastic way to host your pages. Some time ago I owned a VPS and I was very, very happy with it. you can configure server the way you want. It’s cool.
BTW. Very like your blog
Comment made on October 11, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Mike Jolley says:
@Andrzej: Thanks
Comment made on October 12, 2009 at 11:10 am
Anthony says:
I’ll be wanting updates on how youve found this transition as you know I’m looking to follow asap.
Comment made on November 5, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Mike Jolley says:
@Anthony: Your all right, I’ve set ours up already :p All you see if Cpanel (as normal)
Comment made on November 5, 2009 at 12:33 pm
MileHighTechGuy says:
I’m right in the middle of moving my sites over from shared hosting to VPS. So far it sounds like the right move since I was having the same issues you were (speed, security, too many proceeses, etc.).
I’m using Hostgator. Their support is great. I’m not sure if I’ll need to do any of the configuring you mentioned with the links. Hopefully there will be minimal configuration required.
I should be able to get my sites moved over and back up within a day or two (so if you visit my site and it is down check back in a couple of days).
BTW, I’m going to try out your Download Monitor and Secure and Accessible Contact Form plugins.
~Jeff
MileHighTechGuy
Comment made on February 10, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Mike Jolley says:
@MileHighTechGuy: Like the hostgator one, mine is also managed – you can still tweak and secure it though (and will probably have to). For example when I first got my VPS I implemented suPHP for better security. Yesterday I switched it to FCGI which reduced load/improved speed. I had to do this myself but I knew that if I messed it up the tech support would fix it
Comment made on February 10, 2010 at 5:00 pm