Windows VPS for Business Software & Application Hosting (2026)
Learn which business applications fit a Windows VPS, how desktop/RDS, IIS/.NET, SQL Server, and legacy-app architectures differ, and what to check before production.
Read articleSage 50, 100 & 300 Cloud Hosting on Windows Server (2026)
Host Sage 50, Sage 100, or Sage 300 on Windows Server with RDS access, right-sized CPU and RAM, backups, security, and migration planning for remote accounting teams.
Read articleConfigure SQL Server TempDB: Files, Size & Autogrowth (2026)
Configure SQL Server TempDB with the right data-file count, equal sizing, sensible autogrowth, fast storage, and monitoring. Includes TempDB-full and PAGELATCH troubleshooting.
Read articleActive Directory Group Policy Setup: Create & Configure GPOs (2026)
Set up Active Directory Group Policy step by step: create and link GPOs, use GPMC, test with gpupdate and gpresult, configure scope, filtering, loopback, and backups safely.
Read articleRemote Desktop Slow? Improve RDP Performance on Windows Server (2026)
Fix slow or laggy Remote Desktop on Windows Server by checking network latency and loss, RDP transport, display settings, CPU/RAM pressure, graphics policies, and concurrent sessions.
Read articlewin-acme on IIS: Let's Encrypt SSL Setup & Renewal (2026)
Set up Let's Encrypt SSL on IIS with win-acme, verify DNS and HTTP-01 validation, create the HTTPS binding, and confirm automatic renewal. Includes the 2026 simple-acme successor update.
Read articleSQL Server Standard vs Enterprise: Features, Limits & Cost (2026)
Compare SQL Server Standard and Enterprise in 2026, including SQL Server 2025 CPU and memory limits, Always On, licensing, official pricing, performance differences, and when Enterprise is worth the extra cost.
Read articleSQL Server Backup Strategy: Full, Differential & Log Backups (2026)
Build a practical SQL Server backup strategy with full, differential, and transaction log backups. Covers recovery models, RPO/RTO, retention, off-server copies, automation, and restore testing.
Read articleIIS Application Pool Settings & Tuning for Windows Server (2026)
Configure IIS application pool settings for production on Windows Server, including idle timeout, AlwaysRunning, recycling, memory limits, identity, ASP.NET Core, and troubleshooting.
Read articleActive Directory Backup and Authoritative Restore on Windows Server 2025
Back up and recover Active Directory on Windows Server 2025 with System State, DSRM, non-authoritative recovery, authoritative object restore, Recycle Bin, and tested recovery planning.
Read articleSQL Server Max Server Memory: How to Configure It Safely (2026)
Configure SQL Server max server memory safely on Windows Server. Learn how much RAM to reserve for the OS, check current settings, detect memory pressure, and tune dedicated or shared Windows VMs.
Read articleActive Directory DNS on Windows Server 2025: Setup, Forwarders, and Best Practices
Configure Active Directory DNS on Windows Server 2025 with AD-integrated zones, secure dynamic updates, forwarders, conditional forwarders, SRV validation, reverse lookup, and DNS health checks.
Read articleSQL Server 2025 Licensing Guide: Core vs Server + CAL, SPLA, and BYOL
Understand SQL Server 2025 licensing on a Windows VPS: Per Core vs Server + CAL, four-core VM minimums, Software Assurance, SPLA, BYOL, virtualization, and hosted deployment decisions.
Read articleDetect and Block RDP Brute-Force Attempts on Windows Server 2025
Detect RDP brute-force attempts on Windows Server 2025 with Security Event 4625, identify attacking source IPs, block confirmed sources with Windows Firewall, and validate access safely.
Read articleWindows LAPS on Windows Server 2025: Active Directory Deployment Guide
Deploy Windows LAPS on Windows Server 2025 with Active Directory: extend the schema, delegate OU permissions, configure Group Policy, retrieve passwords, force rotation, and troubleshoot policy processing.
Read articleSQL Server Performance Baseline: Query Store, Wait Stats, and PerfMon
Build a repeatable SQL Server performance baseline with Query Store, wait stats, SQL performance counters, and Windows PerfMon before tuning queries, changing configuration, or resizing a Windows VPS.
Read articleWindows Server CALs Explained: User vs Device and When RDS CALs Are Separate
Understand Windows Server CALs for Server 2025: when CALs are required, User vs Device CALs, version compatibility, RDS CALs as additive licenses, External Connectors, and how hosted SPLA differs.
Read articlePowerShell Remoting on Windows Server 2025: Enable WinRM Securely
Set up PowerShell Remoting on Windows Server 2025 with WinRM, domain authentication, firewall rules, Enter-PSSession, Invoke-Command, TrustedHosts guidance, HTTPS options, and secure troubleshooting.
Read articleWindows Server End of Life Dates: Every Version Compared
Every Windows Server end-of-life date in one table: 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025, plus what mainstream vs extended support really means and when to act.
Read articleWhat Is Remote Desktop Gateway? RD Gateway vs Direct RDP
Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) brokers encrypted RDP access over HTTPS so users can reach internal Windows resources without publishing each server's RDP port to the internet. Compare RD Gateway with direct RDP.
Read article.NET 10 Hosting Bundle for IIS: Host ASP.NET Core on Windows Server
Download and install the .NET 10 Hosting Bundle for IIS on Windows Server, verify ASP.NET Core Module V2, publish ASP.NET Core 10, configure IIS, and deploy on a Raff Windows VM.
Read articleHow to Publish RemoteApp and Set Up the Remote Desktop Web Client on Windows Server 2025
Publish RemoteApp programs on Windows Server 2025 and set up the Remote Desktop web client with RD Web Access, broker certificates, licensing checks, and browser-based access.
Read articleRDS CAL Licensing Guide 2026: Windows Server 2025 User vs Device CALs
Understand RDS CAL licensing for Windows Server 2025: User vs Device CALs, version compatibility, the 120-day grace period, license server requirements, pricing, and when hosted SPLA uses RDS SALs instead.
Read articleWindows Server 2022 vs 2025 vs 2019: Which Version to Choose
Compare Windows Server 2022 vs 2025 vs 2019 across lifecycle, security, compatibility, editions, hardware requirements, upgrade paths, and when to choose each version.
Read articleDeploy Remote Desktop Gateway on Windows Server 2025
Learn how to deploy Remote Desktop Gateway on Windows Server 2025 to secure external RDP access using HTTPS, authorization policies, certificates, and controlled remote desktop connectivity.
Read articleAdd MFA to Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2025
Learn how to add MFA to Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2025 using RD Gateway, RADIUS authentication, Microsoft Entra MFA, and identity-based protection for secure remote access.
Read articleSecure Direct RDP on a Windows VPS: NLA, IP Allowlisting, and Lockout Policy
Learn how to secure direct RDP access on a Windows VPS using Network Level Authentication, firewall restrictions, IP allowlisting, account lockout policies, authentication monitoring, and practical hardening steps.
Read articleRemote Desktop Services Configuration on Windows Server 2025
Configure Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2025 with Session Host, Connection Broker, licensing, collections, user access, and profile planning.
Read articleSnapshot vs Backup on a Windows VPS: Which Protects You?
Snapshots roll the whole disk back in minutes; backups survive losing the server. What each protects on a Windows VPS, what each costs, and when you need both.
Read articleConfigure Windows Firewall on a Windows VPS
Configure Windows Firewall safely on a Windows Server VPS: check profiles, audit inbound rules, restrict RDP, create narrow port rules, enable firewall logging, test connectivity, and avoid remote lockouts.
Read articleWindows Server Patch Management: Production Update Strategy
Patch Windows Server safely in production with a risk-based update strategy, maintenance windows, rollback protection, staged deployment, reboot control, post-patch validation, and Windows Server 2025 Hotpatch guidance.
Read articleWindows Server Hardening Checklist: Secure Your VPS Before Production
Harden a Windows Server VPS before production with practical controls for accounts, RDP, Windows Firewall, Defender, SMB, audit logging, patching, services, backups, and Microsoft security baselines.
Read articleWindows Server Licensing on Raff: SPLA, BYOL, Evaluation, and RDS
Understand Windows Server licensing on Raff: 180-day evaluation, Raff-provided SPLA licensing, customer BYOL under Microsoft outsourcing rights, RDS licensing, core minimums, and Microsoft 365 Apps.
Read articleRemote Desktop Server on a Windows VPS: Setup, Security, and Costs
What a remote desktop server is, how to set one up on a Windows VPS, the access models to choose from, and what hosted remote desktop really costs.
Read articleRDP VPS: Using a Windows VPS for Remote Desktop
What an RDP VPS is, when a Windows VPS with RDP fits a small team, and how to plan sizing, security, licensing, and performance before users connect.
Read articleQuickBooks Desktop Multi-User on a VPS: Setup and Hosting Costs
What QuickBooks hosting costs per user, what a customer-managed Windows VPS costs instead, and the multi-user setup that keeps the deployment supportable.
Read articleMulti-User RDP: 2 Admin Sessions vs RDS Session Host
Compare Windows Server’s two administrative RDP connections with Remote Desktop Services Session Host for multi-user desktops, including licensing, roles, security, workgroup limits, and when SMB teams should use each model.
Read articleWindows Server Sizing by Workload: IIS, SQL Server, File Server, and Background Services
Size a Windows Server by workload instead of user count alone. Compare practical CPU, RAM, storage, and role-splitting guidance for IIS, SQL Server, file servers, and background services.
Read articleManaged vs Unmanaged Windows VPS: Which Should You Choose?
Compare managed and unmanaged Windows VPS hosting, including support responsibilities, security, updates, backups, monitoring, and which model fits different business workloads.
Read articleWindows Server Performance Monitoring: CPU, RAM, Disk, and Network
Monitor Windows Server performance with built-in tools. Learn which CPU, RAM, disk, network, and application metrics to track before resizing or troubleshooting a Windows VPS.
Read articleDeploy Windows Server 2025 on Raff: Image Choice, VM Creation, and First Boot
Deploy a Windows Server 2025 VPS on Raff, choose the right image and licensing path, create the VM, confirm it reaches Running, and verify the first boot before continuing to server setup.
Read articleWindows Server Standard vs Datacenter: Which Edition Should You Choose for a VPS?
Compare Windows Server Standard vs Datacenter for a VPS. Choose by virtualization rights, Datacenter-only features, licensing model, workload, and hosted-server requirements.
Read articleCheap Windows VPS: What the Low Price Really Includes
What cheap Windows VPS offers really include: licence costs, RAM minimums, renewal jumps, and the real monthly price of a business-ready Windows server.
Read articleAzure Virtual Desktop Alternative: Raff Windows VPS/RDP for Small Businesses
Learn when Raff Windows VPS/RDP is a simpler Azure Virtual Desktop alternative for small businesses that need remote users, Windows apps, shared files, backups, and office server migration.
Read articleWindows VPS for Accounting Firms: Remote Access, Apps, Files, and Backups
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for accounting firms that need remote access, QuickBooks, Sage, tax software, client files, backups, security, and cloud Windows Server hosting.
Read articleHow to Migrate Windows Server 2016 to 2025: Side-by-Side AD DS, File Shares, and SQL Guide
Move from Windows Server 2016 before support ends. Plan a side-by-side migration to Windows Server 2025 on Raff for AD, files, SQL, apps, and cutover.
Read articleHow to Set Up SMB over QUIC on Windows Server 2025 with a Let's Encrypt Certificate (No VPN Needed)
Windows Server 2025 brings SMB over QUIC to Standard and Datacenter editions, not just Azure Edition. We walk through the full setup: File Server role, free Let's Encrypt certificate via win-acme, SMB binding, and a Windows 11 client connection. Tested live on a Raff Server in us-east.
Read article25 PowerShell Commands Every Windows VPS Admin Needs
25 copy-paste PowerShell commands for daily Windows VPS admin: services, processes, files, networking, users, disk, remote management, and Windows Updates.
Read articleSQL Server 2025 Security Hardening on a Windows Server VPS (2026 MSP Guide)
Step-by-step SQL Server 2025 hardening on a Windows Server VPS: disable sa, least-privilege app logins, SQL Server Audit, TCP/IP enable, firewall scoping, and Let's Encrypt cert replacement. End-to-end MSP guide tested on Raff.
Read articleInstall SQL Server 2025 on a Windows Server VPS (Standard Developer, 2026 Guide)
End-to-end install guide for SQL Server 2025 Standard Developer on a Windows Server VPS. Covers winget setup, Custom wizard, tempdb, firewall, and post-install CU application.
Read articleWindows Server 2016 End of Life: Dates, Costs, and Options
Windows Server 2016 support ends January 12, 2027. What the deadline means in practice, what Extended Security Updates really cost, and your three exit options.
Read articleWindows Server Core vs Desktop Experience: Which Should You Choose for a VPS?
Compare Windows Server Core and Desktop Experience for a VPS. Choose the right installation option based on workload compatibility, management skills, security, resources, and Remote Desktop requirements.
Read articleWindows Server Initial Setup Checklist: First 30 Minutes After Deploying a VPS
Use this 30-minute Windows Server setup checklist after deploying a VPS to establish updates, administrator access, firewall and Defender checks, storage visibility, and a recovery point before installing workloads.
Read articleWindows VPS for Microsoft Access and Legacy Apps
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for Microsoft Access databases and legacy Windows apps, including RDP, RDS, backups, sizing, and risks.
Read articleWindows VPS Backup Strategy for Small Businesses
Plan a Windows VPS backup strategy for small business workloads with snapshots, backups, restore tests, app-aware recovery, and off-server copies.
Read articleWindows VPS for Property Management Companies: Apps, Files, and Remote Access
Learn when a Windows VPS fits property management companies that need shared business applications, lease and owner records, maintenance workflows, accounting access, backups, and remote teams.
Read articleWindows VPS for Construction Companies: Business Apps
Windows VPS for construction companies: centralize estimating, accounting, project files, and remote access while planning backups and workload limits.
Read articleWindows VPS for Manufacturing Businesses: ERP and Files
Learn when a Windows VPS fits manufacturing businesses that need ERP, inventory, shared files, remote access, backups, and a hybrid plant-cloud design.
Read articleWindows VPS for Logistics & Distribution: Inventory, Warehouse Access, and Apps
Learn when a Windows VPS fits logistics and distribution companies that need inventory systems, warehouse access, remote teams, shared files, and backup planning.
Read articleHow to Keep Legacy Windows Business Applications Running in the Cloud
A practical decision guide for businesses that still depend on older Windows software. Learn how to assess compatibility, licensing, databases, remote access, migration risk, and whether a cloud Windows server is the right next step.
Read article7 Signs You've Outgrown Your Office Server (And What to Do Next)
See the warning signs that your small business has outgrown its office server and learn when a Windows VPS, local refresh, SaaS, or hybrid setup makes sense.
Read articleWindows VPS for Insurance Agencies: Remote Access, Client Files, Apps, and Backups
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for insurance agencies that need remote access, client files, agency apps, shared folders, backups, security, permissions, and office server migration.
Read articleWindows VPS for Real Estate Offices: Remote Access, Documents, Apps, and Shared Files
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for real estate offices that need remote access, transaction documents, shared folders, office apps, backups, security, permissions, and branch access.
Read articleWindows VPS vs Dedicated Server: Which Is Better for Small Businesses?
Compare Windows VPS and dedicated servers for small businesses. Learn which option fits Remote Desktop, business apps, file servers, backups, migration, pricing, support, and growth.
Read articleWindows VPS for Remote Employees: Secure Access, Apps, Files, and Backups
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for remote employees who need secure access to Windows apps, shared files, Remote Desktop, backups, and a central cloud Windows Server.
Read articleWindows VPS Hosting for Small Businesses
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for small businesses that need Remote Desktop access, Windows apps, shared files, backups, migration, and predictable cloud infrastructure.
Read articleWindows VPS for Law Firms: Remote Access, Case Files, Legal Apps, and Backups
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for law firms that need remote access, case files, legal software, shared folders, backups, security, permissions, and cloud Windows Server hosting.
Read articleLocal Office Server to Cloud Windows VPS Migration
Plan a local office server to cloud Windows VPS migration for small businesses, including apps, files, users, RDP/RDS, backups, testing, cutover, and rollback.
Read articleSQL Server Migration to Windows VPS
Plan a SQL Server migration to Windows VPS, including backup/restore, recovery model, logins, SQL Agent jobs, connection strings, app testing, cutover, and rollback.
Read articleFile Server Migration to Windows VPS
Plan a file server migration to Windows VPS, including shared folders, SMB access, NTFS permissions, mapped drives, backups, testing, cutover, and rollback.
Read articleActive Directory Replication Topology for 2-DC Setups
Design a clean 2-DC Active Directory topology for Windows Server VPS deployments, including single-site defaults, multi-site replication, FSMO placement, and health checks.
Read articleMicrosoft 365 Apps with Shared Computer Activation
Learn how to install Microsoft 365 Apps on a Windows VPS for multiple RDS users using Shared Computer Activation, eligible Microsoft 365 licensing, ODT configuration, and activation troubleshooting.
Read articleAlways On Availability Groups on Two Windows VPSes
Learn how to plan and set up SQL Server Always On availability groups on Windows Server VPS infrastructure, including WSFC, SQL editions, replicas, listener, quorum, seeding, failover tests, backups, and common mistakes.
Read articlePromote a Windows VPS to an Active Directory Domain Controller
Promote a fresh Windows VPS to the first Active Directory domain controller in a new forest, then verify AD DS, DNS, Netlogon, SYSVOL, and basic users.
Read articleMetaTrader VPS Setup for 24/7 EA Trading (Windows)
Learn how to set up MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 on a Windows Server VPS, keep EAs running, avoid RDP sign-out mistakes, secure access, test logs, and choose the right VPS size.
Read articleERP on Windows VPS: Hosting, Sizing, and Migration
Learn when ERP hosting on a Windows VPS makes sense, how to size the server, and what to plan before migrating users, databases, backups, and RDP access.
Read articleAzure VM Alternative: Raff Windows VPS for Cost, Simplicity, and Fit
Compare Azure Windows VMs and Raff Windows VPS for SMB workloads, including cost structure, egress, licensing, support, migration, and practical fit.
Read articleWindows Server Migration Checklist for Small Businesses
Use this Windows Server migration checklist to plan apps, files, users, RDP/RDS, SQL Server, Active Directory, backups, testing, cutover, and rollback. Category: migration
Read articleHow to Connect to a Windows VPS via RDP
Step-by-step guide to connecting to a Windows VPS with Remote Desktop, including Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile clients, password reset, certificate warnings, and RDP troubleshooting.
Read articleWindows VPS for Multi-Location Small Businesses
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for multi-location small businesses, including remote access, shared apps, files, backups, RDS, and security.
Read articleWindows VPS for MSP Client Environments
Learn how MSPs can use Windows VPS environments for client apps, Remote Desktop, backups, security, documentation, and repeatable deployments.
Read articleWindows VPS for ERP and Inventory Software
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for ERP and inventory software, including remote users, database planning, backups, sizing, security, and RDS access.
Read articleWindows VPS as a Cloud File Server: What Small Businesses Should Know
Learn when a Windows VPS can work as a cloud file server for small businesses, including SMB access, Remote Desktop, backups, security, storage, and migration planning.
Read articleWindows VPS for Tax Software: What Small Firms Should Know
Learn when a Windows VPS makes sense for tax software, including remote access, seasonal users, backups, security, sizing, and RDS planning.
Read articleWindows VPS Sizing for Remote Users: 1, 3, 5, 10 Users
Size a Windows VPS for 1, 3, 5, or 10 remote users with practical CPU, RAM, storage, RDS, backup, and performance guidance.
Read articleCloud Windows Server vs Local Office Server: SMB Guide
Compare cloud Windows Server vs local office server setups for SMBs: cost, remote access, backups, security, hardware, and business app hosting.
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