A Virtual Private Server (VPS) and a virtual server are similar concepts, but they can refer to slightly different things depending on the context.
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a type of hosting service that allows a user to rent a virtualized server from a hosting provider. The server is divided into multiple virtualized environments, each with its own resources and operating system. Each VPS functions like a standalone server, but shares the same physical hardware with other VPSs.
A virtual server, on the other hand, is a software implementation of a physical server. It allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, each with its own resources and operating system. Virtual servers are created and managed using a hypervisor, which is a software that allows multiple virtual machines to share the same hardware resources.
In summary, a VPS refers to a specific type of hosting service, while a virtual server refers to the concept of a software-based server that shares the same physical resources with other virtual servers. Both VPS and virtual servers allow users to run multiple isolated environments on the same hardware, but the terms can be used differently depending on the context.