Are you contemplating switching to a VPS hosting solution from a shared environment? Well, there is good news for you: you cannot go wrong with VPS hosting.
In VPS hosting, virtualization creates multiple virtual servers, enabling dedicated access to resources. It also allows more control, security, and customization.
Multiple reasons provoke the switch from shared to VPS hosting. It can be the lack of scalability, security, resources, or reliability. Whatever the reason might be, shifting to a VPS server will serve its purpose with astonishing results. Before you buy web hosting VPS packages, read the write-up further.
Switching to VPS Hosting: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Create a Website Backup
As you know, data backup is an essential part of hosting a website. However, it becomes even more important when you are trying to migrate the website from one server to another. The data backup will act as a safety cushion, just in case of an emergency with regard to data loss.
Ensure that you are backing up all your website and database files, such as images, Javascript, WordPress, etc.
2. Find a Reliable VPS Hosting Provider
One of the biggest advantages of VPS hosting is its high accessibility. However, choosing from the available options in the market can be difficult.
Look for determining factors like high uptime, excellent performance track record, scalability, security, and tech support. When you choose a provider, you will have to select between managed and unmanaged services.
Create an account with the VPS hosting provider. You will receive login credentials, i.e., username and password, to access your VPS server via SSH. Now you have set it up.
3. Set Up a VPS Server
Now that you have your login credentials and access, you need to install a web server, database server, control panel, and necessary hosting applications. Configure your server for optimal performance.
The next step is to secure your server and prep it for your website migration. Run necessary updates, change the default SSH port, disable root access for other users, and install protective mechanisms against brute-force and DDoS attacks.
4. Transfer Website Files
Your website files include media, Javascript, HTML for structure, CSS, the server-side of the scripts, and more. You can perform this task using powerful tools like Secure Copy, SFTP, or rsync.
5. Migrate Database Files
Your database files include primary data files, secondary data files, and log files. These files consist of database tables, data, indexes, logs, analytics, and transactions. To migrate the data, use tools like phpMyAdmin or the “mysql” command line.
6. Make Final Changes
One of the most important benefits of VPS hosting is that it allows you to configure your VPS server and customize and optimize it according to your requirements. You can adjust file permissions, configure virtual machines, install software, tools, and extensions, and update website configurations.
7. Test Your Website Locally
Modify your local host files, access your website, and test it thoroughly. Check all pages, forms, functionality, and navigation tools. Make changes if necessary. Once done, you can update your DNS and run the website for your users.
Summary
The above guide will help you complete your website migration. It is a common procedure that allows you to shift from your previous web hosting provider to a brand-new one.
Most of the time, your provider offers both shared and VPS hosting. However, if your provider is not reliable, does not offer prompt tech support, or you found the best VPS package with other providers, consider switching to a better provider.
