A Windows Virtual Machine (VM) or Windows Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a program that emulates a computer system and offers the same functionality as a physical Windows server. VM performs and executes tasks exactly like an isolated standalone server, it can be rebooted independently and have its own administrator access, users, IP address, Memory process, etc. The cool thing about Windows VPS is you can use it for whatever you like exactly like your computer at home. Let’s explore some of the great uses of Windows VM/VPS:
- Website Hosting: Windows server can be configured as a web server and it enables you to utilize a full range of Microsoft products such as MS SQL, .net, .ASP and many more to run your websites more efficiently. Depending on your level of expertise you can either use IIS to lunch your website or install a Plesk control panel to assist you with launching and managing your website.
- Mail Server: It is the most common use of a Windows server. Historically business prefers to host their mail servers on a Windows Server, Windows server provides greater security and better control over the environment. There are various mail server applications in the market like MailEnable or you can utilize the latest Plesk panel (Plesk Obsidian).
- Virtual Desktop: Like your desktop environment you can install your applications and configure the server, for instance, you can install accounting software or CRM and access them from anywhere in the world. You no longer have to be in the office to generate an invoice or run a report. You have the option to establish a concurrent connection to the server and the option to create different accounts with different access levels so your team members or end users can access the server and start using the software. Or you can simply use the virtual desktop to browse the internet, play games, FOREX trading.
- Bypass Geo-Restriction: I am sure you have already come across the geo-restriction when trying to access online content or post your product and services in different countries’ e-commerce platform like kijjiji.ca or Amazon.ca or if you are traveling and would like to access your banking information or some the government online services. You can easily bypass these limitations by launching a Windows VM in your desired location and getting a local IP.
- Sandbox: You can use the sandbox server to test run old applications, play around with the server security configurations or execute malwares. Windows VPS server is the best and chipset testing environment; you can try the untested code or application on the isolated environment or you can install the latest Windows Version and test the software for compatibilities, identify bugs or test application patches. You can reformat, reinstall and recreate the server by push of a button.
- Service Monitoring: If you are hosting your data/infrastructure in-house you need a monitoring solution outside for your network to make sure your services are running and accessible from the outside world. Cloud Windows VM is a cost-effective way to monitor your infrastructure and send you email notifications.
