CMS Ubuntu Linux

How to Install Moodle on Google Cloud Server

Written by

Richard

Dec 3, 2021 Updated Mar 19, 2026 4 min read

You can install Moodle on a Google Cloud server running Ubuntu Linux to create a powerful open-source learning management platform.

Moodle, written in PHP, helps educators build dynamic online courses, typically paired with a MySQL or MariaDB database. This installation guide is the seventh in a series focused on setting up a functional website on Google Cloud.

By following these steps, you’ll integrate Moodle with the Apache/Nginx web server, PHP, and your database, all configured on an Ubuntu instance.

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.

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 Moodle installation

Install Moodle on Google Cloud Servers

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

Once you have installed all required packages, Moodle 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 Moodle on Ubuntu Linux with Apache or Nginx. Click on it to learn more about installing and managing Moodle on Ubuntu Linux.

How to install Moodle on Ubuntu Linux with Apache

How to install Moodle 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 Moodle website with free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates.

Following the links above and performing all the steps, you can create an online store using Moodle.

Conclusion:

In this post, we’ve guided you through installing Moodle on Google Cloud servers running Ubuntu Linux. Here are the key takeaways:

Preparation is Key: Ensure you have a registered domain, Google Cloud server set up, and necessary software installed before proceeding.
Seamless Installation: Connecting to your Google Cloud server using SSH is straightforward and requires no additional software.
Follow Detailed Guides: Utilize our linked posts to install Moodle effectively, whether you’re using Apache or Nginx.
Enhance Your Learning Environment: With Moodle, you can create professional, dynamic online courses tailored to your audience.
Secure Your Site: Don’t forget to secure your Moodle installation with Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates for safe browsing.

By following these steps, you are well on your way to creating and managing an effective online learning platform with Moodle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the system requirements to install Moodle on Google Cloud?

To install Moodle on Google Cloud, you need a server running Ubuntu Linux, PHP version 7.2 or later, and a MySQL or MariaDB database. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient RAM and disk space based on the number of users and courses you plan to host.

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

You can connect to your Google Cloud server using SSH from the Google Cloud Console. Simply navigate to the Compute Engine section, find your virtual machine instance, and click on the SSH button to open a terminal window in your browser.

Can I use a different database with Moodle besides MySQL?

Yes, Moodle supports both MySQL and MariaDB as database options. You can choose either one based on your preference, but ensure that it meets the required version compatibility for Moodle.

What is the first step in installing Moodle on Google Cloud?

The first step in installing Moodle on Google Cloud is to set up your Google Cloud server with Ubuntu Linux. After that, you need to install necessary software packages like Apache or Nginx, PHP, and a database server.

Are there any plugins available for Moodle installation?

Yes, Moodle offers a variety of plugins that can enhance its functionality. You can find these plugins in the Moodle plugins directory, which allows you to customize your online courses and improve the learning experience.

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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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