This is Part 2 of an 8-part series on WordPress optimization, focusing on setting up your first virtual server.
Why Anyone Can Do This
IT professionals unnecessarily mystify technology. With proper explanation, anyone regardless of background can learn to set up and manage a server.
Understanding Virtual Servers
A virtual server exists in the cloud as a packaged set of computing resources—processor, RAM, and storage. This tutorial uses Digital Ocean as the preferred provider, referring to their servers as “Droplets.” These can be created in approximately 55 seconds.
Creating Your Droplet
The setup process involves selecting:
- Hostname: Your domain name
- Server Size: Recommendation starts at $5/month (1 CPU, 512MB RAM, 20GB disk)
- Location: Geographically close to your user base
- Additional Options: Private Networking, IPv6, and Backups
Server Operating Systems
Linux distributions are recommended over Windows for web servers. The tutorial specifically recommends Ubuntu 14.04 x64 for its long-term support status and ease of use.
Accessing Your Server
Mac users access servers through Terminal using SSH commands. Windows users use PuTTY, a standalone SSH client.
Essential Linux Commands
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
pwd | Show current directory |
cd | Change directories |
ls | List directory contents |
passwd | Change user password |
reboot | Restart the server |
Security Configuration
Creating a Non-Root User
Never use the root account for daily operations. Create a new user with:
useradd -g sudo -m -b /home/ [username]
passwd [username]
Firewall Setup with iptables
Configure basic firewall rules to allow SSH (port 22), web server traffic (port 80), and established connections:
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -j ACCEPT
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
After completing these steps, you have a functioning and secured virtual server ready for web server installation.