Author: Ricky Bryce (Montgomery County, Illinois)

Back to the Main Index

Setting up a VPS Server

--For beginners!!

(This document is optimized for VPSLink Service, but can apply to some other services as well)

By Ricky Bryce – Irving, Illinois

Note: There are many ways to register a domain name, and configure a server, and there are many services that allow you to do this. This document will express my personally preferred methods, and can act as guidelines for those of you wishing to configure your own server.

Disclaimer: By continuing to read this document, you agree to hold no one liable who writes, publishes, or modifies this document in any way (even negligence) Although I've taken steps for this document to be accurate, it is YOUR responsibility to verify any information before using this document. This document could be out of date due to improvements and changes made to websites, and to the Linux Operating System. Security is also YOUR responsibility. Do not read this document if you do not agree to these terms. This document is for general guidelines only.

Introduction: This document is written to help you set up a Linux server using VPS Link. This document will show you how to register your domain name if you don't already have one, how to point it to your VPS IP Address, how to install your Operating System on the VPS, and how to configure your server. This document will be written in modules, so you will need to access the main document at LearnAutomation.com for an index of all modules.

What is a virtual private server (VPS)? Many virtual servers can run on a single hardware server, each of them acting as an individual 'server' within the hardware server. This means you are your own administrator, and have access and control of all files on your virtual machine almost completely as if you would have with a standard dedicated machine. The advantages are that a virtual server costs much less than a dedicated server, and are generally more secure than shared hosting on a single server with a single operating system. The disadvantages are that you are sharing some resources, such as the processor time with other users on the system. Typically, an individual starting out would use a very small amount of resources anyway, so a VPS might be a great choice.

What would this cost me? This depends on which server you chose. The services at VPS Link are typically around $15/month for a Link 2 server if paid yearly. You will also have the cost of your domain name, which is usually around $10 a year with services such as godaddy.com. This document is actually written by using a Link 1 server, but Link 2 is recommended.

Managed vs. Unmanaged: On a manged server, software is used to assist you in administration. This software usually requires a licensing fee. This document will show you how to set up an unmanaged server, and you will be doing the administration yourself without purchasing a proprietary software license, or installing software that takes up your drive space.