Beginner DevOps - Basic Server Setup in Ubuntu

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up a Virtual Private Server (VPS) on SkySilk, accessing it via SSH, and installing essential software on an Ubuntu server. This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone interested in DevOps and server management.

Step 1: Setting Up a VPS on SkySilk

1. Visit SkySilk Website

   • Go to SkySilk.com.

2. Create an Account

   • Click on the "Sign Up" button.
   • Fill in the required information to create your account.

3. Choose a VPS Plan

   • Once logged in, navigate to the VPS options.
   • Select a plan that fits your needs (note: SkySilk often offers free trials).

4. Configure Your Server

   • Choose Ubuntu as your operating system.
   • Select the server specifications (CPU, RAM, storage) based on your requirements.
   • Complete the setup by clicking on "Create Server".

Step 2: Accessing Your VPS via SSH

1. Find Your Server's IP Address

   • After your server is created, note the assigned public IP address from the SkySilk dashboard.

2. Open Terminal (or Command Prompt)

   • For Mac/Linux users, open the Terminal.
   • For Windows users, you might need to use Command Prompt or PowerShell.

3. Connect to Your VPS

   • Use the following SSH command to connect, replacing your_username and your_ip_address with your actual username and IP address:

     ssh your_username@your_ip_address
     

   • If prompted, type 'yes' to accept the SSH key fingerprint.

4. Enter Password

   • Enter the password you set during the VPS setup.

Step 3: Updating Your Server

1. Update Package Lists

   • Once logged in, run the following command to update your package lists:

     sudo apt update
     

2. Upgrade Installed Packages

   • Upgrade the installed packages to their latest versions:

     sudo apt upgrade -y
     

Step 4: Installing Essential Software

1. Install Common Tools

   • Install Git and other essential packages:

     sudo apt install git curl vim -y
     

2. Configure Firewall (Optional)

   • Install UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) for basic security:

     sudo apt install ufw -y
     

   • Allow SSH connections:

     sudo ufw allow ssh
     

   • Enable the firewall:

     sudo ufw enable
     

Conclusion

You have successfully set up a VPS on SkySilk, accessed it via SSH, updated the server, and installed essential software. These steps are fundamental for managing a server in a DevOps environment. As your next steps, consider exploring more advanced server configurations or deploying applications on your new VPS.