Using VirtualBox to Manage a Virtual Private Server (VPS)

Having used VirtualBox for several years now, I’ve found it to be the easiest way to manage a Virtual Private Server (VPS). Using it, I’ve set up hundreds of servers. From a small test network to a dedicated web server, it’s easy to get started.

Install

VirtualBox is a simple and easy way to install a virtual machine on your local computer. Free software allows you to create a virtual machine accessible to you on your local network.

When you install VirtualBox, you will be asked for a name for your virtual machine. Choose a name that is all lowercase. The username should be one word, and the password should be one word.

After your computer has completed the installation, you will need to configure the network. Your computer will need to have a router or host-only network adapter.

Configure

Using VirtualBox to configure a VPS can be complicated. First, you must learn how to use the software, configure user accounts, and interact with the machine from the command line. Once you are familiar with the software, it will become easier.

The first step to configuring a VPS is to create a virtual environment. The virtual environment can be configured to allocate hard drive space dynamically. This is a suitable method if you want to use a virtual web-development machine.

You can also use port forwarding to access a virtual machine. For example, you can create a NAT network using the Network Manager tool in the VirtualBox Manager. This allows you to map host ports to guest ports.

Verify

You can import OVA files and create virtual machines on your host computer using VirtualBox. You can also export descriptive information about a VM. However, there are a few things you should know before you start importing OVA files.

VirtualBox is free software. You can create snapshots of servers, clone a virtual machine, and roll back to a previous version. For example, you can use images to verify that the virtual machine is running as intended, and you can also use them to roll back to a prior version in case the system changes.

NAT + Host-only adapters vs. bridged network adapter configuration

Choosing between NAT + Host-only adapters vs. bridged network adapter configuration for VirtualBox VPS is a tricky question. Bridged is the best option if you want to run multiple virtual machines on the same hardware. However, if you wish to full, unhindered access to all your devices, NAT is the best choice.

When you have multiple virtual machines, you need different IP addresses. You can set up a DHCP server to automatically assign IP addresses to your VMs. This is done with the Network Manager tool in the VirtualBox Manager.

Adding a TCP forward

Adding a TCP forward to VirtualBox VPS can help with access to specific services. In addition to this, port forwarding can help with security.

You can add a TCP forward to VirtualBox VPS using the Virtual Machine’s Settings page. After clicking the settings button, the Virtual Machine will display a pop-up window with the rules that will be used to forward traffic.

For example, the allow-VMS rule will hide host traffic from the VM network adaptor. You can also enable the promiscuous mode policy, which only works on a Bridged Adaptor.

Unmanaged vs. managed

Whether you are looking to buy a virtual private server (VPS) or want to host your website, it’s essential to know the difference between unmanaged and managed. These two hosting options are similar but differ in price and level of support.

Managed VPS is a better choice for beginners and smaller companies but is also expensive. In addition to assisting you with software updates and maintenance, a managed host will take care of server security and troubleshoot any issues that might arise.

Unmanaged VPS, on the other hand, is more suitable for developers and system administrators who know how to operate their servers. While they do come with some perks, such as full administrative privileges, an unmanaged VPS’s real advantage is its flexibility.

SSH into your server

Using Secure Shell is a great way to access your VirtualBox server from another device on the same network. It can be used to log into the VM in the background, run VM applications in the environment, and test applications. But there are a few things to be aware of before you start. Firstly, you must ensure that your SSH server is running and you have a valid username and password for the host.

Next, you must set up the SSH client on your local machine. This means that you need to have the private key for the VM.