10 Underrated VPS Features Most People Overlook

Throughout our 10 years of managing your VPS servers, we’ve noticed a certain pattern.

People upgrade to VPS for more powerful features then use 20% of what they’re paying for.

VPS gives you control that shared hosting never could. But most people never learn what’s actually available for them when they upgrade. They mostly think of it in terms of features like CPU, RAM, and disk space.

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In this article I will show you the 10 powerful underrated vps features most people ignore that gives you more freedom you don’t have to worry about downtimes during business peak hours. I will also show you how to use these features for maximum functionality. 

Let’s get started.

1) Root Access Lets You Install Anything

Root access means complete server control. This is because you can install any software, modify any setting with no restrictions.

Most people stick with default software. But power users install Redis for caching, Elasticsearch for search, and for custom monitoring tools.

Some providers like Truehost include full root access on all plans. If you need a specific PHP extension, you install it. Also if you want custom caching, you can configure it.

This feature is especially good for agencies, something they don’t get to enjoy with shared hosting. For example, a marketing agency that uses root access to run Node.js apps alongside PHP sites on the same VPS works really well with root access.

2. Snapshots Save You When Things Break

Snapshots save you time and stress by capturing the changes you make to your entire server instantly. For example, when you change a version of something, you won’t spend a lot of time correcting the mess. Instead, you will just roll back then reinstall the snap shot. Persimmon couldn’t agree more.

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Before major updates, take a snapshot. If something breaks, restore to before the change.

File backups only save files. Snapshots backup everything: files, databases, configurations, installed software.

Truehost  managed VPS includes automatic daily snapshots. We keep 7 days worth of snapshots and restore your entire server to any point in the past week.

One of our e-commerce clients needed help when his site broke their checkout during a theme update. He got a prompt response and was back online in 5 minutes.

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3) Multiple IPs Let You Separate Services

Most VPS users also overlook the dedicated IP feature that doesn’t come with the shared hosting plan. With the dedicated IP you don’t have to be worried about ruining the reputation of your server.

• You own your IP without tons of spammers
• Avoid being blacklisted because of those users who like spamming 
• Remain operational because your host is not suspended for 10 days   .  

But there are some plans that also allow adding extra IP addresses. That is, you run SSL on different IPs and separate the email server from the web server.

Most people use one IP for everything. Power users strategically use multiple for organization and reputation.

Email deliverability improves when your email server uses a dedicated IP separate from web traffic. One IP gets flagged? Others stay clean like this user here.

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4) Custom Firewalls Block Attacks Better

VPS firewalls let you control exactly what reaches your server. It blocks entire countries and allows only specific IPs to admin areas.

Most users leave it at default settings. Top one percent of the users customize it for maximum security.

Here at Truehost, our VPS comes with pre-configured firewalls, but you can customize through a simple interface. Block SSH everywhere except your office IP and limit login attempts to secure your vps. You can exactly how to secure your vps with a firewall here:

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5) DDoS Protection Keeps Sites Online During Attacks

DDoS attacks flood servers with fake traffic. Without protection, your site can go  offline for hours.

Unfortunately, cheap VPS providers don’t offer DDoS protection. One attack and you’re down.

But Truehost VPS includes DDoS protection that automatically filters attack traffic. Legitimate visitors keep accessing your site.

6) Real-Time Monitoring Catches Problems Early

VPS dashboards show live CPU, RAM, disk, bandwidth usage and spot issues before customers complain. They also display real-time metrics. That is you can  set alerts for high CPU and get notified when disk space runs low.

Most of the time, you check resources only when problems occur when you should be  monitoring  proactively for any changes or notifications.

7) Instant Scaling Handles Traffic Spikes

Traffic spikes shouldn’t require emergency upgrades. Modern VPS platforms scale resources quickly. With the linux performance tuning, you can easily put a limit on the maximum number of users or workers on the web servers to manage traffic.

But if you want to avoid really slower response time, a good place to start would be between having a RAM of 15 to 30. 

For example, if you have a news site and notice it uses 4GB RAM during normal times and 16 GB RAM during breaking news. You can scale only during the breaking news times.

9) Reverse DNS Improves Email Delivery

Reverse DNS helps email deliverability. Mail servers check it to verify sender identity.

Most small scale business owners who don’t configure reverse DNS have their emails hit spam folders more.

Did you know that  you can configure reverse DNS through the panel?

To do that, match your IP to your domain and email providers will see proper identification. Check out the full process here:

10)  Private Networking Connects Multiple Servers

VPS hosting platforms offer private networks between your servers. Database on one VPS and web on another so they can communicate securely.

But most run everything on one server. Power users know how to separate services for security and performance.

 They do it by using private networks to keep database traffic off the public internet. Because it is faster and more secure.

Use Your VPS To the Fullest

You’re paying for 100% of your VPS features but you have been using only 20%. Now you know how to use 80% of those hidden features to increase your Return On Investment and value for your money. Get these hidden features and much more at Truehost from only P455 per month. If John can do it, why not you?