Hi, folks!

I'm not sure if i should have posted it in "networking" area, but I guess this issue has to do more with Linux than with networking as it is. Sorry if I'm wrong.

I'm currently looking for a hosting provider for my small web project. It is MySQL/PHP based but uses some modules (jpgraph and pdflib) which are not normally installed on virtual hostings. That's the reason I'm looking forward to VPS or dedicated.

Now I don't really know much about VPS technology, since i've been using dedicated servers for my heavy projects. But this one doesn't really need a lot of disk space and CPU/RAM.

Still I don't know if it is possible to install custom OS on VPS (preferably Ubuntu and I need devel packages installed) or can I install/compile custom software on VPS or is there a 'true' root access to VPS or can i play around with web services on VPS (like binding services to certain ports)?

Can anyone kindly clear things up for me about VPS?

Also I'd be very grateful if you recommend me a hosting company for a budget up to 200$/mo. I found offers from

ic-myhost.com (http://www.ic-myhost.com/en/dedicated-server/)

intercybernet.com (http://www.intercybernet.com/dedicated.php)

dedicatedthailand.com (http://www.dedicatedthailand.com/dedicatedserversthailand.html)

also vpsSiam.com has a very interesting offer

http://vpssiam.com/eng/

Thanks in advance!

A VPS will indeed give you root access (to your private virtualisation) and the ability to install whatever software you require.

If the hosts are unable to install the OS of your choice I would recommend staying away from them anyway.

As for hosts in Thailand, I have always found them overpriced, sketchy reviews and not one company has convinced me to part cash.

There may be some good ones out there but TIT and most things are Thai style.

Unless 100% of your visitors are coming from Thailand I would recommend looking overseas.

Better prices, better quality and better support in a language you understand.

If its a russian project then get a server there to give speed to your end users.

Futurehosting.biz is an excellent VPS provider. They have a number of data centers in the US and UK. Their technical support is brilliant - usually reply within 15 minutes.

Futurehosting.biz is an excellent VPS provider. They have a number of data centers in the US and UK. Their technical support is brilliant - usually reply within 15 minutes.

Amazon has free VPS hosting for one year using their micro service!

http://aws.amazon.com/free/