Unmanaged Linux VPS - How to Get Started ??

[dreamcoder28]

Hey guys,

I finally got my first Linux VPS, since I couldn't afford a managed VPS so I went for an unmanaged vps plan. now I have no idea about how to get started, I've never used/configured any VPS before but I want to learn it, I want to learn from scratch how to configure/install/manage my VPS

I even raised a ticket at the support desk of my host and they told me to check Under My VPS CP there are options to reinstall/change OS. From there I can connect to it and control my VPS from either ssh or the serial console. But where do I see my OS ?

I have a wordpress blog with tweaked twenty eleven theme which I want to host on it..

so guys who is going to start the ball rolling, where should I start ?

Thanks

 

[dreamcoder28]

I forgot to mention: I have SolusVM VPS Control Panel

 

[Zapdos]

First: Make sure CentOS is installed for the OS. I find it's the standard OS to be in used by hosting companies.
Secondly, you should download the same OS version and install it as a VM then play with it on your own. Fucking up a live server could at best cause a few minutes to few hours frustration. At worst, you could render it unusable.

To access the OS you will need an SSH client. Everyone I know uses Putty (google it.) Then log in as root (normally not suggested though) and you will be at command line.
cd [dir] will change directories.
cd / = Going to the absolute root of the server
cd .. = Go 1 directory up
cd . = Stay in current directory
cd ../potatoes = Go one directory up then go into the directory called potatoes
cd /potatoes = Go to the root directory and then go into directory called potatoes

vi [file] = Text editor
vim [file] = Text editor
One of those will be it, it depends on the installation

top = Running processes

rm [file] = Remove file.
rm -r -f [directory] = Recursively remove all files and folders without prompting (remove the -f if you want to approve/disprove files individually)

http://www.google.com = The place where you search for the needed commands


Lastly: Handsonwebhosting has some nice VPS servers that are managed. It's $75 or $85/month and I send in tickets to update mysql/apache/php to the latest and its normally done within the hour. Also comes with security set in place and an optimized LAMP stack.

 

[Junkfood00]

You need to install LAMP. Read the tutorials online. Also do you really need a VPS? You will dump it soon because you don't know how to operate it and you don't seem have the budget for the coming months.

 

[Orbit143]

Which distro you got there? if you want to run you websites on that vps you need to check if you got the proper software installed.

which apache2
which mysql

^these two commands should tell you if apache(webserver) and database is installed, if not, you need to install them. For that you need to tell us the name of your distribution.

 

[dreamcoder28]

@Zapdos

Thanks for the great piece of advice bro (+rep), I've installed debian 6 (64 bit) on my vps already bcs of its lightweight nature.
I logged into my vps by simply using the terminal on my ubuntu 12.04 desktop, I'm familiar with basic linux commands but thanks for the help though (specially the potatoes directory)
one of the member here pointed me to 'tuxlite', it is a script which'll install LAMP on my VPS. haven't tried it though but will be researching some more before I go for it

BTW I was also researching on how to access my vps using some GUI remote desktop and I came to know tht it can be done by installing a desktop along with VNC Service on the vps and then I can connect to my vps using a VNC client on my linux/windows machine, which would give me a feel of remote desktop

So is it worth it, should I go for it, does it require a lot of memory ?

You need to install LAMP. Read the tutorials online. Also do you really need a VPS? You will dump it soon because you don't know how to operate it and you don't seem have the budget for the coming months.

Bro I badly need a VPS and since I want to learn from scratch within a low budget, hence an unmanaged linux vps is the best bet for me, I've got it from chicagovps which is well within my budget and yeah you're right at the moment I don't know much about how to operate it, but a journey of thousand miles starts with a single step
And with a learner like me I believe it's matter of few days to get through the basics

Also, you may want to read this thread I posted a few days ago explaining my vps needs: http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackh...0163-suggest-vps-config-50k-visitors-day.html

Which distro you got there? if you want to run you websites on that vps you need to check if you got the proper software installed.

which apache2
which mysql

^these two commands should tell you if apache(webserver) and database is installed, if not, you need to install them. For that you need to tell us the name of your distribution.

I have got debian 6 (64 bit) installed there however I've got an option to install: Archlinux, CentOS 5, 6,(CentOS is given in various varieties), Debian 6, fedore 15, Gentoo, Slackware, ubuntu 10.04, 10.10, 11.04, 11,10, please note that all these OSes are available in both 32 and 64 bits
also I typed those commands but there was no output, I guess this means there is no apache or mysql installed yet, will install it in a moment may be using tuxlite

 

[Orbit143]

apt-get install apache2 mysql-server php5

that should do it

 

[Zapdos]

You should also install CFS. It's a firewall. Also look into using IP Tables to restrict access to certain ports/protocols. Ideally you will set everything up (as root) then create a new user. After that enable public key authentication. You will not need to remember a password and the only way for someone to login would be to have a key. Brute forcing one is impractical.

Also, keep an eye on updates! There are many exploits found each day and the more you can keep yourself updated the less problems you have.

 

[Blog Rider]

I also recently got my first VPS. What I did first was I followed a "perfect server" tutorial from howtoforge.com, and got everything installed needed to run a webserver, except for ispconfig. I installed Webmin instead which is another free web-based control panel that uses less resources.

Then I followed some security tutorials. I installed ufw, rkhunter, fail2ban, and changed the default ssh port, setup private keys and disable password based login. Then you can use puttygen to create a key for putty. Security is relative, but at least you won't be low hanging fruit.

@Zapdos BTW I was also researching on how to access my vps using some GUI remote desktop and I came to know tht it can be done by installing a desktop along with VNC Service on the vps and then I can connect to my vps using a VNC client on my linux/windows machine, which would give me a feel of remote desktop So is it worth it, should I go for it, does it require a lot of memory ?

It does require more memory, I wouldn't do it if it's a low-end box. But if you have enough RAM you could install a desktop I would suggest a light one like xubuntu.

 

[Kiopa_Matt]

Sounds like you're in over your head. You may want to save your money, and get a managed VPS instead. Will save you alot of hassle.