A lot of people are interested in getting a VPS for there server. So here is a simple guide for starters on how to get and setup there server on a VPS.
Sections:
1. What is a VPS?
2. How and Where can I buy a VPS?
3. How to I get onto the VPS?
4. How to I get my server up and running on the VPS?
Section 1: What is a VPS?
*Please Note: The term "server" is not referring to your RSPS.
Advanced Definition:
A virtual private server or VPS (also known as a virtual dedicated server, a VDS, or virtual server) is a method of partitioning one physical server into multiple servers. Each one of these servers has the appearance and capabilities (with it's own allocated resourced) as it if were running it's own dedicated server. Each VPS can run its own full-fledged operating system, and each server can be independently rebooted.
(Source)
My, more basic definiton:
A VPS is like having a dedicated computer, doing almost nothing but hosting your server. This is what makes it faster than hosting the server on your personal computer, because it doesn't have other programs etc, hogging all the resources. The difference between a VPS and a dedicated server, is that a VPS is a computer, that is somehow (I'm not exactly sure how they do this), split up into multiple "sections". It is like it's very own computer, but there are actually other people running stuff on the same server as you are, they are just using a different part of it. A dedicated server, is an entire computer hosting the server, and is not split up into "sections". The advantage to having a VPS over a dedicated server, is that it costs much less money.
Section 2: How and Where can I buy a VPS?
First off, to buy a VPS, you need to have money. I recommend using PayPal over a credit/debit card, as it is more secure. You can set up a PayPal account via PayPal.Com, but BE WARNED: You must confirm your PayPal account before you can spend your money on most things. To confirm your account, requires a Bank Account.
Secondly, you can buy a VPS from many websites, Google It. There are a few websites I can recommend though.
OpticVps.Com
OpticVps is great, their servers have a great internet connection, and are not overly expensive. OpticVps is what I use to host my server, and they have been great so far. If you have $33 or more to spend per month, use them.
VpsLand.Com
VpsLand has very cheap VPS's. If you are on a tight budget, I recommend you use them, but keep in mind, your aren't going to get a very fast VPS using the Lite kit.
Section 3: How to I get onto the VPS?
Once you have purchased you VPS, should receive and e-mail with the IP, username, and password, of your VPS. Once you have that info, open up the Remote Desktop Connection program, I believe it comes by default with any Windows operating system. It should be located in C:\Windows\System32. Once you have that open, type in the IP address that came with the e-mail that was sent to you, then hit Connect. After that it should ask you for a username and password, again, enter the info that came with the e-mail sent to you and hit Ok. It should open up a new window, that looks like a computer. Congratulations, you are now on your VPS.
Section 4: How to I get my server up and running on the VPS?
To get your server up and running on your VPS, you first need to download Java and JDK. So, log into your VPS and download them both. Download Java Here and Download JDK Here.
Next, you need to get your server onto the VPS. I do this by simply minimizing the VPS screen, right clicking the server files on my main computer, clicking copy, then going back onto the VPS, right click on your desktop, and click paste. Walla! You now have your server on your VPS. All you have to do is double click run and your server will be up and running.
*Please Note: If you want a No-Ip, create an account on No-Ip.Com, and create a host name/redirect. (Not going to go in-depth).
*Please Note: You do not need to port forward on a VPS
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If you have any questions/ comments, feel free to post.
Subject: How to Buy and Set Up a Vps For your Server 
Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:19 am
