A virtual private server (VPS) provides newbies an excellent way to learn hands-on IT and web hosting skills. However, paid VPS plans can be expensive for learners just getting started. This is where a free VPS comes in handy to help beginners learn the ropes without spending money.
What is a VPS?
A VPS is a virtual machine miming a dedicated physical server but running on a shared physical server. Each VPS gets its own share of server resources like CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth. It runs its own operating system and applications isolated from other VPS instances.
VPS provides dedicated resources and root access similar to dedicated servers but at a lower cost. They are more flexible and scalable than shared hosting.
Benefits of Free VPS for Newbies
Here are some of the key benefits of using a free VPS for beginners:
- Get hands-on experience managing servers, installing software, command line skills, etc.
- Practice Linux system administration by configuring the OS, networks, security, backups, etc.
- Install web servers like Apache, and Nginx to host websites and web apps.
- Run databases like MySQL, and MongoDB to power dynamic sites and applications.
- Experiment freely without worrying about affecting your PC or breaking anything.
- Learn to automate tasks using shell scripts without spending on Linux courses.
- Understand key concepts like virtualization, cloud computing, and virtual networking.
- Showcase your work by hosting apps and sites live instead of just your GitHub profile.
In summary, it provides a safe sandbox environment to learn diverse IT skills without spending a dollar.
Getting Started with a Free VPS
VSPWala.org provides free VPS plans for beginners. Follow these steps to get started:
- Step 1) Choose a free vps plan from our website. Sign up for the free VPS plan you like. We typically offer 512MB – 1GB RAM servers are offered for free.
- Step 2) Once approved, you’ll receive an email with VPS login details for the management panel and SSH.
- Step 3) Login to the control panel and set a new root password. Reboot your VPS to activate the changes.
- Step 4) Connect to VPS via SSH as root, and type passwd again to reset the root password.
- Step 5) Optionally create a new non-root user with sudo privileges for improved security.
- Step 6) Update the package repository and install updates using apt on Ubuntu/Debian.
- Step 7) Follow tutorials to practice skills like LAMP stack setup, WordPress installation, etc.
- Step 8) Setup FTP, databases, firewalls, SSH keys, and Cronjobs to automate tasks.
- Step 9) Install web apps and tools you need for development, testing, or learning.
- Step 10) Check forums and communities to get help with any issues.
Within an hour, you can have your own virtual private server ready to learn diverse administration, web, and IT skills using just a free VPS!
Moving Forward from a Free VPS
Once you have a good grasp of VPS management from a free plan, you can move forward:
- Upgrade to paid VPS with more resources for hosting real websites and apps.
- Learn advanced skills like load balancing, clustering, virtualization, DevOps, etc.
- Understand security and implement firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention.
- Contribute to open-source projects related to servers, automation, DevOps, etc.
- Collaborate with other newbies to build tools and solve problems on your VPS.
- Showcase your VPS skills on LinkedIn, Github, and your own portfolio site to impress recruiters.
A free VPS removes the financial barrier for newbies to get started learning professional IT and ops skills from an early stage. Please make the most of it to propel your knowledge and career. The possibilities are endless!
