Setting up a Virtual Private Server (VPS) can be a daunting task for beginners. However, with the right guidance and knowledge, it can be a straightforward process. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to set up a VPS for beginners.
Firstly, let’s understand what exactly is a VPS. A VPS is essentially a virtual machine that is hosted on a physical server but operates independently from other virtual machines on the same server. It provides users with more control and customization options compared to shared hosting.
The first step in setting up a VPS is choosing the right hosting provider. There are many reputable hosting providers available such as DigitalOcean, Linode, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Research each provider’s offerings and pricing to determine which one best suits your needs.
Once you have selected your hosting provider, the next step is choosing an operating system for your VPS. The most popular choices are Linux-based systems such as Ubuntu, CentOS, or Debian. Each operating system has its own advantages and disadvantages so choose one that aligns with your technical expertise and requirements.
After selecting an operating system, you will need to create an account with your chosen hosting provider and purchase a VPS plan that meets your needs in terms of storage space, RAM, CPU cores, and bandwidth.
Once you have purchased your VPS plan, you will receive login credentials via email or through the hosting provider’s dashboard. Use these credentials How to setup vps through SSH (Secure Shell) using software like PuTTY or Terminal on Mac/Linux.
Next, it is essential to secure your VPS by changing the default password provided by the hosting provider and creating new user accounts with sudo privileges for added security measures.
After securing your VPS, you can start installing necessary software packages such as Apache/Nginx for web servers, MySQL/PostgreSQL for databases, PHP/Python/Ruby for programming languages depending on your website/application requirements.
Lastly, configure firewall settings to restrict access to specific ports on your VPS ensuring only authorized traffic can enter or leave the server.