Virtual Private Servers
A Virtual Dedicated Server(VDS), also called a Virtual Private Server(VPS) is when a web server hard drive is partitioned into numerous independent web servers that each runs its own operating system.
When leasing a virtual dedicated server, you have the same super user(administrator) access and control over your server that you do with a dedicated server but with a reduced cost due to the fact that the web hosting company can maximize its return on a single server by leasing to numerous clients.
A virtual private server is the ultimate combination of cost and control for someone who doesn't quite need a dedicated server but demands more than they can get from a shared hosting account. With a virtual dedicated server you are allowed to install software that runs your server OS as applicable, which you cant do with shared hosting, but don't have access to hardware like you do with a dedicated server.
Leasing a virtual private server varies in price based on operating system, ram, disk space and bandwidth.