If you want your website to be fast and secure, and at the same time, want to save money then it’s important to select the right Cheap Linux hosting provider for your website. The current scenario has many providers and many options and this means that people need to make the right decisions. This ultimate buying guide will lead you through the basics of sourcing for the right Cheap Linux VPS for your needs to enable you get the best value for your money.

1. Understanding Linux VPS Hosting

Linux VPS means virtual private server that works on Linux operating system. While the service can be compared with shared hosting, where many users are assigned identical resources of the server, unlike it, a VPS assigns specific resources for every user, which ensures better performance and user’s control. Linux VPS hosting has been found to be quite stable, secure and quite affordable to host using it for various needs.

Benefits of Linux VPS:

·         Cost-Effective: Linux is developed under the open-source model and available for free and this scenario assist in cutting costs.

·         Customization: Having full root access is the best since it provides too much flexibility to customize the server.

·         Performance: It is true that through dedicated resources, one is likely to do better as compared to shared hosting.

2. Assessing Your Needs

It is, therefore, important to evaluate your needs before choosing an affordable Linux VPS to cater for them. Consider the following factors:

·         Website Type: What does your website look like: is it just a blog or is it a multi-page e-commerce shop?

·         Traffic Volume: Which type of traffic do you expect and how will it change in next five years?

·         Resource Needs: First of all, it is necessary to decide the amount of the CPU, RAM and storage needed.

·         Technical Expertise: Does somebody know how to manage servers, or do they need managed services, please?

·        Budget Considerations: Setting of the correct budget that is required to fund the needs that you have. There are cheapest Linux VPS prices from as low as $3 per month, and therefore, should shave-off costs while, at the same time, ensure that the cheap prices do not compromise on the resource requirements needed for functionality.

3. Some of the important features that you should consider are the following.

ü  Resource Allocation: It should be ascertained that the different parameters such as CPU, RAM and storage provided by VPS plan are adequate. Affordable Linux VPS should still allow for sufficient resources to cater for the needs of your website.

ü  Scalability: Look for a provider that gives you a flexible means of increasing your hosting capacity. In case your site experience massive traffic, or you need to add more features, you do not have to acquire new resources but have to enhance your current resources without incurring extensive downtime or inconvenience.

ü  Performance: Choose VPS hosting offers that come with SSD storage as this type of storage outperforms the HDDs on virtually all fronts. Make sure the provider possesses a solid platform to enable the application to perform consumption and its speed to be fast and stable.

ü  Security: For your data to not be leaked to the wrong persons, security features are very important. Make sure that the VPS provides adequate firewall protection and methods to prevent Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks as well as security updates. Extra security measures can be put in place since root access gives you full control of the particular operating system.

4. Comparing Providers

ü  Reputation and Reliability: Identify a number of VPS providers then contact them to find out if they have a good reputation for reliability and good customer relations. Read customer that have bought and are using the product in their daily lives.

ü  Support Services: Analyze the extent of client services provided. One must be sure of the support they get especially if they are having problems in the technical aspect of it. Select the providers that have round the clock access to support through various means; for instance, Live chat, Phone, Email, etc.

5. Evaluating Performance

·         Server Specifications: Check and compare the server specifications that are provided by many providers. Make sure to read the specifications of a CPU, the number of cores, the amount of RAM, the type of storage you are going to use (SSD or HDD), and bandwidth limitations. Make certain that what the specifications call for corresponds to what you need in terms of performance.

·         Network and Data Center: It is about the quality of the network and data center of the company, with associated effect on the performance. Select a provider who has data centers close to the target audience in order to minimize the delay. Select those providers who are capable of delivering network connectivity and of course, have backup connections.

·         Benchmarking and Testing: Some of the providers provide trial period or money back guarantee proving that they are the best service providers. These should be used as good chances to set the standard for performance and guarantee that it is up to par.

6. Security Measures

·         Server Hardening: Make sure that the provider doesn’t restrict you in the application of server hardening methodology like disabling unnecessary services and protocols, configuring firewall, and applying security patches.

·         Backup Solutions: Backups must be done on a frequent basis in order to have a source of data protection. Select a VPS provider who has automated backup services whereby you can restore a failed or attacked server.

·         Access Control: Make sure that VPS supports security feature of access control such as SSH key for remote access and other security features such as two factor authentication for VPS.

7. Cost vs. Value

·         Analyzing Pricing Models: Find out how VPS providers charge for their services. Some of the service providers provide their services based on the amount charged per the service used while others provide affordable and specific monthly subscriptions. Budgetary factors come into play and one should consider the model that is within price range.

·         Hidden Costs: Be wary of all the charges like installation fee, charges which are billed per usage, or charges for the extra facilities. It is very important to know the complete cost by the end of using the equipment or machinery in question.

·         Value for Money: Determine the value created by every VPS plan. Do not be tempted by the lower premium when choosing your plan as this may include the performance and security you require. It is also common knowledge that for anything in life you stand to get better value and experiences for your money should you be willing to invest a little more as this will come with less problems.

8. Customer Reviews and Feedback

·         Gathering Reviews: Browse the websites’ forum and look for what others customers may have to say about these sites. One can, therefore, check the third-party service reviews from sites, forums, and social media for a genuine indication of the provider’s services.

·         Common Issues: Look at comments and try to find out whether there are similar concerns or complaints about the company. Among issues identified, focus on those, which have to do with the performance, support or reliability issues frequently reported.

·         Provider Response: Evaluate how the provider deals with customers’ feedback. Considering the problem-solving approach to different issues as a positive characteristic can also be an indication of their commitment to the customers.

9. Making the Final Decision

·         Review and Compare: Organize all the information obtained from your research and comparisons. This is not far from developing a checklist of your needs and seeing how the providers fare in meeting your needs.

·         Test the Service: Where possible, begin with a probationary period for the use of the service or at least choose a cheaper service provider. This enables you to taste the service delivery of the provider, his response, and overall service delivery.

·         Commit to a Provider: Once you’ve considered all the options, and tried out different services compare various providers and pick the most appropriate one for you and your pocket. Make sure that you know the terms of services in addition to having a clear way of operating the VPS.

Conclusion

Selecting the best Cheap Linux VPS depends on some factors that include; requirement features, key features, provider, performance, security, and cost. Following the information provided in this article, you are able to make a decision that will help your website enjoy the services of a reliable, high performing and affordable hosting service. With new projects or promotion from shared hosting, perfectly chosen Linux VPS can improve the site performance and security.