How to Configure a VPS in a Linux-Based Environment?

A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a dedicated virtualized subsection of a physical server provided exclusively to clients. These clients have full access in their VPS space, and are able to perform multiple activities relating to it such as - customizing settings, installing software, etc.

Here is a brief skeletal outline of the basic structure of a generic VPS:

1. Physical server/host server - Houses the several VPS spaces. It shares its hardware resources, such as memory, RAM, etc.

2. VPS space – Created as a subsection of the main physical server, access is provided exclusively to the clients as a service. Full control of the VPS is provided to the clients.

Linux-based VPS operating system

VPS spaces in a physical server are individually managed by clients. They each have their own operating system, software, etc.

Linux is one of the most preferred choices of operating system for a VPS. It presents a host of different features that are considered to be highly useful for a VPS client. Here are some of the main advantages of opting for a Linux-based VPS operating system -

• Security– Linux is widely considered to be the most secure operating system. Complete with features such as –

1. Process isolation

2. Port locking

3. Removal of unnecessary and insecure parts of the Kernel

• Cost effective – The Linux OS is 100% open source and free. This means that anybody can use it, modify it, and distribute it freely.

• Highly stable and secure – Linux based VPS hosting is known to not suffer from any crashing issue. Additionally, it also averts various network related security threats.

Configuring a VPS in a Linux-based environment

After the Linux Operating System (OS) is installed, it has to be configured for the VPS. Here is a step-by-step procedural approach to do so –

• Upon installation you will be prompted to login to the VPS using the server IP address as a root user via CLI input. The command should go something like this -

ssh root@X.X.X.X

(in place of X.X.X.X type the server IP )

• Change the default login password by inputting the following commands in the CLI. The output should go something like this –

[root@testing ~]# passwd

Changing password for user root

New password:

Retype new password:

passwd: all authentication tokens updated successfully

• Install/update the necessary application software for the VPS

1. Web server – Apache

2. Code Interpreters - PHP Perl/CGI

3. Database Server – MySQL

These are 3 of the fundament preliminary configuration procedural steps that should be followed when using a Linux-based OS for your VPS. Further operations related to the VPS functionalities should be carried out after these.