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.

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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