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We have good news for Linux users! Are you a Linux user who wants to use the speed, flexibility, and power of a Linux-based operating system? Here is where Fedora comes for you! Fedora is a community-driven Linux system that is famous for its creativity and reliability. If you want complete control over your computing environment that allows you to tailor it to your specific requirements, you need to install Fedora on VPS server. No different whether you`re a developer, administrator, or simply want to appreciate open-source software, this blog post will help you install Fedora on your VPS and optimize its capabilities.
What is Fedora?
Fedora Linux is a free and open-source Linux operating system created and maintained by the Fedora Project, with major contributions from Red Hat. It is intended to be among the leading competitors of open-source technology, combining the most recent software and advances.
Fedora, unlike Windows, is a Linux distribution or distro, which means it starts with the Linux kernel (the operating system's core) and adds a user-friendly interface, software packages, and other components to build a complete operating system. This enables customization and versatility.
How to Install Fedora on VPS Server?
If you want a flexible, strong, and open-source platform for hosting applications, websites, or servers, you should know how to install Fedora on VPS server. In this way, you can easily manage and troubleshoot your VPS and make it valuable, no matter if you`re a developer or administrator. In this part, we tell you how to install Fedora on VPS server in a simple and step-by-step guide.
Prerequisites
Before you start the installation process, make sure you have these prerequisites:
- A VPS server with sufficient resources (CPU, RAM, disk space).
- A downloaded Fedora Server ISO image (We tell you how to do that).
- Basic understanding of Linux commands.
1- Choose a VPS Provider
Before anything, you should choose a VPS provider. When choosing a best VPS provider, consider factors like flexibility and speed. The provider should allow you to install a preferred operating system and give you enough control over your server environment. In addition, remember to choose a VPS that supports custom OS installations from ISO images. In this way, you can deploy a wide range of operating systems beyond the standard choices. MonoVM VPS is one of those that allows users to install custom OS images. Also, it includes factors such as performance, reliability, customer support, and pricing.
2- Download Fedora Server ISO Image
If your VPS provider offers Fedora as a pre-installed option, you don’t need this step. But if it doesn`t, follow these steps:
- Visit the Fedora download page
- Select the appropriate architecture for your VPS server. This is typically x86_64 for most modern systems.
- Fedora offers different image formats like ISO, Network Install, and QEMU. Choose the one that suits your needs and download it.
- After downloading, it's important to verify the image's integrity. Fedora provides checksums and GPG signatures for this purpose.
Note: Ensure you have enough free space on your system to store the downloaded image.
3- Create the VPS Instance
To create VPS instance, follow these steps:
- Sign up: Create an account with your chosen VPS provider.
- Create a new server: Navigate to the control panel and initiate the creation of a new VPS instance.
- Select resources: Specify the desired CPU, RAM, storage, and location for your server.
4- Choose Fedora as the OS
If your VPS provider includes Fedora as a pre-installed option, choose your preferred Fedora version from the available images. This is the easiest method. However, if your supplier does not provide pre-built Fedora images, you must obtain them as described in Step 2. Upload the downloaded Fedora ISO to the VPS platform. Create a new VPS instance from the uploaded ISO. Now, you'll have a Fedora-based VPS ready to configure.
5- Configure Your Server
To configure your server, you need to:
- Set a hostname: Assign a unique and descriptive hostname to your Fedora server. This will help you identify it easily in your network.
- Improve security with SSH Keys: Prioritize security by adding your SSH public key to the server. This method offers a more secure way to access your server compared to using passwords.
- Finalize and create: Review the server configuration settings to ensure they meet your needs. Once satisfied, proceed with creating the VPS instance.
6- Access your new VPS
Find the IP address given to your newly formed VPS. Your VPS provider usually provides this information. Make a secure connection to your server using the SSH protocol. To do that, open a terminal and run the following commands:
ssh username@your_server_ip
Replace `username` with your server's login username and `your_server_ip` with the actual IP address.
7- Install Fedora (Custom ISO)
If you opted for a custom Fedora ISO, access your VPS provider's console and configure the server to boot from the uploaded ISO image to install Fedora on VPS server.
Initiate Fedora Installation
Once booted from the ISO, the Fedora installation wizard will start. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin the installation process.
Partitioning Your System
Decide on your preferred partitioning scheme. For most users, the default automatic partitioning option is sufficient. However, advanced users may choose manual partitioning for more control.
Set a Secure Root Password
Create a strong and complex password for the root user. This password will be used for administrative tasks.
Create a User Account
Establish a regular user account with administrative privileges. Avoid using the root account for daily operations to enhance security.
Configure Network Settings
Verify that the network configuration is accurate and allows the server to connect to the internet. This is crucial for updates and accessing online resources.
8- Post-Installation Setup
After installing Fedora, you should update your system using this command:
sudo dnf update -y
This command will download and install any available updates for your Fedora system.
Also, you need to install commonly used tools and applications. You can do it easily using this command:
sudo dnf install vim git -y
Replace `vim git` with the specific packages required for your setup. This example installs the `vim` text editor and `git` version control system.
Congratulations! Now, you have a basic Fedora system ready for further customization and use.
9- Secure Your VPS
A firewall is vital for safeguarding your system from unauthorized access. Use 'firewalld' to manage your firewall rules:
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --zone=public --add-service=ssh
sudo firewall-cmd --reload
This configuration allows SSH traffic while blocking other incoming connections.
Protect Against Brute-Force Attacks with Fail2ban
Install and enable `fail2ban` to automatically block IP addresses that attempt to log in repeatedly:
sudo dnf install fail2ban -y
sudo systemctl enable fail2ban
sudo systemctl start fail2ban
Note: These methods are basic security measures and they are not enough for security! For stronger security, consider additional steps like using SSH keys, keeping software up-to-date, and implementing regular backups.
10- Configuring services and applications
To host websites, install and configure a web server like Apache:
sudo dnf install httpd -y
sudo systemctl enable httpd
sudo systemctl start httpd
Replace `httpd` with your preferred web server package if necessary.
Deploying a Database Server
If your applications require a database, install and configure a database server such as MariaDB:
sudo dnf install mariadb-server -y
sudo systemctl enable mariadb
sudo systemctl start mariadb
Note: You need to secure your database by setting strong passwords and configuring user permissions.
10- Ongoing Care: Backup, Monitoring, and Updates
Safeguard your data by implementing a robust backup strategy. Regularly create backups of your server's data and configuration files. Consider using tools like `rsync` or `backup` for automated backups.
Performance Monitoring
Keep a close eye on your server's health and performance with monitoring tools. Utilize tools like `htop`, `vmstat`, and `iostat` for basic monitoring, or consider advanced monitoring solutions for in-depth analysis.
Stay Updated
Regularly update your system and installed packages to address security vulnerabilities and improve performance. Use the `dnf update` command to check for updates.
By following these essential maintenance practices, you'll ensure the longevity and reliability of your VPS.
Conclusion
Follow the mentioned steps in this blog post and you can install Fedora on VPS server successfully. Remember, the installation process is only the beginning. Fedora provides a broad ecosystem of applications and tools, allowing you to tailor your server to unique requirements. Study and experiment for maximizing the performance of your Fedora VPS. Stay up-to-date on Fedora development, explore community resources, and use best server administration practices. With the right care and attention, your Fedora VPS may become a dependable and efficient platform for your projects.
Hello, everyone, my name is Lisa. I'm a passionate electrical engineering student with a keen interest in technology. I'm fascinated by the intersection of engineering principles and technological advancements, and I'm eager to contribute to the field by applying my knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.