How to Set Up a Website on an Ubuntu VPS with Step-by-Step Instructions

Introduction

Setting up a website on an Ubuntu VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to launch your website, including system setup, software installation, domain configuration, and file transfer. Follow these detailed instructions to get started with your web hosting on Ubuntu VPS.

Step 1: Initial Server Setup

Once you have your Ubuntu VPS, you need to begin with the initial server setup. Here’s how to proceed:

Launch an Initial Server Setup: Begin by logging into your server via SSH.

Create a User: Create a new user account for server management. Use the following command:

sudo useradd [username]

Add a Public Key Authentication: This enhances the security of your server and prevents unauthorized access. Generate a public key on your local machine and copy it to the server using the following commands:

ssh-copy-id [username]@[server ip]

Configure SSH Daemon: Edit the SSH configuration file to allow remote login. Use a command like this:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Ensure you set the following lines:

PermitRootLogin no: Disable root login for security reasons.

AllowUsers [username]: Define the username that is allowed to log in remotely.

Restart the SSH Service: Apply the changes by restarting the SSH daemon:

sudo service ssh restart

Test the New Configuration: You can now use your new user account to log in via SSH and verify that everything is working as expected.

Step 2: Install a LAMP Stack

After the initial setup, it’s time to install the LAMP stack, which includes Apache web server, MySQL database, and PHP script processor:

Install Apache: Run the following command to install Apache:

sudo apt-get install apache2

Install MySQL: Install the MySQL database server using this command:

sudo apt-get install mysql-server

Install PHP: Install the PHP processor which is needed to run PHP scripts on your website:

sudo apt-get install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql

Step 3: Set Up Your Domain Name

Before hosting your website, you need to set up a domain name:

Purchase a Domain Name: Look for a domain name registrar to purchase your domain name. For instance, you can use Namecheap.

Configure DNS Settings: Update your DNS settings to point your domain to your VPS's IP address. This ensures that when users type your domain into their browser, they are directed to your server.

Step 4: Move Your Files with SFTP

Once everything is set up, you can begin uploading your website files:

Transfer Website Files: Use an SFTP client to transfer your website files to the server. Popular SFTP clients include FileZilla and Cyberduck.

Verify the Transfer: Ensure all files are correctly placed and accessible. You can do this by navigating to your website's root directory and checking for the presence of your files.

Additional Tips

To further enhance the security and functionality of your server:

Install UFW Firewall: UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) can be used to filter unwanted connections. Install and configure it with the following commands:

sudo apt-get install ufw

sudo ufw default deny incoming

sudo ufw default allow outgoing

sudo ufw enable

Configure DNS Control: If you need to control the listing of your subdomain, you can configure your DNS settings accordingly.

Conclusion

Now that you have completed these steps, you should be ready to enjoy your new website running on an Ubuntu VPS. Remember to keep your system up-to-date and secure. Happy web hosting!