Reasons to Run Your MetaTrader Expert Advisor or NinjaTrader Strategy on a VPS

VPS hosting has become the new rage among MetaTrader brokers. Most companies now offer it free of charge to most clients, assuming that the client meets certain requirements.

VPS stands for virtual private server. What the concept really means is another computer that functions 99.9% percent of the time or more. Most traders go the VPS route in order to cut down on costs. A small handful use dedicated servers. The purpose is the same: to make sure that they machines managing your account stay online and work properly.

The advantage to this cannot be overstated. VPS runs in advanced data centers. The host company maintains IT staff in the center 24-7 in case any of the systems ever go down. The facilities also feature a number of redundant internet connections and power supplies.

What happens when poor weather cuts out your electric power? Are you always there to notice when this happens? Your Expert Advisor may still have positions open without any way to close or manage them. A VPS with 99.9% up time or more dramatically reduces the risk of these types of incidents.

What's it like to use VPS

The most common solutions run using Windows Remote Desktop or browser based connections.

Windows Remote Desktop feels nearly identical to using the computer right in front of you. The only difference for most users is a very slight lag in between mouse movements or key strokes. It's also easy to open up.

If you have Windows 7 or Vista, just type Windows Remote Desktop after clicking the start button. Earlier Windows versions require Clicking Start, then Program Files, Then Accessories.

Fill in the IP address of your VPS and click connect.

You will see a screen that prompts you for your user name and password.

VPS looks exactly the same as using any other Windows computer.

Web based VPS is also very straight forward.

Login like you do to any other site.

Start using MetaTrader.