Getting Started with Cloud Servers
- Getting Started with Cloud Servers
This article provides a foundational guide for setting up a server environment using cloud providers, geared towards users new to server administration and MediaWiki deployment. We will focus on general concepts applicable across providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure, but specific instructions will vary. This guide assumes a basic understanding of networking and the command line.
== Understanding Cloud Servers
Traditionally, servers were physical machines housed in dedicated data centers. Cloud servers, also known as Virtual Machines (VMs), offer a more flexible and scalable alternative. They are virtualized computing resources provided "as a service" over the internet. This allows you to provision and manage servers without the upfront costs and maintenance overhead of physical hardware.
=== Benefits of Cloud Servers
- **Scalability:** Easily increase or decrease resources (CPU, RAM, storage) as needed. See Resource Management for details.
- **Cost-Effectiveness:** Pay only for the resources you consume. Understand Cloud Cost Optimization.
- **Reliability:** Cloud providers offer redundant infrastructure and high availability. Review High Availability Architectures.
- **Accessibility:** Manage your servers from anywhere with an internet connection.
- **Flexibility:** Choose from a wide range of operating systems and software configurations.
== Choosing a Cloud Provider
Several major cloud providers dominate the market. Each offers a slightly different set of services and pricing models.
| Provider | Key Features | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Extensive service catalog, mature ecosystem, strong community support. AWS Documentation | Pay-as-you-go, reserved instances, spot instances. |
| Google Cloud Platform (GCP) | Leading in data analytics and machine learning, competitive pricing. GCP Documentation | Sustained use discounts, committed use discounts, preemptible VMs. |
| Microsoft Azure | Strong integration with Microsoft products, hybrid cloud capabilities. Azure Documentation | Pay-as-you-go, reserved VM instances. |
The best provider depends on your specific requirements. Consider factors like existing infrastructure, technical expertise, and budget. Always review provider documentation and compare pricing before making a decision.
== Server Configuration - A Basic Setup
This section outlines a common server configuration suitable for running MediaWiki. It's a starting point; you'll likely need to adjust these settings based on your expected traffic and resource demands.
=== Operating System
Linux is the preferred operating system for most server deployments due to its stability, security, and open-source nature. Common distributions include Ubuntu Server, Debian, and CentOS. For this guide, we'll assume Ubuntu Server 22.04. See Linux Server Hardening for security best practices.
=== Hardware Specifications
The following table provides recommended hardware specifications for a small to medium-sized MediaWiki installation.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended | Large Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 1 vCPU | 2 vCPUs | 4+ vCPUs |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB | 8+ GB |
| Storage | 20 GB SSD | 50 GB SSD | 100+ GB SSD |
SSD (Solid State Drive) storage is highly recommended for performance reasons.
=== Software Stack
- **Web Server:** Apache or Nginx – Nginx is often preferred for its performance. Nginx Configuration
- **Database:** MySQL or MariaDB – MariaDB is a popular open-source alternative to MySQL. Database Optimization
- **PHP:** Version 8.1 or higher, with the necessary extensions for MediaWiki. PHP Configuration
- **MediaWiki:** Version 1.40 or later. MediaWiki Installation
== Initial Server Setup
1. **Provision a Server:** Follow your cloud provider's instructions to create a new VM instance. 2. **Connect to the Server:** Use SSH (Secure Shell) to connect to your server. SSH Basics 3. **Update the System:** Run `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade` (for Ubuntu/Debian) to ensure your system is up-to-date. 4. **Install Web Server:** Install Nginx using `sudo apt install nginx`. 5. **Install Database:** Install MariaDB using `sudo apt install mariadb-server`. Secure the installation with `sudo mysql_secure_installation`. 6. **Install PHP:** Install PHP and required extensions using `sudo apt install php php-cli php-mysql php-gd php-curl php-mbstring php-xml php-zip`. 7. **Download MediaWiki:** Download the latest MediaWiki version from the official website: [1](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Download). 8. **Configure MediaWiki:** Follow the MediaWiki installation instructions to configure your wiki. MediaWiki Configuration
== Security Considerations
Server security is paramount. Implement the following measures:
- **Firewall:** Configure a firewall (e.g., UFW) to restrict access to necessary ports. Firewall Configuration
- **Regular Updates:** Keep your operating system and software packages up-to-date.
- **Strong Passwords:** Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
- **SSH Security:** Disable password authentication for SSH and use SSH keys instead.
- **Database Security:** Secure your database with strong passwords and appropriate permissions.
- **HTTPS:** Enable HTTPS to encrypt communication between your server and users. HTTPS Configuration
== Further Resources
Intel-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-6700K/7700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 512 GB | CPU Benchmark: 8046 |
| Core i7-8700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2x1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 13124 |
| Core i9-9900K Server | 128 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 49969 |
| Core i9-13900 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i9-13900 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Workstation | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2 NVMe SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4000 |
AMD-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3600 Server | 64 GB RAM, 2x480 GB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 17849 |
| Ryzen 7 7700 Server | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2x1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 35224 |
| Ryzen 9 5950X Server | 128 GB RAM, 2x4 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 46045 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X Server | 128 GB DDR5 ECC, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 63561 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/1TB) | 128 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/2TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/4TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/1TB) | 256 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/4TB) | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 9454P Server | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe |
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⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️