Linux VDS: set up your application environment yourself.

Choose distribution based on your app's support

Ubuntu, Debian, and other Linux distributions offer similar work with different package versions and maintenance processes. Select the distribution supported by the panel, database or application tool you will use. Using a version that will receive long-term maintenance makes your update plan easier.

Which installation images are available should be verified at the ordering stage. Before executing an installation command from the Internet, make sure that it is written for your distribution and version.

SSH access and initial setup

Verify the IP address and SSH key fingerprint when connecting to the server. Creating a separate user for daily management and performing the necessary operations by increasing the authority makes access control easier. If you are using key-based login, do not upload your private key to the server or public messaging channels.

Test that you can log in a second time with the new user and key before turning off password login. Enabling a rule without allowing the SSH port on the firewall may interrupt your connection.

Which services can run together on a single server?

Web server, application, database and job queue can run on a Linux VDS. However, each service consumes RAM and CPU. Although the same server is practical in a startup project with low traffic, it may be necessary to manage the database or workers separately in growing projects.

Node.js applications for process management and reverse proxy; Applications of Laravel For PHP, plan queue and scheduler requirements separately. Using containers does not eliminate the need for resources.

Maintenance continues after the server is turned on

Monitor package updates, disk fullness, service health, and failed login attempts. Even if automatic updates are used, reboot requirements must be followed. Do not leave logs to grow indefinitely.

Back up application files, databases, and necessary configurations to an external location. Predetermining recovery access and restore steps saves time during a failure. Linux first installation checklist lists this process.

Ubuntu, Debian and application compatibility

Make the deployment choice based on the tools your team knows, the packages the application supports, and the maintenance plan. Instead of automatically selecting the older version mentioned in a tutorial, check support status and third-party package resources. Architecture differences such as x86 or ARM may affect the compatibility of ready-made application images.

Verify before ordering that the image and architecture you want is offered by the provider. Using Docker also does not eliminate operating system and server maintenance. If there is a custom core or networking need, don't assume the standard package covers it.

Task sharing for Linux services

If you are dividing the work between your team and the provider, make sure it is clear who operates at which layer. The “Server active” notification alone does not prove that the application's workflow is fully functional.

Calculate disk and backup growth from scratch

Add database, user installations, logs, temporary build files and container images, if any, next to the application files. Backup copies accumulating on the same server can quickly consume capacity; Specify individual copy and retention period.

First installation checklist Complete and create a recurring maintenance schedule. Node.js and Laravel pages explain aspects of the implementation processes that need to be planned separately.