How to Create your Website on Google Cloud Server

How to connect to Google Cloud servers

Connecting to a Google Cloud server happens straight through the browser using the Google Cloud Console. This interface manages virtual machines directly without requiring external SSH clients. Browser-based SSH works with current versions of Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer 11, and Safari 8 or later, though Safari in private browsing mode remains unsupported.

SSH from the browser supports the following web browsers:

• Web browsers
  • The latest version of Google Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and later
  • Safari 8 and later. Note that Safari in private browser mode is not supported.
• Virtual machine configurations
  • All Linux VM images are natively available in Google Cloud.

No additional software or browser extensions are needed. Log in to the Google Cloud Console and navigate to Menu › Compute Engine › VM instances.

In the list of virtual machine instances, click SSH in the row of the instance that you want to connect to.

Alternatively, open an SSH connection to an instance by clicking its name and SSH from the instance details page.

An SSH terminal window with the Ubuntu Linux instance created in the series's second post will open.

Users can now execute shell commands directly inside the Ubuntu Linux environment hosted on the Google Cloud server.

How to create websites on Google Cloud Servers

Building websites on Google Cloud servers requires installing necessary packages, much like configuring a local machine. Server management happens through a browser by navigating to the server's IP address or hostname. These configuration steps lay the groundwork for a fully functional online presence.

After installing all required packages, administrators can access the site directly by visiting the server's hostname or IP address.

Detailed guides for building sites on Ubuntu Linux running Apache or Nginx appear below. Click any linked article to learn more about installing and managing a Content Management System (CMS) on Ubuntu Linux.

How to install WordPress on Ubuntu Linux with Apache

How to install WordPress on Ubuntu Linux with Nginx

How to install Drupal on Ubuntu Linux with Apache

How to install Drupal on Ubuntu Linux with Nginx

How to install Joomla on Ubuntu with Apache

How to install Joomla on Ubuntu with Nginx

Each tutorial covers the configuration steps explored in previous posts. Readers will also discover how to secure sites using free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates.

That wraps up the installation process.

Conclusion:

Running a live site on Ubuntu Linux takes careful execution. Keep these core takeaways in mind:

• Domain Name: Ensure your domain name is properly registered and pointed to your Google Cloud server.
• Google Cloud Setup: Set up your Google Cloud server with Ubuntu Linux, installing necessary software and packages.
• Choose a CMS: Select a popular content management system (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla to help create your website.
• Connection via SSH: Use SSH from the Google Cloud Console to connect to your server easily without additional software.
• Website Management: After installation, manage your website directly through the browser using the server's IP address or hostname.
• Security: Don't forget to secure your website with free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates to enhance security.

These configuration tasks equip administrators to build and manage robust web properties. Completing these 5 key steps guarantees that the finished site remains visible and accessible to visitors.