Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an open source Debian-based Linux distribution. It provides a stable and secure environment for running web applications, databases, and other server-based services. With its extensive software repositories and strong community support, Ubuntu offers flexibility, ease of use, and regular updates, making it an excellent choice for server hosting needs.
Versions
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
This is the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version of Ubuntu. It will be supported until April 2032 and is the current recommended version of Ubuntu.
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
This is the previous LTS version of Ubuntu. It will be supported until April 2025 and is still a good choice for most use cases.
Starting from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, the Snap package format is included by default. Snap packages offer better isolation and sandboxing of applications but have also been a subject of controversy. Also, the system's kernel is now running on version 5.4+.
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
This version of Ubuntu had support until June 2023. It is still available for installation, but we recommend using Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or 22.04 LTS instead. The version will no longer be offered for installations and reinstallations, soon.
Quick Tips
How to change my root password?
In order to change your password, please type passwd in the terminal and follow the instructions.
How to change my SSH port?
The SSH port can be changed by editing the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file. You then need to identify the line that reads Port 22 and change the port number to another port (we recommend a value between 1024 and 65535). After that, you need to restart the SSH service by typing systemctl restart sshd. For a more detailed tutorial, please click here.
How to add a new SSH key?
The list of authorized SSH keys is stored in the ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file. You can edit the file, e.g. by typing nano ~/.ssh/authorized_keys and pasting the public SSH key into a new line of that file. It's not necessary to restart the SSH service after adding a new key. It will work right away.
How to upgrade to a newer version of Ubuntu?
We recommend to always use the latest LTS version of Ubuntu. Most upgrades are as easy as updating all your existing packages to the most recent version by typing apt-get update && apt-get upgrade -y followed by do-release-upgrade. Please notice that every setup is different and when you installed packages from third party repositories there might be additional steps necessary. Please always make sure to have a backup of your data before upgrading your system. You should also make sure that you are able to sign in to your server via VNC console before proceeding with the upgrade in case something goes wrong.