Category: Virtual Server (EN)

We now offer pre-configured packages. These packages are cheaper than the configurable option. Find out more here.

What exactly do I save with the Smart Value Root Server?

The advantage is clear: when you choose one of our Smart Value Root Servers, you save immediately and consistently compared to the regular price of a configurable KVM Server. And the best part? You get this saving with a server that is hardware-identical – meaning it has the same number of cores, RAM, and storage space.

Does that mean I get less flexibility?

Not necessarily. The Smart Value Root Server is designed for projects where you have a clear idea of your requirements and they don’t change constantly. For dynamic requirements that need more specific and frequent adjustments, a configurable server might make more sense. However, even with Smart Value servers, you have the flexibility to switch between packages or add additional resources at any time as your project grows.

How can I be sure that a Smart Value Root Server is the right choice?

We recommend using our Server Finder. With just a few clicks, you’ll receive a recommendation that best suits your project – whether it’s a Smart Value or configurable option. This way, you can be sure that you not only save money but also get the exact performance you need.

What features are not available with Smart Value Root Servers?

If you choose a Smart Value Root Server, you should be aware that some options available with configurable servers are not included or are different:

1. Contract Flexibility: Smart Value Servers cannot be canceled on an hourly basis via the web interface. The server will run for as long as you have ordered it in advance with your balance.
2. Customization: There is no granular upgrade or downgrade function. Adjustments in fine increments, as found with configurable servers, are not possible here.
3. Operating System Selection: Windows is not available by default with Smart Value Servers, but you can install it yourself via a custom ISO if necessary.
4. IP Addressing: An IPv4 address is not included by default but can be added as an optional feature.
5. DDoS Profile for IPv6: Setting a specific DDoS profile for IPv6 addresses is not possible with these servers.
6. Data Volume: Compared to configurable servers, the included traffic volume is lower: you will receive 2 TB instead of 10 TB of traffic (KVM 3.0) per month.
7. Network Speed: The maximum network speed is limited to 1 Gbit/s with Smart Value Servers, while configurable servers can reach speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s.

It can happen that there is no internet connection after a fresh installation of Windows on your server. This problem occurs frequently and is usually caused by not having a DNS server configured in the network settings. But don’t worry, we have a simple solution for this.

Problem

You have just installed Windows on your server and find that you have no access to the internet. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you want to continue setting up your server. This problem is usually caused by Windows not configuring a DNS server by default, which is necessary for name resolution and thus accessing websites on the internet.

Solution

Fortunately, we have a special feature in the Cloud Manager that can solve this problem with just a few clicks. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Log in to the Cloud Manager: Use your login credentials to sign in to our web interface.
2. Navigate to the advanced management options: In the main menu of the Cloud Manager, you will find the panel “Advanced Management Options”. Click on it to proceed.
3. Set DNS server: In the advanced management options, you will find a button labeled “Set DNS server (automatically sets the nameservers in the network adapter)”. Click on this button.
4. Wait for automatic configuration: After clicking on the button, the DNS servers will be automatically set in your network adapter. This should not take long.

Once the process is completed, your server should be able to connect to the internet. You can confirm this by trying to open a website in a browser or by executing a ping command in the command line.

If you have to choose between a configurable server and a package server, there are a few differences you should consider. Package servers, often referred to as “Smart Value Root Servers”, offer solid performance and excellent value for money. They are a smart choice if you value a cost-effective solution with reliable basic features and want to keep an eye on your budget. These servers are particularly suitable if you do not need extensive web interface functions and are looking for a reliable platform without long-term commitment.

On the other hand, configurable servers offer maximum flexibility and are ideal for projects that evolve and grow. They allow you to customize and even expand server resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage space. These servers seamlessly adapt to the requirements of your project, whether you prefer Linux or Windows.

Here is a list of points that differ between the two types of servers:

• Price advantage: Smart Value Root Servers offer a price advantage due to less flexibility.
• Flexibility: Configurable servers are maximally flexible in adjusting resources.
• Scalability: With configurable servers, you can scale CPU, RAM, and NVMe as needed.
• Customization of hardware: Hardware components can be freely chosen for configurable servers.
• Operating system: While configurable servers support various operating systems such as Windows Server 2019/2022, package servers only offer Linux systems and an ISO install system.
• Web interface functions: If you don’t place much value on extensive web interface functions, package servers can be a good choice.
• Immediate termination: You can return configurable servers at any time and receive the remaining term as credit. This is not possible with package servers.
• Customer service: Both server variants offer the same 24/7 customer service via ticket.

Ultimately, it depends on what is most important for your project: cost optimization or the ability to tailor your server exactly to your needs.

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 from now on.

What changes for existing customers?

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

What does this mean for you?

For the moment, nothing changes for you. Your virtual server will continue to run without interruption, and you do not need to take any immediate actions. However, the sale of new OpenVZ servers will be discontinued, which will ultimately result in a reduction in the use of this platform. We commit to informing you in a timely manner before any service shutdown occurs and when an extension of your services is no longer possible. This transition phase is scheduled 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:

• Switch to a Smart Value KVM package: Benefit from 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 period: 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 want to take advantage of one of our migration offers, our customer service is available at any time.

Terms

• What is KVM Configurable 3.0?
  KVM Configurable 3.0 will represent our latest product line for configurable KVM root servers.
• What is a Smart Value Server?
  Smart Value KVM root servers are pre-configured packages that provide a more cost-effective alternative to the configurable option. They offer fewer features and flexibility but also allow the use of IPv6 Only.

Questions and Answers

Is it still possible to buy a vServer with OpenVZ virtualization?
No. We no longer offer the sale of OpenVZ servers.

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

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

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

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.

No, virtualisation (Nested Virtualization) is disabled on our KVM servers. OpenVZ does not support this by default.

So there is no AMD-V or Intel-VT available. If you need a virtualised operating system, we recommend a dedicated server.

What do I need virtualisation for?

You can use virtualisation if you want to use additional operating systems on your server that act independently of the guest machine. The most commonly used technologies for this are, for example, Proxmox or Hyper-V.

Can I use Docker?

Docker does not require any virtualisation technology, as it is a containerisation. More information about Docker on vServers.

Alternatives

If you wish to host your own virtual machines, our dedicated servers are available to you. You can run virtualisation there without any restrictions.