Unmanaged: Full Control, Full Responsibility
You got dedicated server. Root password arrived. Now what?
Unmanaged = You root, you admin. OS install, security, backup, monitoring → all yours.
Pros: Full control (kernel compile, custom module), low cost (+€0-30/month), learning opportunity.
Cons: Linux/Windows admin knowledge required, 24/7 monitoring needed, errors your responsibility.
Managed = Support team manages. OS update, security patch, monitoring, backup → all included.
Pros: No technical knowledge needed, 24/7 support, security guarantee, SLA.
Cons: Cost (+€100-300/month), limited control (root access restricted), standard config.
| Feature | Unmanaged | Managed |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | €120/month | €250/month |
| Root access | ✅ Full | ⚠️ Restricted |
| OS update | ❌ Your job | ✅ Auto |
| Security | ❌ Your job | ✅ 24/7 monitoring |
| Backup | ❌ Setup yourself | ✅ Daily auto |
| Support | ❌ Community | ✅ 24/7 ticket |
Which Suits You? Unmanaged: Linux admin experience, full control wanted, budget limited, want to learn. Managed: No technical team, focus on business, uptime critical (99.9% SLA), compliance required (ISO 27001).
Hybrid: Semi-Managed: Some providers offer semi-managed: OS update ✅, custom app install ❌ (you do). Cost: €180/month.
Conclusion: Startup + dev skills → Unmanaged. Corporate + no IT → Managed. Cloud + SSL + email + domain EuroVDC single panel.