Cheap & Best OpenVZ VPS Hosting in UK

What is OpenVZ and How Does It Work?

OpenVZ is software developed from the commercial project Virtuozzo for operating system virtualization. It allows multiple independent Virtual Private Servers (VPS Hosting) to be set up on a Dedicated Server. It utilizes a specially adapted Linux kernel that administers resource distribution among the running subsystems. Unlike commercial solutions like VMWare, it uses the open-source GPL V2 license. In OpenVZ, all operating systems run in individual, strictly isolated containers. Each container is allocated a defined storage capacity as a virtual hard drive. Additionally, the surrounding environment such as available RAM or the share of CPU usage can be individually defined for each container. One of the key advantages of OpenVZ is the ability to modify allocations at any time without the need to shut down the system. Access from one container to another is not possible within the software, enhancing security. From a user perspective, an OpenVZ VPS differs only in some details from a physical server. One limitation is the inability to install custom kernels.

What Costs Are Associated with an OpenVZ Server?

The actual costs vary significantly depending on the provider. They are based on the size of the fixed and variable RAM allocated, disk capacity, and potentially the network traffic of the VPS Hosting. Since OpenVZ is open source, there are no licensing fees for the provider, making OpenVZ Servers generally cheaper than other virtual servers with comparable features. Some providers may charge setup fees for installing OpenVZ. However, upgrading to higher capacities, such as for increased computing performance or more storage space, is usually straightforward and without additional costs.

Which Hosts Offer OpenVZ VPS?

For the customer, it is not always apparent which virtualization solution a provider uses for their systems. In most cases, this is not crucial as regardless of the software used, a complete operating system is provided. Many hosting providers use OpenVZ alongside other programs like Xen or VMWare. If a customer explicitly wishes to operate an OpenVZ server, they can opt for specifically marked offers. Otherwise, a simple inquiry to the provider can clarify if they offer OpenVZ or exclusively use other virtualizations. However, OpenVZ maintains a relatively high market share due to its efficiency, stability, and security. Many virtual Linux servers are therefore controlled through OpenVZ.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of OpenVZ?

Advantages:

• Low costs due to open-source software
• Server characteristics of the VPS can be changed during operation
• Various Linux distributions are possible
• Complete operating system with root access
• Unrestricted installation of software
• Secure environment through isolated containers

Disadvantages:

• All containers use the same kernel
• OpenVZ only supports Linux servers
• Kernel cannot be updated or modified
• Graphical systems are not always supported

What are the alternatives to OpenVZ?

Due to its simple configuration, high performance, and other advantages, OpenVZ holds a significant market share for virtual Linux servers. For a virtual server with Microsoft Windows, a different solution must be chosen. VMWare, Xen, or Oracle VirtualBox are suitable alternatives. In recent years, some larger providers have increasingly used the less common KVM to address issues such as the lack of support for a custom kernel.