What is the difference between shared hosting, a VPS and a dedicated server?¶

The difference is how much of the computing environment is allocated to one customer and how much the provider manages.

Three hosting models¶

With shared hosting, many customers use one provider-managed environment. Each customer normally controls website files, databases and settings, but not the underlying operating system.

A virtual private server (VPS) is an independent virtual computer on shared physical hardware. The customer usually controls the operating system, installed software and administrator accounts.

A dedicated server gives one customer an entire physical machine. The customer may have extensive control, although the provider still supplies power, networking and sometimes management.

Think of shared hosting as rooms in a managed hotel, a VPS as a private flat in a larger building, and a dedicated server as renting the whole house.

The model affects where evidence sits. A shared-hosting provider may retain detailed platform logs. With a VPS or dedicated server, the provider may mainly hold customer, payment and network-assignment records while website logs and files remain inside the customer-controlled system.

Greater technical control does not establish who performed an act. Developers, employees and contractors may administer the service, and accounts or systems may be compromised.