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Guides · Nov 15, 2025

Server Backup Strategies That Actually Work

Most backup strategies fail when it matters. This guide covers 3-2-1 backups, database backup commands, offsite sync with rclone, retention policies, and how to test restores.

Infrastructure · Nov 1, 2025

Colocation vs. Cloud: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Colocation and cloud solve similar problems with different models. Here's a straight comparison — when owned hardware in a datacenter beats renting cloud infrastructure.

Infrastructure · Oct 15, 2025

How to Choose a Datacenter Location for Your Server

Datacenter location affects latency, compliance, and disaster recovery. Here's how to make the right call — including why central US works well for North American deployments.

Infrastructure · Oct 1, 2025

Running Proxmox on a Dedicated Server: What You Need to Know

Proxmox VE turns a single dedicated server into a multi-VM environment. Here's what to consider for hardware, storage, networking, and when it makes sense vs. buying VPS directly.

Guides · Sep 15, 2025

Linux VPS Initial Setup: The First 20 Minutes

What to do immediately after getting a fresh Linux VPS — users, SSH keys, firewall, fail2ban, and automatic updates. Takes 20 minutes and prevents most security incidents.

Guides · Sep 1, 2025

VPS vs. Shared Hosting: How to Choose

Shared hosting and VPS both run websites but are built for different situations. Here's how to make the right call based on your traffic, requirements, and budget.

Guides · Aug 15, 2025

DDoS Protection for Game Servers: How It Works and What to Look For

Game servers get attacked constantly. Here's how DDoS protection actually works at the network level and what questions to ask a hosting provider before you sign up.

Guides · Aug 1, 2025

How to Set Up a Minecraft Server on Linux with Paper

Setting up a Paper Minecraft server on Linux — download, JVM optimization flags, server.properties configuration, and essential plugins for any server.

Guides · Jul 15, 2025

How to Set Up a FiveM Server on Linux (Full Guide)

Step-by-step guide to setting up a FiveM server on Linux — artifact installation, server.cfg configuration, firewall setup, and troubleshooting common issues.

Infrastructure · Jul 1, 2025

MSP Hosting Checklist: Onboarding a New Client's Website

The checklist MSPs should run through before taking responsibility for a client's web hosting — from audit to migration to ongoing management.

Guides · Jun 15, 2025

WHMCS for MSPs: Automating Your Hosting Business

WHMCS automates provisioning, billing, and client management for hosting resellers. Here's what it does, what it costs, and how to set it up for MSP reseller hosting.

Guides · Jun 1, 2025

SSL Certificates Explained: Types, Setup, and Common Errors

DV, OV, EV, wildcard, Let's Encrypt — SSL certificate types explained without the sales pitch, plus how to fix the most common SSL errors.

Guides · May 15, 2025

Email Hosting Guide: Options, DNS Records, and Deliverability

Your three email hosting options, the DNS records that control deliverability (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and how to fix common problems before they cost you clients.

Guides · May 1, 2025

WordPress Hosting Requirements: What Actually Matters

WordPress runs on almost any host, but performance varies enormously. Here's what server specs, PHP configuration, and caching settings actually matter.

Guides · Apr 15, 2025

cPanel vs. DirectAdmin: Which Control Panel Should You Use?

cPanel and DirectAdmin both manage hosting environments but differ in cost, interface, and what they're built for. Here's a straight comparison for resellers and MSPs.

Guides · Apr 1, 2025

FiveM Server Hosting: What to Look For in a VPS Provider

FiveM server performance depends on CPU single-thread speed, network latency, and DDoS protection. Here's what actually matters when choosing a hosting provider.

Guides · Mar 15, 2025

Dedicated Server vs. VPS: Which Is Right for Your Business?

When does it make sense to move from a VPS to a dedicated server? This guide covers the real performance and cost tradeoffs, not the marketing version.

Infrastructure · Mar 1, 2025

5 Reasons MSPs Should Offer Hosting to Their Clients

Web hosting isn't just a service line — it's a retention strategy. Here's why MSPs that host client infrastructure see lower churn and more predictable revenue.

Infrastructure · Feb 15, 2025

Colocation in St. Louis: What You Get with Valor Node

A practical overview of Valor Node colocation: what's included, who should consider it, and how to decide between colo and cloud infrastructure.

Guides · Feb 1, 2025

Reseller Hosting vs. Running Your Own Stack: An MSP Guide

Should your MSP resell hosting through a provider or build its own hosting stack? The answer depends on your client count, technical comfort, and margins.

News · Jan 1, 2025

Welcome to Valor Node

Valor Node launches as a St. Louis-based infrastructure and hosting provider serving businesses, MSPs, and network operators across North America.