Download support software

I use a Windows based computer in my tutorial. It includes a powerful Windows terminal tool known as PowerShell. This tool can also run on linux and mac. It is installed on Windows 11. You can check it out here if you are curious or not using a Windows based operating system: Windows PowerShell

You will need a browser that you can clear history but not affect your normal viewing. I use the Nightly browser from Firefox. It is independent of the Firefox browser you may have on your computer and is easy to use. To clear history, select the three bars at the top right, select History, select Clear recent history... select Last hour and OK. Install Nightly after you download it here: Firefox Nightly

You will need a program to move files back and forth from your computer to your web server. I use FileZilla. Install it after you download it here: FileZilla

You will probably need to modify some HTML, PHP or other file. I use a program called PSPad. The link opens a webpage. Scroll down to PSPad DOWNLOAD Download Now and click it. Install PSPad after you download it here: PSPad

We now have all the tools we need but we are still not ready to go.

I've narrowed down some options for our server. There are literally hundreds of options you can enable. After you finish here, you can certainly go back and learn more. But for our project, here are some things we are going to do:

Only allow ports to be opened as needed - Operate at the root level, not sudo - Use a complex password instead of a server key - Install Apache, MySQL, PHP, phpMyAdmin, cgi, ssl security via certbot, certain server tools, and a website.

If you do not know what this means, you will learn as we go.

Acquire your virtual server space

I have tested this process on Contabo. You may have some other Virtual Private Server(VPS) space you want to use. If so, give it a try. It could work.

READ EVERYTHING BELOW AT LEAST ONCE before you click on the Contabo banner below. I will tell you about your choices and how to set up your service.

Once at the Contabo service webpage, you can read through the info there, but when you are ready, select one of the CLOUD VPS services.

First, select a CLOUD VPS service. I suggest CLOUD VPS 2.

Next, select your Cloud Service.

Next, select your region. A selection closer to your location is usually better.

Next, select your storage type. I would choose the NvMe drive because it is faster. You probably don't need the larger storage at this time.

Next, select the server image. Choose the dropdown and select Ubuntu 22.04.

Next, click Generate new password. Copy it so you can remember it.

Click Next. Fill out all of the personal details, then proceed to payment. There is a small one-time setup fee.

Ready? Click the banner below:

We still have a little more to do.

Next task: Final Preparations

COMMENTS - Initial Preparations