A virtual private server (VPS) is a server used as a stand-alone function by an Internet reseller. In VPS, the physical server is split into multiple servers, each having its own operating system and software. Each VPS runs a specific operating system and has a separate configuration. A VPS is highly flexible because it can be partitioned to create a much smaller physical server, while maintaining full root access. Virtual private servers are used for web hosting, file hosting, email hosting, and virtualization, among other uses.