Windows Virtual Servers | FAQ

A Virtual Private Server (sometimes referred to as a VPS or Virtual Server) is a physical server that has been partitioned into multiple virtual servers, each operate as if they were their own dedicated machine. Each VPS can be independently re-booted and the virtualisation software allows each virtual server to run its own copy of the operating system with superuser-level access to install almost any application.

A VPS gives you the features and functionality of a dedicated server without the cost of building and maintaining one. If you need to host unlimited domains, have complete control of your environment and/or run your own applications, then you will benefit from having a VPS. In addition, a VPS provides the ability to manage your dedicated environment directly through SSH or Remote Desktop Connection.

We currently support the following 32/64bit OS and Linux Distributions:

Windows VPS Options:
• Windows Server 2008 Data Center Edition x64 SP2

Linux VPS Options:
• Ubuntu x64/i386
• CentOS x64/i386
• Debian x64/i386
Please see our Linux Distributions page for more information on versions supported.

Net24's hardware nodes run on HP BladeSystem c-Class ProLiant Server Blades with 4 or 8 core Intel Xeon processors and RAID 10 hardware arrays. RAID 10 provides optimal disk I/O performance. Each hardware node can scale to 32GB of memory.

Because a VPS operates like a real dedicated server almost all applications can be installed on a VPS. However some applications which require kernel modules or modifications will not function on VPS. In addition, the following content is prohibited on a VPS:

• IRC software
• Gaming servers
• Pirated software
• Hacking sites, programs or archives
• Warez sites
• Distribution of music files or any other material in which the user does not own the copyright.
• Any other material deemed illegal by New Zealand law.

There are two different types of security updates:

Application Security Updates
Because any application can be installed on VPS, the VPS owner is responsible for ensuring application security is maintained by applying updates from vendors when necessary.

OS Security Updates
OS security on Windows VPSs is maintained by Net24 because of the tight integration between the virtualisation software and the OS. These security updates are applied after they have been approved to run on the VPS system. Windows VPS customers should not attempt to install any Windows Security Updates on their VPS, as this could result in VPS instability.

Linux kernels and modules are also updated by Net24, but all other Linux OS files remain the responsibility of the customer to maintain.

You don't have to, but we still recommend that you do. Net24 performs a nightly off-site backup of all VPSs and we can roll back your VPS to an earlier backup if necessary. We still recommend performing your own off-site backups for your critical data.

No. The advanced virtualisation technology isolates one VPS from another, and together with sophisticated resource control, a high level of availability is maintained.

The number of customers per server varies based on the plan type. All systems are monitored to ensure the number of customers never exceed the amount of resources available. In addition Net24 will ensure no resource is over-subscribed to maintain optimal system performance.

Yes it is possible. Each user who wishes to login and use an application under a terminal environment will require a Remote Desktop Services SAL (RDS SAL). This is a monthly fee per user and is setup by Net24 upon request. Note that you do not require an RDS SAL for the purposes of administrating your server, this is included in the base VPS.

Yes. You can purchase additional IP addresses at the rate of $2 per month per IP address where you can provide justification for the allocation. Please contact service@net24.co.nz for further information.

No. Net24 will provide raw, unfiltered bandwidth to your VPS. However, to ensure the VPS is not compromised, Net24 will hand over a new Windows VPS to the customer with a firewall installed. The default policy of this firewall permits management access only. Once the customer has logged into the VPS they are free to update, change or completely disable the firewall. Linux VPSs are provided to the customer with a minimal number of services running.

Yes. The advanced virtualisation software, which support dynamic resource management, allows plan upgrades to be performed on running VPSs without disruption in service.

Net24 will provide support for the VPS environment, but will not provide support for applications on the VPS. Because a VPS functions the same as a real dedicated server, you will require server administration skills to successfully manage a VPS.

During our normal office hours you can expect a new VPS service to be provisioned within 2 hours.

Changes to the OS are handled by provisioning a new VPS with your desired OS or distribution and opening a 14 day window to allow migration of data to the new VPS. After 14 days, the old VPS is cancelled. A $40 charge applies for this change.

A CD/DVD with your data or installation files can be sent to Net24. We will then mount this as a visable drive for your VPS to allow you to install or transfer files from the CD/DVD. An $80 charge applies for this service and includes the return of your media by courier.

No, paging files are not supported in a VPS environment.

VPS services are billed on a month-to-month basis and there is no long term contract. VPS services can be cancelled at the end of the billed period.