Overview
Self-managed VPS is a DreamHost virtual private server that gives you full root access to a Linux environment. DreamHost maintains the underlying hardware and network infrastructure, while you manage the server environment, including its configuration, maintenance, and security. You choose a base operating system or an optional pre-installed app image when you provision the server.
This article explains what Self-managed VPS provides, how it differs from Managed VPS, and how to choose a base operating system or a pre-installed app image during provisioning.
What do I manage?
Self-managed VPS gives you direct control of the Linux environment for running custom applications and workloads. You are responsible for configuring, maintaining, and securing your server environment, while DreamHost maintains the hardware and network underneath. This product is best suited to running custom applications and workloads where you want direct control of the Linux environment.
How does a Self-managed VPS compare to a Managed VPS?
Self-managed VPS is a different product from Managed VPS. Managed VPS is the better fit when your primary goal is improving website performance rather than running custom applications, because it includes server management, automated backups, and application-level support. With Self-managed VPS, you manage all of those yourself.
What should I know before I start?
- Server management — You configure, maintain, and secure the server. Self-managed VPS does not include server management, automated backups, or application-level support.
- Refunds — Self-managed VPS does not include a 30-day money-back guarantee. See Refunds and Account Credits for details.
- Image selection — Your base OS or app image selection is set during provisioning. This selection cannot be changed after the server launches without reprovisioning.
What is in the App library?
During provisioning, you can set up your server with either a base operating system or one of our pre-installed application images spanning categories like automation, AI, databases, development tools, and productivity suites. For the current list of available apps and base OS options:
- DreamHost panel — View the App library in your panel
- DreamHost website — Browse VPS apps