subject: What Is Full Root Access? And Why Does Your Vps Need It? [print this page] When you first start looking at different VPS web hosts, youll see features like full root access; or disclaimers in small print that say, we cannot provide full root access. But what does this mean? What is full root access and what does it have to do with your VPS?
Root access refers to having access to the actual server of your VPS. While you probably wont have or need physical access to it, if you have full root access your web host will give you an online login and password that will take you to the inner workings of your server. Once there youll be able to have full control of your server and do whatever you want to it. Add more websites, install third party software or applications, or anything else you want its all possible when you have full root access.
Without full root access, you wont be able to make any changes to your server and if you want anything done to it, youll need to go through the web host first. This can become a hassle, especially if there are lots of customizations and changes that you want to make. If this is the case, the web host is most likely extremely picky about what they allow on their servers and what they dont; and you could find your requests getting denied often. And the amount of time it takes just to find out you cant install the things you need can be painfully long.
This, simply speaking, isnt right.
When you pay for the use of a VPS, you are paying for one of the most flexible types of servers and hosting plans available today. As such, you should be able to make it the best you can for your website, and make any changes that you need to. In order to do this, youll need full root access.
Full root access has become a big deal for many customers. And many web hosts have recognized this fact and therefore, make it one of their key selling features when offering VPS packages to their clients. However, still not all web hosts are comfortable having just anybody adding just anything to their servers; and so they still dont offer this important feature. And while some will be very forthright about not offering root access, some will place it in very tiny print in the very farthest corner of their website. Worse, some wont even bring it up at all.
Because of this, its imperative that you ask any web host youre considering using right away if they offer full root access. If they dont, theres no need to continue further with them and you need to find a host that will let you into their servers. Many consumers wont even consider using a host that doesnt offer full root access on their VPS, and you need to become one of them. Its that important.
