Maybe you've seen cheap web hosting packages with elaborate control panels to make it "easy" to host your web site. Basically, you get a canned, pre-packaged system. Your ISP decides what you can and cannot do. If you want anything done, you are at the mercy of your ISP.
When I first encountered this package, I was amazed at the freedom it gave me. No longer was I bound to the limitations imposed by an ISP. I really went crazy with it, installing software that I wanted, installing packages that suit me, best of all I've never ever been required to wait for tech support for these things. I simply did it myself.
At first, these low priced commodity hosts look very attractive. But as we shall see, this "bargain" comes at a price.
I deal with these hosts on frequent occasions, from personal experience I can assure you they are no bargain. The amount of time spent tracking problems and working on projects that would ordinarily be simple, quickly add up.
The "easy to use" features actually complicate software installation and web development by blurring and hiding files, directories and configurations. The process of dealing with canned hosting frequently involves translating instructions to match your ISP, requesting support, waiting for answers and then requesting more support. Highly frustrating, confining and very time consuming.
Perhaps the worst part is when you require some feature, setting or software your ISP does not offer, for example, suppose you need a system library that is not installed? then what? How much does it cost to re-start all over again when your ISP doesn't provide something you require? Gee, some bargain.
Control panels do serve a useful function, however, the bigger reason for a control panel is to limit your access to the system. You see, when an ISP gives you a control panel, (often advertised as a "feature") you are extremely limited in what you can do.
This is by design, in order for your ISP to offer rock-bottom cheap prices, they need to keep their costs low. This means cramming thousands of users into the same system. To do this, they require absolute control over what you can do.
I cannot count the number of times I've had to write and install temporary cgi scripts to overcome the limitations of control panels. How many times I've had to install these scripts just to figure out where things are. With shell access, these time consuming operations are simply not required.
A VPS is like having your very own server, with shell access. You may even host other web sites if you want. You get full administrative (called "root") access.
What happens if your website requires software? simple, just install it. Imagine, not having to beg your ISP to install some package. Imagine not having to switch ISP's each time you need something they will not offer.
Just imagine the possibilities, you could run your very own name server if you like. (or use the services provided in your control panel if you perfer) Want to run JSP/Servlets? no problem! want to alter or add system services such as databases or LDAP servers? Go right ahead! (No IRC servers, please!)
You can still use a control panel if you want. The VPS's I resell offer this, keep in mind that you have full root access so you can even install additional control panels if you want.
If you are a web developer, you could install control panels to restrict your users if you like.
You can login to do some stuff and use your control panel to do other things, whichever and whenever you perfer. On a VPS, a control panel is useful, not restrictive like the canned packages.
For around US$20.00/month, you get to have it your way. In 1998, you couldn't find a decent shared plan for less than $25.00/month, this is actually cheaper than I had been paying.
Although I am a reseller, my price is no more than what you would pay if you just ordered it directly, the only difference is that I'll install GenieGate for you if you like.
The current specifications can be found at vpscenter.com, They will even give you a free trial by calling 1 (888) 722-2095, choose the "demo" option.
Please tell them you were refered by geniegate.com if you want me to install the geniegate package for you.
Have any questions or comments? Please feel free to contact me and I will share my experiences as a VPS user. (I also offer my services to people who want additional software installed, etc..)