Installing an operating system on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) can be a bit complex if you are not familiar with the process. This guide outlines basic steps for installing your prefered operating system on a VPS. I’ll explain it through steps to install Ubuntu Linux OS, but the process is very similar for other OS too.
1. Find a VPS provider: First, you need to find a right VPS provider that suits your needs in terms of pricing, specifications, reliability, and customer service.
1. Purchase a VPS: After choosing your provider, purchase a VPS that fits your needs. The provider will usually give you a range of options in terms of operating systems, disk space, RAM, data transfer, etc.
1. OS installation: Once you have purchased the VPS, you can choose your preferred operating system. Your provider may have an interface through their platform for doing this.
For instance, if you’re using Ubuntu Linux:
- Go to the dashboard and select your server.
- Click on ‘reinstall’ option depending upon your VPS provider’s way of presenting it. Some VPS host might have a ‘settings’ or ‘manage’ option instead of ‘reinstall’.
- You will be prompted to confirm your choice, as it will permanently erase any data on the VPS.
1. Configuration: After the installation is complete, you will get an IP address, username (mostly ‘root’), and a password. You can log in to your VPS using SSH or any remote desktop connection.
For SSH, if you’re on Windows you can use a program like PuTTY. On Linux or Mac, you can use the terminal. The command will look something like this:
ssh root@your-server-ip
Replace ‘your-server-ip’ with the actual IP address of your server.
1. Once you’re logged in, remember to update your server with the following commands:
```
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
```
Note: It can vary with different OS and also VPS host providers.
Also, some VPS providers might not provide an option for OS re-installation. In such cases, you’d need to follow a more technical process to install it manually. If you’re not familiar with this, it’s recommended to ask for assistance from your VPS host’s support.
This is a generic guide, and steps might vary a little depending upon the VPS provider and the choice of your OS.
