A Beginner's Guide to Setting Up a VPS Hosting Environment

Once
a website is created, it needs to be hosted on a server to make it live. But
before hosting it online, you need to set up the server. There are countless
hosting options available online, such as shared, dedicated, cloud, managed,
and VPS. The topic will cover the Virtual Private Server (VPS) in detail today.
A
VPS hosting solution checks all the marks for the majority of people. It gives
the benefits of a dedicated server while being at a fraction of the cost.
Moreover, it gives you full control of resources and their allocation, unlike a
shared server. This means you can highly customize it and boost your website
performance very easily.
Let
this article guide you on how to set up a VPS hosting environment for your
website.
Top
6 Tips for Setting Up a VPS Hosting Environment
Once
you have gained access to a VPS server, you will need to do a number of things.
You will need to create a virtual environment that is tailored to your specific
needs. Moreover, you will need to place authorizations for access and ramp up
its security. The more control and resources you have, the more efficient and
responsive your website will run on the server.
That
said, let’s read further to learn some top tips for setting up a hosting
environment for your website.
1. Selecting
a VPS Hosting provider
One
of the most important factors before setting up a server is selecting a VPS
hosting provider. Choosing and purchasing the right VPS hosting plan involves
several steps. You need to list your needs and budgets, which can help you choose
a suitable hosting service.
Whether
you are a startup or a large business company, always opt for a scalable plan.
Such a plan will allow you to upgrade or downgrade your VPS server as per
business requirements. Moreover, consider things like storage, RAM, CPU, and
bandwidth of the VPS server. You also take into account things like backup,
support, and user reviews. You can contact VPS hosting companies to rent a
server that aligns with your needs and budget.
2. Setting
up Login and Credentials
Once
you’ve acquired the right VPS hosting plan, you should move forward to setting
up authorization protocols. Once you have the root admin user rights and
password, log in to the VPS server for further action. If your server login
isn’t secured and password protected, anyone can log into it and create
disruptions.
You
can create more accounts for secondary users and assign them limited rights.
When you are logged in, you can also implement SSH or Secure Shell protocol for
your server. The SSH keys for authentication add an extra layer of protection
against unauthorized access.
3. Updating
VPS OS and applications
Most
VPS servers come with the LINUX OS installed. LINUX is a highly customizable,
open-source operating system. However, not everyone wants to host their OS on
LINUX. Most users don’t know how to operate this OS, or their websites and
applications aren’t compatible with it.
Many
shared and managed hosting plans don’t have this functionality. However, the
VPS host environment can be customized as per your needs. You can install
LINUX, UNIX, Mac OS, UBUNTU, or Microsoft Windows. Moreover, you can install
any supporting application and plugins that can boost your website’s
performance.
Read also: Low cost, Cheap Unlimited 50 cent Web Hosting
4. Hosting
your website on server
Once
you’ve customized the hosting environment, it’s time to place your website on
the server. Begin by installing the desired server applications, such as
Apache, Nginx, Tomcat, and Oracle. These servers communicate over networks from
client to server using the TCP/IP protocol.
Moreover,
they can be used for a wide variety of protocols, but the most common is
HTTP/S. Implement a CMS and start placing necessary website files on the
server. Install necessary plugins for added functionality. Last but not least,
create and install your SSL certificate. If you’ve done all the steps correctly,
your website becomes accessible online.
5. Enhancing
server security
Once
your VPS server and website are online, it is time to ensure their security.
Insecure servers can be easily breached, and all files/data on them can be
stolen. Similar is the case for websites. If tight security protocols aren’t
followed, a website can be hacked instantly.
This
is why you should enhance your server and website security. The benefit of a
VPS server is that you can place any security software on it. You can install a
firewall, antivirus, and antimalware software to protect your server from
malicious attacks. Moreover, you can implement 2-factor authorization on your
website so non-authorized personnel can’t access it.
6. Implementing
Monitoring Systems
Once
a website and server go online, they need to be monitored periodically. In the
digital world, no one is safe from hacking and intrusion attempts. This is why
you need to implement a strong monitoring system on your VPS server.
You
can install an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and configure it with your
existing firewall. This will allow you to detect external threats and mitigate
them effectively. Even if you are away from the server, the system will
automatically take necessary actions to safeguard your host machine. You can
consult VPS
hosting Dubai based agencies to rent a server and
implement strong monitoring systems for your website.
Read also: 5 Best Dedicated WordPress Hosting Providers in 2024
Configure
the best VPS server for your needs!
A
VPS hosting solution is the perfect option if you want total control of the
server. At a fraction of the dedicated server’s price, it lets you configure
the server settings and install any application. And with the added benefit of
resources, you can optimize your website for unmatched speed, response, and
performance.
Comments