Linux VDS rental — Ubuntu, Debian, and other distributions
Rent a Linux VDS/VPS for a website, API, bot, CRM, Docker project, control panel, or test environment. At checkout pick Ubuntu, Debian, or another available distribution, get root access and SSH from the first boot, then deploy your own stack: Nginx, PHP, a database, Docker, Git, LEMP/LAMP, or your own services.
- Ubuntu and Debian at checkout Pick the right OS in the VDS configurator before the server launches.
- Root and SSH right away Get full access to the server and manage the environment yourself.
- For your own stack Nginx, PHP, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Docker, Git, panels, and background services.
A popular choice for websites, APIs, Docker, Laravel, Node.js, Python, and production services.
A stable base for servers, panels, web stacks, databases, and long-running projects.
Full access to the Linux server from the first boot: install packages, services, and dependencies.
The entry-level VDS Mini suits tests, bots, light tasks, and your first Linux server.
Operating systems
Pick a Linux distribution when ordering a VDS
When setting up a VDS you can choose the operating system for the initial install. Ubuntu or Debian fit most projects: they are familiar server distributions with plenty of documentation, packages, and ready-made guides for web stacks, Docker, databases, and backend services.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu 24.04 and Ubuntu 22.04 are available. A good choice for most modern projects: websites, APIs, Laravel, Node.js, Python, Docker, and dev/test environments.
Debian
Debian 11, Debian 12, and Debian 13 are available. A fit for stable servers, web stacks, panels, databases, and projects where a predictable environment matters.
AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux
Alma Linux and Rocky Linux are available. Often chosen for projects that need a RHEL-compatible server environment.
CentOS Stream, Oracle Linux, Fedora
Additional Linux options are available for specific tasks, testing, compatibility, or familiar administration.
The configurator may also offer FreeBSD and Windows Server, but this page is about Linux VDS specifically: Ubuntu, Debian, and other Linux distributions.
Ubuntu or Debian for a VDS: a quick take
If you know your project requirements, pick the OS your guides, deploy scripts, or docker-compose already target. If this is your first Linux VDS and you want the most ready-made guides, Ubuntu LTS is usually more convenient. If you need a more conservative, stable base for a long-running server, Debian is a common pick.
| Task | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Your first Linux VDS | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
| Laravel, Node.js, Python, Docker | Ubuntu 24.04 or Debian 12 |
| A stable web server | Debian 12 or Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 |
| A control panel | Check the requirements of the specific panel |
| A legacy project with dependencies | Pick the OS version to match the project |
| Testing, learning, dev environment | Ubuntu or Fedora |
If you are unsure which OS to choose, you can start with Ubuntu LTS. If the project already has deploy documentation, follow the project requirements rather than picking a distribution at random.
Root access and SSH for full control
A Linux VDS is a separate virtual server environment. After activation you get access to the server and can manage it over SSH: install packages, configure services, the web server, the database, the firewall, cron jobs, Docker, Git, and other components.
Root access
Full administrator rights on the server. Change the OS configuration, install packages, and manage services.
SSH connection
Connect to the server over SSH and work with it from the command line.
Your own configuration
You decide what to install: Nginx, Apache, PHP, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Redis, Docker, Node.js, or a control panel.
OS reinstall
If you need a fresh start or a different environment, reinstall the server from the VDS control panel where the feature is available for your service.
What a Linux VDS is good for
A Linux VDS is a fit when regular hosting is no longer enough or you need full control over the environment. You can tailor the server to a specific project instead of being limited by a standard shared-hosting configuration.
Website or online store
Nginx or Apache, PHP, a database, SSL, cron, and dedicated settings for your CMS or framework.
Laravel project
PHP, Composer, Nginx, MariaDB/PostgreSQL, Redis, queues, the scheduler, Git, and a dedicated deploy environment.
API and backend
Node.js, Python, Go, PHP, a reverse proxy, systemd services, queues, integrations, and background processes.
Docker project
Install Docker and Docker Compose, deploy containers, databases, a reverse proxy, and your project services.
CRM or internal system
A dedicated server for a company tool, panel, database, and background jobs.
Dev/Test environment
A bench for testing, learning, staging, demos, and trying out new configurations.
Quick start after launching the VDS
After ordering the VDS, pick a Linux distribution, wait for the server to activate, and connect over SSH. From there you can install the stack yourself or choose a managed VDS if you would rather not handle administration.
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1
Pick a VDS plan
For tests, a bot, or a first server, Mini or Start will do. For a website, API, Docker, or CRM, look at Basic and up.
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2
Pick the OS
In the configurator, choose Ubuntu, Debian, or another available Linux distribution.
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3
Get the IP and credentials
After activation, use the server IP address and the connection details.
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4
Connect over SSH
Open a terminal and log in as root using the server IP.
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5
Update the system
On Ubuntu/Debian, update the packages right after the first login.
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6
Install your stack
Then install Nginx, PHP, a database, Docker, Git, a control panel, or another set of services.
$ ssh root@SERVER_IP $ apt update && apt -y upgrade
Example stack: Nginx, PHP, and MariaDB on Ubuntu/Debian
For a website, CMS, or PHP project, a classic web stack is often enough: Nginx, PHP-FPM, and MariaDB. Below is not a full security guide but a short outline of what is usually done after the first login.
ssh root@SERVER_IP apt update && apt -y upgrade apt -y install nginx mariadb-server \ php-fpm php-mysql unzip curl systemctl enable nginx systemctl enable mariadb mkdir -p /var/www/site chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/site
- 1 Upload the project files to /var/www/site.
- 2 Create a database and a user in MariaDB.
- 3 Add the site config to Nginx.
- 4 Check the configuration with nginx -t.
- 5 Restart or reload Nginx.
- 6 Point the domain at the server IP.
- 7 Issue an SSL certificate after the DNS updates.
Can you use Docker on a Linux VDS
Yes, you can use Docker on a Linux VDS. You have root access, so you can install Docker, Docker Compose, and run the project in containers. This is handy for backends, APIs, self-hosted services, staging environments, and projects that already have a docker-compose.yml.
- 1 Pick Ubuntu or Debian.
- 2 Connect to the server over SSH.
- 3 Update the system.
- 4 Install Docker following the guide for your distribution.
- 5 Upload the project docker-compose.yml and env files.
- 6 Start the containers.
- 7 Set up the domain, reverse proxy, and SSL.
ssh root@SERVER_IP apt update && apt -y upgrade apt -y install ca-certificates curl git # Install Docker from the official # repository for your distribution. docker --version docker compose version
Docker is not preinstalled on the server — you can install it on a Linux VDS yourself via root or order the setup.
Clean OS or a ready-made preset
At checkout you can keep a clean operating system and configure everything yourself. This is handy when the project already has its own deploy guide, docker-compose, or package-version requirements. For a faster start, you can choose one of the available preinstalled software options — for example LAMP, LEMP, Git, GitLab CE, Nextcloud, and other presets.
Clean OS
A fit if you know what to install, or you use your own Ansible, docker-compose, GitLab CI/CD, or deploy script.
LEMP / LAMP
A fast start for a website or PHP project: Linux, a web server, a database, and a PHP environment.
Git and GitLab CE
Options for development, code hosting, self-hosted Git, and internal team tools.
Nextcloud and other services
A fit for self-hosted solutions when you need a dedicated server for a specific application.
Plans
Linux VDS plans
Choose a plan by resources: CPU, RAM, disk, and the number of IPv4 addresses. For a test Linux server, a bot, or a light project you can start with an entry-level plan. For a website, API, CRM, Docker, or several services, pick a configuration with headroom.
The operating system is chosen during checkout. If you are unsure which plan and distribution fit, write to us — we will suggest a configuration for your task.
Linux VDS or regular hosting: which to choose
Regular hosting is simpler: the server environment is already prepared, and most tasks are done through the control panel. A Linux VDS gives more control but requires administration. You are responsible for the OS, updates, the web server, the database, SSL, backups, and security.
| Scenario | Regular hosting | Linux VDS |
|---|---|---|
| Launching a simple website | Simpler | Harder but more flexible |
| Root access | Usually no | Yes |
| Choice of OS | No | Yes |
| Installing your own services | Limited | Yes |
| Docker | Usually no | Can be installed |
| Non-standard stack | Limited | Full control |
| Administration | Mostly on the host side | On the client side |
| Who it is for | Owners of regular websites | Developers, admins, projects with their own stack |
If you need regular hosting without manual Linux setup — take a look at hosting.
Do you need Linux experience for a VDS
For a VDS it helps to understand basic Linux commands, connecting over SSH, installing packages, working with systemd, and configuring the web server, domain, SSL, and database. It does not have to be a system-administrator level, but the server needs more attention than regular shared hosting. If you want a VDS on Ubuntu or Debian but do not want to configure the server yourself, a managed VDS is the better choice: we will help with the OS, web server, PHP, database, SSL, backups, and basic monitoring.
Would you rather not set up Ubuntu or Debian yourself?
A Linux VDS gives full control, but with it come administrator tasks: updates, the firewall, the web server, PHP, the database, SSL, backups, monitoring, and troubleshooting. If the server is for a production project and you have no time for setup, choose a VDS with setup and support.
One-time setup
We will prepare the server for launch: OS, web server, PHP, database, domain, and SSL.
Administration
We will help with updates, troubleshooting, backups, security, and environment changes.
Plan selection
We will advise how much CPU, RAM, and disk you need for a website, API, CRM, Docker, or another project.
How to order a Linux VDS
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1
Open the VDS plans
Pick a starting configuration by CPU, RAM, and disk.
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2
Go to setup
In the configurator you can increase resources, choose IPv4, and the environment.
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3
Choose the operating system
Select Ubuntu, Debian, or another available Linux distribution.
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4
Choose preinstalled software
Keep a clean OS or pick a suitable preset if you need one.
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5
Add a panel or administration
If needed, add ISPmanager, one-time setup, or monthly administration.
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6
Launch the server
After activation, connect over SSH and deploy your project.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Linux VDS
Can I choose Ubuntu when ordering a VDS?
Yes. The VDS configurator offers Ubuntu 24.04 and Ubuntu 22.04. Choose the OS version you need during checkout.
Can I choose Debian?
Yes. The configurator offers Debian 11, Debian 12, and Debian 13. Debian fits a stable web server, a panel, a database, a backend service, or a long-running project.
Which is better: Ubuntu or Debian?
For a first VDS and most modern guides, Ubuntu LTS is often more convenient. Debian is chosen when you need a stable server base and a predictable environment. If the project already has OS requirements, pick the distribution to match the project documentation.
Will there be root access?
Yes. A VDS comes with root access and SSH. You can install packages, change the configuration, run services, and configure the server for your project.
Can I reinstall the OS?
If you need a fresh start or a different environment, you can reinstall the server from the VDS control panel where the feature is available for your service.
Can I install Docker on a Linux VDS?
Yes. You can install Docker on Ubuntu, Debian, or another suitable Linux distribution via root access. If you would rather not do it yourself, you can order the server setup.
Is there a ready-made LAMP or LEMP?
The VDS configurator offers preinstalled software options, including LAMP and LEMP. This is handy when you need a fast start for a website or PHP project.
Is a Linux VDS suitable for Laravel?
Yes. On a VDS you can set up Ubuntu or Debian, Nginx, PHP, Composer, MariaDB or PostgreSQL, Redis, cron/scheduler, queues, and a deploy environment for a Laravel project.
Is a Linux VDS suitable for WordPress?
Yes. WordPress can run on a Linux VDS with Nginx or Apache, PHP, MariaDB/MySQL, and SSL. But if you need a simple launch without administration, regular hosting may be more convenient.
Do I need Linux experience to work with a VDS?
Yes, at least basic. You need to understand SSH, Linux commands, installing packages, and configuring the web server, SSL, the database, and updates. If you do not have that experience, a managed VDS is the better choice.
How much does a Linux VDS cost?
The cost depends on the plan and resources. The entry-level VDS Mini starts from ₽318/mo. More powerful plans suit websites, APIs, Docker, CRM, and projects with heavier load.
Can I install a control panel?
Yes. In the VDS configurator you can choose the ISPmanager panel. This is handy if you want to manage websites, domains, databases, and SSL through an interface rather than over SSH alone.
Launch a Linux VDS for your own stack
Choose a plan, select Ubuntu, Debian, or another Linux distribution at checkout, and get a server with root access. Deploy a website, API, bot, Docker project, CRM, control panel, or test environment — on your own or with help from Siteko.