VPS Forex
Why should I use a Virtual Private Server (VPS) to trade my Forex account? There are a number of reasons I can think of for using a VPS to trade a Forex account. For example, there are times when you may be unable to restart your computer or take any action which may affect your trading platform and trading performance. There is also automated scheduled maintenance of your computer or new installations which sometimes interfere and may have to be left for off-trading hours. This can be a little annoying at times. You may also be afraid that other people will use your computer (like your wife or kids). You might worry that they might accidentally close the platform or even worse, make a manual trade that will cause you losses. What about a power shortage? What about the system being accidentally restarted?
Is there a viable solution? YES, it is called a Virtual Private Server (VPS).
Also, if you are using an EA to automatically receive your trading signals, like the PipVac, a managed Forex signals delivery system, then you should definitely consider using a Virtual Private Server for your Forex trading platform.
What is a VPS?
A VPS is basically another computer running on a hosted server and allows you to share server costs with other users. You interact with it in the same way you would with a normal Windows®-based desktop on your PC or laptop. The only difference is, you don’t need to keep your computer running at home 24/7, and you don’t need to rely on your Internet or power connection in order for the Virtual Private Server to keep running, that is taken care of by the VPS host.
In addition, Virtual Private Servers run as isolated processes within a Web Server. This means you get root access in complete privacy and the ability for guaranteed bandwidth, CPU, and disk space.
All you need to do to set up a trading platform on a Forex VPS is open a Forex account, log in to your Forex VPS hosting account, download your trading platform, and install your EA (Expert Adviser) like you normally would on your home computer. You can also set up any other trading platform on your VPS. Then, disconnect and go about your normal day, safe in the knowledge that you can turn off your home computer without missing a trade!
How Does a VPS Work?
A Virtual Private Server is simply a process of partitioning a physical server computer into multiple servers so that each partition has the capabilities and appearances of running a dedicated machine. Each Virtual Private Server can run its own operating system (OS), and each VPS server can also be rebooted independently.
The practice of partitioning a single server so that it appears as multiple servers is a common practice in mainframe computers and has seen a come back lately for more common users with the development of VPS virtualization software and technologies for other small sized architectures.
Virtual Private Servers are designed for customer’s looking for more control than shared web hosting, yet are not ready for a dedicated server. These private servers include root access, full-featured control panels, as well as complete web hosting and technical support.
Four Advantages to Using a VPS To Trade the Forex
- You don’t have to leave your computer Forex signals trading 24/7
- You don’t have to rely on your Internet or power connection
- You can run as many platforms and EA’s as you wish with your managed Forex trading
- You can access your trading platform from any computer anywhere in the world
Recommended VPS Providers and Related Costs
There is a large number of companies offering Virtual Private Server services. However, several differences may exist between competing providers and these differences may be important to you depending on your trading platform. Below is a list of recommended Virtual Private Server providers that I have used in the past along with their related monthly fees as of July 1, 2011.
- WebKeepers – $11.95/mo.
- VPSLand – $19.00/mo.
- UCV Host – $12.00/mo. (Recommended)
Note: FXCM offers FREE VPS with a minimum account deposit of $2,000.00!
This is a very competitive market and even though prices won’t come down – the above prices are more than reasonable – services, options, and support are sure to improve as the competition continues to heat up.
If you know of any VPS providers that have worked well for you, or haven’t, would you please comment on them… Thanks in advance!
