How can a single server run multiple websites with different operating systems at the same time? The answer lies in virtualization. At its core is the hypervisor—a technology that enables the creation of isolated virtual environments on a single physical server. This not only saves resources but also enhances security and flexibility for hosting providers, developers, and businesses.
This article explains how a hypervisor works, the types that exist, and why it’s critical for VPS hosting. Discover how to choose the right solution for your project and gain practical tips for building a stable server environment.
Picture a server running Linux for a database and Windows for a website simultaneously. This is made possible by a hypervisor—a software or hardware solution that creates virtual machines (VMs). Each VM operates as a standalone computer, isolated from others, with its own operating system and resources.
A hypervisor allocates server resources—CPU, memory, disk space, and network—across multiple VMs, ensuring their independence. For example, you can test new software on one VM without affecting a live website on another.
Hypervisors are divided into two types: Type 1 (Bare Metal) and Type 2 (Hosted). Their differences determine where and how they’re best applied.
Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the server’s hardware, bypassing an operating system. This delivers maximum speed and security.
Why does this matter? Without extra layers, these solutions minimize latency and enhance VM isolation. They’re ideal for:
Examples: Proxmox VE, VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, XenServer.
Type 2 hypervisors are installed on an existing operating system, such as Windows or Linux. They’re simpler to use but less efficient due to OS dependency.
Sounds complex? In reality, it’s as easy as installing a program like VirtualBox and starting to create VMs on a standard PC. These solutions are popular for:
Examples: Oracle VirtualBox, VMware Workstation.
| Feature | Type 1 (Bare Metal) | Type 2 (Hosted) |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | High, no intermediaries | Moderate, OS-dependent |
| Setup | Requires expertise | Simple, beginner-friendly |
| Use Cases | VPS, data centers | Testing, development |
| Security | Maximum isolation | Depends on the OS |
What enables running Windows and Linux on the same server? A hypervisor creates an abstract layer that emulates hardware for each VM. Imagine a physical server as a large cake, with the hypervisor slicing it into portions, giving each VM its share of CPU, memory, and disk.
Suppose there’s a server with 64 GB of memory and 12 CPU cores. A hypervisor can create three VMs: one for a website on Ubuntu, another for a database on CentOS, and a third for testing on Windows. Each gets its own resources—say, 16 GB of memory and 3 cores—and operates independently.
To safeguard data on such servers, setting up backups is crucial. Learn more in the article MySQL Database Backup: Reliable Protection of Your Data.
Setting up Type 1 hypervisors can be daunting for beginners. Technical know-how is needed to allocate resources properly and avoid vulnerabilities. Additionally, Bare Metal solutions demand robust hardware, and misconfigurations can open the door to attacks.
Imagine a business launching a website but wanting to avoid the cost of a dedicated server. VPS hosting, powered by hypervisors, solves this by providing an isolated virtual server with the necessary resources. At Hostiserver, hypervisors ensure stability and performance for web developers, marketers, and site owners.
| Hypervisor | Type | Performance | License | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proxmox VE | Type 1 | High | Free | Moderate |
| VMware ESXi | Type 1 | Very High | Paid | Complex |
| Microsoft Hyper-V | Type 1 | High | Paid | Moderate |
| Oracle VirtualBox | Type 2 | Moderate | Free | Simple |
| VMware Workstation | Type 2 | Moderate | Paid | Simple |
Hypervisors have transformed hosting, making it more efficient and secure. They enable the creation of isolated virtual machines that save resources and meet diverse project needs. Type 1 hypervisors excel in performance, while Type 2 are ideal for simplicity and testing.
Pay attention to the technologies your hosting provider uses—such as Hostiserver, which supports Proxmox VE and KVM—to ensure your server’s stability and performance.