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You have probably experienced this before: you use tools like htop, free -h, or take a look at /proc/meminfo on your Linux server and find that the RAM usage differs. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many developers encounter this question. We want to help you understand these differences and shed light on the Linux memory management.

It can also happen in the web interface that you see something different from what is shown in htop.

Understanding Linux Memory Management

Linux manages the Random Access Memory (RAM) in a complex way to ensure efficient resource utilization. The memory is not only used by active applications but also for caching data to improve system performance. This often leads to confusion when reading the actual memory usage.

Why htop shows something different from free -h and /proc/meminfo

• htop: This interactive tool shows the processes and their memory usage in real-time. htop classifies memory into different categories (e.g., used, free, buffered, cached), which can result in higher utilization values since it also includes memory reserved for caching and buffering.
• free -h: The free command provides an overview of the total memory and the used, free, and memory used by buffers and cache. The -h option ensures a easily readable output. The discrepancy with htop can be due to the different interpretation of “free” and “available”.
• /proc/meminfo: This virtual file contains detailed information about the memory status of the system. It is the most comprehensive source of memory data, providing numerous entries for different memory types and reservations. However, interpreting this data requires in-depth technical understanding.

The differences in displaying RAM usage between different tools result from their different approaches to classifying and measuring memory. Deep understanding of Linux memory management helps in correctly interpreting and utilizing this information. Our developments aim to provide you with precise and useful tools to optimize the management of your virtual servers.

Although OpenVZ is up-to-date in terms of security, its limited features, lack of kernel modules, and numerous restrictions no longer meet our quality standards. In order to provide our customers with the best performance, optimal quality, and security, we have decided to discontinue this product line with immediate effect.

What does this mean for existing customers?

Virtual servers with OpenVZ will no longer be sold.
Servers from active contracts will continue to run.

What does this mean for you?

For now, nothing changes for you. Your virtual server will continue to run uninterrupted, and you do not need to take any immediate action. However, the sale of new OpenVZ servers will be discontinued, which will ultimately lead to a reduction in the use of this platform. We commit to informing you in a timely manner before any service discontinuation occurs and an extension of your services is no longer possible. This transition phase is set for several months to give you enough time for a smooth migration.

Your options for a seamless transition

We want to make the transition as easy and beneficial as possible for you. Therefore, we offer you special migration offers:

• vServer replacement: The new root server “Smart Value”: Take advantage of the previous shop discount plus an additional migration discount of 5%.
• IP address transfer: Your existing IP address can be transferred for a one-time service fee of €5.00.
• Migration timeframe: A migration period of 7 days is granted.

We thank you for your understanding and flexibility during this transition phase. If you have any further questions or would like to take advantage of one of our migration offers, our customer service is available to assist you at any time.

Terms

• What is Configurable Root Server 3.0?
  Configurable Root Servers of the 3rd generation are our most comprehensive offerings. In addition to numerous features in the cloud manager, we also offer high transfer rates, free backups, and various other options. Furthermore, a refund of the remaining balance is possible on a per-second basis if a project is terminated prematurely.
• What is a root server “Smart Value”?
  Root servers from the “Smart Value” series are predefined root server packages offered by us with fewer options, transfer rates (network speed), and traffic as a cost-effective alternative to the “Configurable Root Server 3.0”. A Smart Value root server can even be ordered without an IPv4 address and operated exclusively on IPv6. It should also be noted that a Smart Value root server cannot be returned on a per-second basis like the “Configurable Root Server 3.0” servers.

Questions and Answers

Can I still buy a vServer with OpenVZ virtualization?
No, we no longer offer the sale of OpenVZ servers.

Can I easily convert my OpenVZ server to KVM?
No, unfortunately, that is not possible. The virtual hard drives are not compatible with each other. Therefore, you will have to set up your server again. We give you up to 7 days for this, even if the OpenVZ server would expire in the meantime.

Where can I now get affordable virtual servers?
We are currently working on the pricing structure for our new KVM product lines. We want to enable an affordable entry while still reflecting advantages, quality, and features in a fair price.

How long can I still use my virtual server (OpenVZ)?
The transition period depends on the natural decline in servers (expiration) on the still active OpenVZ host systems. If a certain threshold is reached, we will examine further possibilities.

Yes, it is possible to install Windows Server in a different language. However, by default, our automatic installer only provides Windows Server in German. This default setting is intended to appeal to a wide user base and simplify the installation process for most of our customers.

Installing a different language

What do I need to do to install Windows Server in a different language?

If you want to use Windows Server in a language other than German, you need to perform a manual installation. This means starting the Windows Server installation with a specific ISO file in the desired language. You can find more information on how to use ISO files here.

The manual installation of Windows Server in a different language requires a basic understanding of server management and configuration. Make sure to carefully follow all necessary steps to ensure a correct installation and setup of your server.

Is there support for manual installation?

We provide guides and support for the process of uploading and installing using an ISO file. For specific questions regarding the installation or configuration of Windows Server in a different language, we recommend consulting the official Microsoft resources or our community forums, where you can find help and advice from other experienced users.

Basically, it is okay to run your own VPN server on your vServer. However, there are some restrictions.

Restrictions on virtual servers

In order to continue offering traffic based on the Fair Use principle, we restrict some use cases on our vServers.

VPN can be used under the following conditions:

• Only for private purposes
• The VPN access is only used by yourself and is not publicly operated
• On virtual servers under 10€, traffic should remain below 1TB/month
• On all other virtual servers, the total traffic must not exceed 2.5TB/month

To bypass these restrictions, additional traffic can be booked.

If you rent a virtual server from Prepaid-Hoster, you have access to various DDoS protection profiles to protect your applications.

If you are experiencing server accessibility issues due to an attack, you can activate permanent protection. Otherwise, your server is in automatic detection mode 24/7. If you believe your server is not being attacked but still not functioning, check here.

We monitor your server traffic around the clock for unwanted disturbances! DDoS protection is included with all virtual servers from Prepaid-Hoster.

Which DDoS protection provider does Prepaid-Hoster use?

We use DDoS protection from SYNLINQ. Arbor Sightline ensures the availability of your server 24/7.

Which profiles are available?

You can view the status of your chosen AntiDDoS profile in the Cloud Manager. This value is an important part of your server, so we display it directly in the Cloud Manager.

• Automatic protection
• General permanent protection
• Minecraft DDoS protection
• TeamSpeak protection
• GTA 5 (Five-M)
• ALT:V
• RAGE:MP
• GTA:SA
• ARK:SE
• Steam games (General)

Notifications for attacks

You will receive an email from us if your server is under attack. You can also find information directly in the web interface.

Are there any disadvantages to DDoS protection?

No, there are no disadvantages. The ping may increase by 1-2 ms when protection is enabled. Other programs on the server may potentially cause false positives.

Can I use multiple profiles at once?

No. You can only choose one profile. If you have a service that requires specific protection, it should be on a separate vServer anyway.