What is Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular and frequently used Linux distros on VPS Servers. Developed by Canonical Ltd., Ubuntu provides a free and open-source operating system, making it an ideal choice for VPS use.
Ubuntu comes with a user-friendly desktop interface, as well as support for many commonly used applications and software.
Advantages of Installing Ubuntu on a VPS
Installing Ubuntu on a VPS Server provides a number of benefits that make it the best choice among VPS users.
Here are some reasons why you should consider installing Ubuntu on a VPS Server:
- Security: Ubuntu is a secure and reliable operating system. This Linux distro regularly gets security updates, thus keeping your server protected from possible security threats on the internet.
- Free and Open-Source: Ubuntu is open-source, meaning you can download and install it for free. Also, the source code is open to everyone, so you can modify it as needed.
- Large Community: Ubuntu has a large and active user community. If you run into problems or need help, you can easily seek help from the forums and documentation.
- Desktop Environment: By installing Ubuntu on your VPS, you can access a user-friendly desktop environment. This allows you to run graphical applications and manage content more easily.
- Application Support: Ubuntu supports a wide range of commonly used applications and software. You can install various development software, databases, web servers, and other necessary applications as needed.
- Optimized Performance: Ubuntu is known for its optimized performance and low resource consumption. This makes it suitable for running on VPS with limited resources.
- Easy to Use: Ubuntu provides a simple and easy-to-use user interface, making it suitable for users of different skill levels.
- Cloud Support: Ubuntu supports various popular cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and others. This makes it easy to migrate and implement across different cloud environments.
How to Install Ubuntu on a VPS Server
After knowing what Ubuntu and VPS Server are, now we move on to the tutorial on how to install it. Here are the steps on how to install Ubuntu on a VPS Server:
Installations
- Go to the Ubuntu download page and select the desired version.
- Copy the direct link to the ISO file from the download page.
- Log in to the Cloud Portal and access the Storage -> ISO section.
- Upload the downloaded ISO.
- Name the ISO, paste the link URL, and select the bootable option. Click the button to add the ISO.
- Wait for the ISO status to change to Active.
- Go to the Servers -> My Servers section and select the server you want to install Ubuntu on.
- Select Actions -> Reinstall for that server.
- In the ISO Library section, select the ISO from the previously uploaded Private section and confirm the selection.
- Wait for the VPS to be in the ISO Install state.
- Click the Get VNC button to open the VNC window and access the Ubuntu desktop.
- Follow the instructions on the VNC window to install Ubuntu.
- Once the installation is complete, click the Restart Now button.
- Wait until the installation finalization process is complete and the VPS status changes back to 'RUNNING'.
Network Configuration
- Open the terminal by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + T keys.
- Edit the NetworkManager configuration file with the command: sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-network-manager-all.yaml.
- Add configuration for network devices (e.g. ens3) by adjusting the IP address and gateway.
- Save the file by pressing the Ctrl + O keys, then press Enter. Exit the editor by pressing the Ctrl + X keys.
- Apply the network configuration by running the command: sudo netplan apply.
Enable SSH
- Open the Ubuntu terminal.
- Install package OpenSSH-server dengan perintah: sudo apt-get install -y openssh-server.
- Enable and run the SSH service with the command: sudo systemctl enable ssh && sudo systemctl start ssh.
Enable VNC Server
- Open the Ubuntu terminal.
- Install the vnc4server package with the command: sudo apt-get install -y vnc4server.
- Set the VNC password with the command: vncpasswd.
- Install a lighter desktop environment, such as XFCE, with the command: sudo apt-get install -y xfce4 xfce4-goodies.
- Run the VNC server to generate default settings with the command: vncserver -geometry 1920×1080 -depth 24:1.
- If there is an error "there is already a VNC server running for screen :1. Please change 1 to 2, 3 and so on.
Connecting Servers
- Use a VNC client, such as TightVNC Viewer, to connect to the VNC server.
- Enter the server's hostname or IP, followed by the screen number corresponding to the one previously assigned.
- Enter the pre-set VNC password to access the Ubuntu desktop on the VPS.
- How to Install Ubuntu Desktop with Full Graphical Interface on Ubuntu VPS:
How to Install Ubuntu on a VPS Using Tasksel
In addition to the above method, you can also install Ubuntu on a VPS Server by using a tasksel. This method is even easier and faster, here are the steps:
- Update the server package index with the command: sudo apt update
- Install tasksel with the command: sudo apt install tasksel
- Run tasksel and select ubuntu-desktop by pressing the space bar: sudo tasksel
- Reboot the VPS with the command: sudo reboot
- Install xrdp with the command: sudo apt install xrdp
- Enable xrdp with the command: sudo systemctl enable xrdp
You can now connect using Windows Remote Desktop Connection. Enter your VPS IP followed by the username and password of your non-root account, and start using Ubuntu Desktop.
Tips After Installing Ubuntu
You can customize the Ubuntu installed on your VPS so that it looks like Windows. The trick is to install some packages, here are the steps:
- Install some necessary packages with the command:
- sudo apt install gnome-shell-extensions gnome-shell-extension-dash-to-panel gnome-tweaks adwaita-icon-theme-full
- Reboot your Ubuntu server.
- Log in using RDP and search for the Tweaks app, then click the extension.
- Di bawah ekstensi, aktifkan ekstensi “Dash to panel” dan Anda akan melihat taskbar dan ikon aplikasi pada taskbar Anda. Instalasi ubuntu Anda akan terlihat seperti Windows.