Cloud Server quick start guide

Contributed by: Janne Ruostemaa

Cloud servers offer on-demand availability of computer system resources, including data storage and computational capacity, without needing to manage the server hardware directly. UpCloud users can deploy Cloud Servers by selecting from the predefined configuration options: General Purpose, High CPU and High Memory plans or by freely allocating resources as needed using the Flexible plan.

Whether you’re new to cloud computing or an experienced developer, these step-by-step instructions will help you get your server online swiftly and securely. Follow along to learn how to deploy a new server, connect to it, and start utilising the power of UpCloud.

Deploying a Cloud Server

Navigate to the dashboard and locate the purple ‘Deploy’ button in the top right corner. Click on it and select ‘Server’.
Select the server location: Choose the physical location of your server. For reduced latency, choosing the location closest to you is advisable.
Choose a plan: Select a preconfigured plan from General Purpose, High CPU, and High Memory. Alternatively, opt for a Flexible plan.
Configure storage:
- A preconfigured plan automatically configures a storage device based on the chosen plan. This device’s storage size is fixed, but you can add up to 15 additional storage devices (16 in total), each up to 4 TB.
- For a Flexible plan, specify the exact CPU, Memory, and storage specifications to meet your needs.
Automated backups: Enable this feature and choose a backup plan (Day, Week, Month, or Year). Note: The Day plan is included at no extra cost if automated backups are enabled.
Choose an OS template: Select a public template with common server OS options.
Login method: Decide your preferred login method for the server - SSH keys or a one-time password.
Set hostname and server name: Assign a fully qualified domain name as your server’s hostname. Also, give your server a name for easy identification within the control panel.
Deploy the server: Click the ‘Deploy’ button to begin the server creation process.

Detailed instructions for deploying a cloud server can be found in our guide on Deploying a new cloud server.

Connecting to your Cloud Server

To establish a connection to your cloud server from a Linux, macOS, or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) environment using a terminal:

Initiate the SSH connection: Open your terminal application, and enter the following command ssh [email protected]

Replace ‘94.123.45.67’ with your server’s IP address and ‘username’ with your server username. In most cases, the username is root. After modifying the command, press enter.

First-time authentication: If this is your first time connecting to the server, you may encounter a message about the host’s authenticity. Verify that the IP address mentioned is identical to your server’s. If the details are correct, type “yes” and press enter.

If the server was configured without SSH keys, you’ll be prompted to enter your password instead.

It is normal for the password characters not to appear on the screen; this is a security feature. Type or paste your password anyway and press enter to proceed.

Windows users can connect with PuTTY.

Detailed instructions for connecting to your cloud server can be found in our guide on Connecting to your cloud server.

Deleting to your Cloud Server

Stop the server: Navigate to your server’s overview page in the control panel. If the server status is ‘Started’, click the ‘Shut down’ button to initiate a shutdown.
Delete the server: Once the server is stopped, click on the small downward arrow next to the ‘Start’ button. From the dropdown menu, select the ‘Delete’ option.
Confirm deletion: This action is irreversible, and all data on the server will be permanently deleted. Confirm the deletion if you are sure you want to proceed.

After confirming the deletion, the server will be removed from your control panel, and all associated resources will be released. From this point on, you will not incur any further charges for the server.