Instructions to create VPS DigitalOcean for newbie

In the previous post, you have successfully registered an account at DigitalOcean . 

Now your account has 20$ credit.

You are now ready to deploy a DigitalOcean VPS. Since DigitalOcean calls the virtual server here Droplet, we will use this term in this article.

Instructions to create VPS DigitalOcean for newbie

First, you access the DigitalOcean Control Panel .

Since you have never created a Droplet, the screen with the Create Droplet button appears.

Or you click on the Create -> Droplets section.

Either way you will be redirected to the Drop creation page.

Step 1: Choose an image (select operating system)

​In the first part, you need to choose an operating system. 

There are 2 tabs: distribution (only install the operating system) and One-click App (install the operating system and the applications you want).

If you are not technically savvy, you can choose the One-click Apps category.

Here DigitalOcean provides an option to install WordPress (on Ubuntu operating system using LAMP stack).

Or if you have a little technical knowledge, you can choose LAMP or LEMP. Then you install WordPress yourself.

More common: you just install the operating system.

By default the Ubuntu operating system is selected.

If you like this operating system, you can refer to my EasyEngine series to know how to install a complete WordPress website. This method is relatively simple and does not require much technique.

But through experience, I still like CentOS + HocVPS . ​ Because it gives the best performance server available today. 

Here I choose CentOS operating system which is also a popular operating system for Linux servers.

Note : you only choose the 64-bit version for the operating system if you choose a VPS package with at least 1GB RAM or more (in the step below). Thus, the server or Droplet you create will have the best performance. 

Step 2: Choose a size (Select resource configuration for Droplet).

This section depends on your website traffic and needs.

If you are just starting out it is best to choose the low profile package for the economy. You can then resize it easily without affecting the running website.

For example, here I choose the lowest package of 5$/month.

Step 3: Add Block Storage – Buy more storage

The VPS packages in the above step have a fixed capacity included.

So if you need more hard drive space, click the Add Volume button.

And if you don’t need it, skip it. If you accidentally click the Add Volume button, remember to click the Remove Volume button lest you lose money unjustly. Because by default the 100GB plan is selected when you click the Add Volumen button. 

Step 4: Choose a data center region: Choose a server location

Surely you know how to choose this part, right?

Choose according to the location of the website’s target audience.

It is common for you to choose Singapore for Vietnamese-language sites.

Step 5: Select additional options Additional options

You can choose some additional options as below:

• Private networking : if you want the droplet you create to only connect to other droplets of the same location that cannot be connected outside. Normally you don’t need this feature.
• Backup : VPS backup service automatically. The service cost is 20% of the cost of the VPS package you choose. For example, if you choose a VPS package of $5/month, it will cost you $1/month for the backup service, which is not too expensive. However, you can choose later if you don’t have a need now. 
• IPv6 : add an IP 6 address, this feature is free, so you have no reason not to choose. 
• User data : a relatively advanced feature you do not need to select at this time. 
• Monitoring : monitors the usage of the resource you choose and gives an alert should it exceed the allowable limit. This feature is free you should choose. 

Step 6: Add your SSH keys

Features to help you better secure the Droplet created. You can do it later. So for now you skip.

Step 7: Finalize and create

The default number of Droplets created is 1. If you need more than one VPS you change the number here.

You can also name the Droplet you intend to create so that it is easy to remember. Otherwise by default it will be set according to the operating system, configuration and location.

When done, click the Create button to create the first Droplet.

Now wait a minute or two for DigitalOcean to create the Droplet according to the configuration you provided.

As soon as the Droplet is successfully created, you will receive an email containing 2 important information: the IP address of the Droplet, the password of the user ‘root’. ​

What to do after creating VPS Digital Ocean

After creating a VPS as instructed above, you need to read the instructions on what to do after renting your Linux server . ​Follow this document and you will have a fast and secure VPS server. A complete WordPress website with a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate. 

As for the connection with Droplet, I have mentioned more to suit Digital Ocean as below: ​

Connect with Droplet

You will use an SSH Client like MobaXTerm to connect to the newly created Droplet.

The first time you connect, you will have to change the password. 

First you are asked what is the current password. Copy the password provided via email and paste it in the terminal and then type Enter:

Next provide a new password. The Unix platform does not display the password as you type it.

The best:

You enter the password into a text file and then copy and paste it into the terminal for fast and accurate.

It’s done.

You have created your first server or Droplet in DigitalOcean.