CMS Ubuntu Linux

How to Install Joomla on Google Cloud Server

Written by

Richard

Nov 28, 2021 Updated Mar 19, 2026 4 min read

You install Joomla on a Google Cloud server running Ubuntu Linux to create a dynamic, user-friendly website.

Joomla is a free, open-source content management system that lets you build professional websites easily. It’s known for being mobile-ready and adaptable, with a large library of templates and plugins.

This guide focuses on the crucial step of installing Joomla itself, building upon previous tutorials in this series where you’ve already set up your domain and Google Cloud server, and installed essential software like Apache or Nginx, PHP, and a database like MySQL or MariaDB. This is the seventh step in creating your fully functional website.

How to connect to Google Cloud servers

Google Cloud server (Compute Engine) allows users to connect using SSH from the browser window to their virtual machine (VM) instance within the Google Cloud Console.

SSH from the browser supports the following:

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

No additional software or browser extensions are needed. Simply login to Google Cloud Console and go 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.

Establishing SSH connection to Google Cloud VM instance

Alternatively, you can 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.

You should now be able to run commands in Ubuntu Linux created on the Google Cloud server.

Connecting to Google Cloud instance host for Joomla installation

Install Joomla on Google Cloud Servers

Installing and managing a Joomla website on Ubuntu Linux is no different, whether on Google Cloud servers or a local VM instance.

Once you have installed all required packages, Joomla can be set up directly from your browser by browsing the server hostname or IP address.

Below is a detailed post to help you install Joomla on Ubuntu Linux with Apache or Nginx. Click on it to learn more about installing and managing Joomla on Ubuntu Linux.

How to install Joomla on Ubuntu Linux with Apache

How to install Joomla on Ubuntu Linux with Nginx

Each link above will show you all the steps we performed in our previous posts to get here. You also will learn how to secure your Joomla website with free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

This post covers the essential steps to install Joomla on Google Cloud servers running Ubuntu Linux. To recap:

We discussed the importance of having a domain, a Google Cloud server, and necessary software packages for your website.
You learned how to connect to your Google Cloud server using SSH from a web browser.
We highlighted that installing Joomla is straightforward and can be done directly from your browser.
Additional resources were provided to help you install Joomla with either Apache or Nginx.
We emphasized the importance of securing your Joomla website with free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates.

By following these steps, you are well on creating a dynamic and professional website with Joomla. Happy web development!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for installing Joomla on Google Cloud Server?

Before installing Joomla on Google Cloud Server, ensure you have a registered domain name, a Google Cloud account, and a virtual machine running Ubuntu Linux. Additionally, you should have installed Apache or Nginx, PHP, and a database server like MySQL or MariaDB.

How do I connect to my Google Cloud server to install Joomla?

You can connect to your Google Cloud server using SSH from the Google Cloud Console. Simply navigate to your VM instance and click on the 'SSH' button to open a terminal window in your browser.

Is Joomla free to use on Google Cloud Server?

Yes, Joomla is a free and open-source content management system. You can install it on your Google Cloud server without any licensing fees, but you may incur costs for the cloud resources you use.

Can I use Joomla with other web servers besides Apache and Nginx?

While Joomla is primarily optimized for Apache and Nginx, it can technically run on other web servers that support PHP. However, using Apache or Nginx is recommended for better performance and compatibility.

What features does Joomla offer for building websites?

Joomla offers a variety of features including customizable templates, extensions for added functionality, and a user-friendly interface for managing content. It is suitable for creating dynamic websites and supports mobile responsiveness.

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Tags: #Ubuntu Linux

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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