Free course

Ubuntu VPS Course

Create and secure an Ubuntu VPS on DigitalOcean, connect it to a domain, serve HTTPS traffic, deploy an application, and keep it healthy.

5 modules · 25 lessons · No signup

Prerequisites: Shell Commands, Linux Basics, HTTP and DNS

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What you'll learn

Provision a DigitalOcean Droplet, secure SSH access, configure Nginx and HTTPS, run an application with systemd, and operate the server safely.

Course contents

  1. Create the Droplet

    Choose an Ubuntu image, region, size, SSH key, and recovery options without overspending.

    1. ✓ What a VPS is
    2. ✓ Plan cost, region, and size
    3. ✓ Create an SSH key
    4. ✓ Create the Ubuntu Droplet
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: creating a Droplet

  2. Secure access

    Verify the host, create an administrator, protect SSH, and enable a firewall without locking yourself out.

    1. ✓ Make the first SSH connection
    2. ✓ Create a sudo user
    3. ✓ Enable UFW safely
    4. ✓ Harden SSH without locking yourself out
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: secure access

  3. Serve the Web

    Install Nginx, connect DNS, configure a site, and add HTTPS with a safe reload workflow.

    1. ✓ Update Ubuntu and install Nginx
    2. ✓ Open HTTP and HTTPS
    3. ✓ Point a domain to the server
    4. ✓ Configure Nginx and HTTPS
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: serving the Web

  4. Run an application

    Deploy code, protect environment values, create a systemd service, and reverse proxy requests.

    1. ✓ Choose a deployment layout
    2. ✓ Install the runtime and application
    3. ✓ Store environment values and secrets
    4. ✓ Create a service and reverse proxy
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: running an application

  5. Operate the server

    Read logs, monitor resources, update, back up, recover, and retire the server responsibly.

    1. ✓ Read the right logs
    2. ✓ Monitor capacity and availability
    3. ✓ Updates, backups, and restore
    4. ✓ Recover or retire the Droplet
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: operating the server