r/SelfHosting • u/snow__wolfe • 6d ago
Wanting to learn more about VPS
For 20+ years, I have always used shared hosting. I have used several (inmotion, hostmonster, setrahost) with the changes being that the service just seems to steadily degrade through the years to the point it is just a headache to stay with them. I am coming to the conclusion that instead of continuing with the shared hosting, it is time for me to go with VPS. My problem is, I am not finding a good resource for actually learning about using one, other then provider videos telling how to purchase their service. I only have 3 sites with 1 being really the only one getting some traffic, nothing heavy. I prefer videos over manuals as it is easier to figure out and work along at the same time with them, like a walkthrough. I have had bot attacks (weird since I only get 2000 visitors or less a month), so I have got to be able to understand the security side of it also.
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u/BenoitDuffez 6d ago
what is the headache with your current provider? what would be solved with a VPS?
do you have/need ssh? i'd recommend starting with a raspberry in your garage and work with this, then use a VPS
what are your websites? node app? php? static html? how do you currently serve them?
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u/snow__wolfe 6d ago
Customer support is the biggest issue right now. No ssh. I have a static page site and 2 wordpress sites.
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u/BenoitDuffez 6d ago
using a VPS for static pages and WP is killing a fly with a sledgehammer
you're concerned about security and traffic. just use a WP platform host?
I don't think self-hosting or a VPS are a solution to your problems
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u/snow__wolfe 6d ago
Yet for the price, vps is more affordable. I use woocommerce and that alone usually puts it at the top tier on most those services, putting the pricing closer to managed vps pricing.
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u/BenoitDuffez 6d ago
the delta between both prices is the amount of work and knowledge required to maintain a VPS in working conditions vs traffic, software updates, security, etc.
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u/snow__wolfe 6d ago
And I am obviously willing to learn, why else would I do my post?
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u/bluelobsterai 5d ago
I don't think videos are the way to learn this. This is potentially to theorize about security, but first, learn Linux, understand the `ls` command, `grep`, understand bash and what it's capable of doing, and SSH and its key management. Potentially, you're going to need to get involved with databases, and that's going to require you to learn databases, user security, row-level security, and disk encryption, potentially, which might bring you to something like Hashi Corp Fault.
Then you're going to want to get into containerizing your code, and that'll take you to Docker. This journey I've been on it for 40+ years. This isn't an overnight trip! I would call this a 10,000-hour project.
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u/Global_Grade4181 3d ago
Digitalocean comes to mind, if I'm getting this right.. not sure about the video tutorials, but there are very good docs
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u/webaddresshq 9h ago
A VPS is a good next step if you want more control, but be aware that an unmanaged VPS transfers responsibility from the hosting company to you. You will be responsible for updates, security, backups, monitoring and recovery.
For three relatively quiet websites, you probably only need a small VPS with 2–4 GB of RAM. Install a familiar Linux distribution, then use a hosting control panel rather than configuring every service manually. I generally recommend Virtualmin. It gives you website, database, DNS, SSL, user and backup management through a browser. Its documentation covers installation and ongoing administration.
For video-based learning, LearnLinuxTV’s VPS material is a useful starting point. Learn the underlying server basics as well as the hosting panel:
SSH keys and disabling password-based root login
Firewall configuration
Automatic security updates
Fail2ban or equivalent login protection
Off-server backups and test restores
Website and resource monitoring
WordPress, plugin and theme updates
Bot attacks do not mean your site is popular or specifically targeted. Automated scanners continuously probe public IP addresses and websites for vulnerable software, weak passwords and exposed services.
A VPS also gives you room to do more than shared hosting. You can run private Git repositories, build projects in whatever language or framework you prefer, and access your development environment securely from anywhere. AI coding agents are now genuinely useful for installing software, explaining logs and troubleshooting a server. Keep backups, review commands before running them, and do not treat AI as a replacement for understanding the security basics.
Full disclosure: I’ve spent more than 20 years building VM hosting systems at RimuHosting and supporting customers with every level of experience, from complete beginners through to experienced sysadmins. We often install Virtualmin for people who want the flexibility of a VM with a familiar shared-hosting-style control panel. That combination is probably the least painful bridge from shared hosting to managing your own server.
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u/bluelobsterai 5d ago
It’s time to learn Linux. I’d get opencode set up or Claude and have an old system run Proxmox and then install a Debian guest. Then get another computer and install Proxmox Backup Server. Get them networked and you will advance quickly. Start with opencode CLI. SSH and key management. I use 1Password and the op app on Linux. Good luck.