How to create a VPS with Open VZ?

OpenVZ is a container-based virtualization solution for Linux that allows you to run multiple isolated virtual private servers (VPS) on a single physical host. It’s known for its low overhead and high performance. This guide provides a complete, sequential walkthrough of the entire process.

Prerequisites

• A host server running Debian, Ubuntu, or CentOS.

• Root or sudo access to the host server.

Step 1: Install OpenVZ on the Host Server

First, you need to install the OpenVZ command-line tools on your main server. These tools are required to create and manage your VPS containers.

• On Debian or Ubuntu:
  In your terminal, run sudo apt update followed by sudo apt install -y vzctl vzquota.

• On CentOS:
  In your terminal, run sudo yum install -y epel-release and then sudo yum install -y vzctl vzquota.

Step 2: Download an OpenVZ OS Template

Next, you must download a pre-created OS template. This template is the minimal operating system that your new VPS will run.

1. Choose a template from the Official OpenVZ Repository.

2. Use the wget command to download it. For example, to get the Ubuntu 20.04 template, run the command: wget http://download.openvz.org/template/precreated/ubuntu-20.04-x86_64.tar.gz

Step 3: Create the VPS Container

Now, use the vzctl command to create the container. You will need to replace the placeholder values below with your specific details.

• VPS_ID: A unique number for the VPS (e.g., 101).

• OS_TEMPLATE: The name of the file you downloaded (e.g., ubuntu-20.04-x86_64).

• VPS_HOSTNAME: The desired hostname (e.g., server1.example.com).

• VPS_IP_ADDRESS: The static IP address for the VPS.

• DNS_IP_ADDRESS: A DNS server address (e.g., 8.8.8.8).

Run the following command with your values filled in:
vzctl create VPS_ID –ostemplate OS_TEMPLATE –hostname VPS_HOSTNAME –ipadd VPS_IP_ADDRESS –nameserver DNS_IP_ADDRESS –onboot yes

Step 4: Set the Root Password

Your VPS container has been created, but it needs a root password before you can log in.

• Use the vzctl set command to assign a new password. Replace VPS_ID and NEW_ROOT_PASSWORD with your information by running:
  vzctl set VPS_ID –userpasswd root:NEW_ROOT_PASSWORD –save

Step 5: Start the VPS

With the configuration complete, you can now start your VPS.

• To start your VPS, run the command:
  vzctl start VPS_ID

Step 6: Access and Configure Your VPS

Your VPS is now running. The final steps involve logging in and performing initial setup.

1. Access the VPS via SSH:
   Use an SSH client to connect to your VPS by running the command ssh root@YOUR_VPS_IP_ADDRESS and using the root password you configured.

2. Enter the VPS (Alternative to SSH):
   From the host server, you can directly enter the container’s command line by running vzctl enter VPS_ID.

3. Update Your VPS Software:
   Once inside your new VPS, it is crucial to update all its packages.

   • On Debian/Ubuntu, run apt update && apt upgrade -y.

   • On CentOS, run yum update -y.

4. Install Additional Software:
   You can now install any software you need, such as a web server or database.

Conclusion: 

You have successfully created and launched a VPS with OpenVZ. Remember to keep your new VPS updated and configure security measures like a firewall (ufw or firewalld) to ensure a secure environment.

Read more information about Connecting to Windows VPS Using Different OS and Remote Desktop