Bots on VPS? Why not host it yourself?

Hi BHW,

Just asked a question in another thread but didn't get an answer, so I turned it into 2:

1. Instead of VPS is there anybody here who has created a virtual server on their computer to run bots? I've done it to work on sites in a sandboxed environment and it works as a hosting environment temporarily (though it can't take much traffic), but I've never tried it with bots. I don't see a reason why it shouldn't, however.

Basically trying to get a cheaper alternative to VPS for small-time operations that don't need the increased hardware, network speeds, or anonymity (public proxies work for most stuff).

2. Also wondering if anyone's set up VMWare of some kind to act as a VPS and how it's working for them. I've only used it to create an anonymous system to poke around the internet, myself.

Thanks,
SH44tre

You can create your own VPSes using VMware but the main advantages of using ones in data enters is they have a very fast up/down speed and pretty much 24/7 uptime.

I have a machine thats full of VMs - each one connected to the internet via a VPN.
When I build a bot I then test it on one of the VMs depending on what type of bot it is (eg all Tumblr ones on one box, Instagram on another etc)

Must admit a couple of sites I bot (or test against) are getting wise to VPSes etc - for example one Tumblr related bot I have will not work from a VPS, due to them doing some reverse dns checking (I think) so working from your home IP is an advantage at times.

I tend to use VirtualBox, its free!!

That will end up costing you a lot more because you won't be able to run a bot 24x7 on your system, if you do then your electricity expenses pops up, you won't be able to get 1000 Mbps Ports on your home connection.

This is the prime reason why people makes a VPS purchase.

Depends on the kit you are running and the way its configured but I catch your drift. My server lets me run it 24/7 for not a lot extra on the bill (well, I haven't seen a big increase in the bill anyway!). At the last check I could run it cheaper than the price of a decent spec (looking at your VPS specs) VPS in the UK (mainly as they charge stupid prices over here!!)

fatboy said:

Depends on the kit you are running and the way its configured but I catch your drift. My server lets me run it 24/7 for not a lot extra on the bill (well, I haven't seen a big increase in the bill anyway!). At the last check I could run it cheaper than the price of a decent spec (looking at your VPS specs) VPS in the UK (mainly as they charge stupid prices over here!!)

Click to expand...

Yes, most provides in UK would charge you VAT which alone makes a huge difference during the final checkout.

ugjunk said:

That will end up costing you a lot more because you won't be able to run a bot 24x7 on your system, if you do then your electricity expenses pops up, you won't be able to get 1000 Mbps Ports on your home connection.

This is the prime reason why people makes a VPS purchase.

Click to expand...

Thanks, I thought that might be the case. I get electricity for free for the next few months so it should still be ok (as long as it doesn't reach grow-op levels of usage)

fatboy said:

I have a machine thats full of VMs - each one connected to the internet via a VPN.

Click to expand...

fatboy said:

When I build a bot I then test it on one of the VMs depending on what type of bot it is (eg all Tumblr ones on one box, Instagram on another etc)

Must admit a couple of sites I bot (or test against) are getting wise to VPSes etc - for example one Tumblr related bot I have will not work from a VPS, due to them doing some reverse dns checking (I think) so working from your home IP is an advantage at times.

I tend to use VirtualBox, its free!!

Click to expand...

Thanks, good to know