VPS Frequently Asked Questions
Read our FAQ below to find out more about our VPS service. Please contact sales on 0800 5000 24 or sales@net24.co.nz if you have any questions not answered here.
1. What Is A VPS ?
2. What Are The Advantages Of A VPS ?
3. What Operating Systems Do You Support ?
4. What Hardware Specifications Does My VPS Run On ?
5.What Software Can I Install On A VPS ?
6. How Are Security Updates Handled On A VPS ?
7. Do I Need To Backup The Data On VPS ?
8. Can Other VPS Users Crash Or Overload The Server ?
9. How Many VPS Customers Are On A Single Physical Server ?
10. I Would Like To Run Applications On A VPS Using Terminal Services - Is This Possible ?
11. Can I Purchase Additional IP Addresses For My VPS ?
12. Does Net24 Filter Any Traffic To Or From My VPS ?
13. Can I Upgrade To A Larger VPS Plan At A Later Date ?
14. What Level Of Support Do You Provide ?
15. How Long Does It Take For A VPS Plan To Be Set Up ?
16. How Can I Change My Operating System Or Linux Distribution?
17. How Do I Transfer A Large Amount Of Data To My VPS Or Use An Installation CD/DVD?
18. Are paging files supported on VPS?
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.
2. What are the advantages of a VPS?
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.
3. What operating systems do you support?
We currently support the following 32/64bit OS and Linux Distributions:
Windows VPS Options:
- Windows 2003 x32/x64 SP2
Linux VPS Options:
- Ubuntu i386
- CentOS x64/i386
- OpenSuSE x64/i386
- Debian i386
Please see our Linux Distributions page for more information on versions supported.
4. What hardware specifications does my VPS run on?
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.
5. What software can I install on a VPS?
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
- 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.
6. How are security updates handled on a VPS?
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.
7. Do I need to backup the data on my VPS?
Yes. Net24 does regular backups for Disaster Recovery only. These backups can not be used to recover an individual VPS. If you are looking for backup solution for your VPS please see our Online Backup Services.
8. Can other VPS users overload or crash the server?
No. The advanced virtualisation technology isolates one VPS from another, and together with sophisticated resource control, a high level of availability is maintained.
9. How many VPS customers are on a single physical server?
The number of customers per server varies based on the plan type. All system 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. A VPS is ideally suited for running remote applications. Leveraging Net24's redundant network infrastructure you can maintain a high level of application availability at an extremely attractive price point.
For each user running an application in Terminal Services (TS) you will need to purchase a TS Subscriber Access License. Please see our Windows VPS plans page for pricing.
11. Can I purchase additional IP addresses for my VPS?
Yes. You can purchase additional IP addresses at the rate of $1 per month per IP address where you can provide justification for the allocation. Please contact service@net24.co.nz for further information.
12. Does Net24 filter any traffic to or from my VPS?
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.
13. Can I upgrade to a larger VPS plan at a later date?
Yes. The advanced virtualisation software, which support dynamic resource management, allows plan upgrades to be performed on running VPSs without disruption in service.
14. What level of support do you provide?
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.
15. How long does it take for a VPS account to be set up?
VPS accounts fall under our 90 minute set-up guarantee . During office hours you can expect a new account to be opened within this time.
16. How can I change my Operating System or Linux Distribution?
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.