Without a functioning operating system, your computer, mobile phone and tablet are just mechanical hardware pieces that have no method of communicating with you or the outside world. Your virtual private server is no different! Just like your physical devices, your VPS is essentially a machine, though virtual, that requires a medium to communicate with the user.
Whether you are a business owner, designer or a trader, there is a wide variety of operating systems to choose from that suit your needs. Clear OS is a popular option amongst many, considering its security features, customizability and low price tag.
However, installing Clear OS on your VPS may be a complicated process to someone who has no advanced knowledge about software and computers, creating a gap between the average user and the great operating system.
Regardless of your level of expertise, this guide will help you turn the installation of Clear OS on your VPS into a breeze.
Download and Preparation
When installing on a virtual machine, minimum system requirements include:
· 64 bit processor
· 1GB RAM
· 5GB Hard disk (10GB recommended)
· Ethernet/Cable/DSL network
A recommended ClearOS VPS hosting provider that supports the installation of ClearOS with all required components is RouterHosting VPS.
If your VPS of choice passes the system requirement check, what lies in wait next is the download. You could download the latest version of ClearOS from:
Note that ClearOS 7 available on the download page installs all versions of ClearOS, irrespective of your version you specifically need. You could opt for ClearOS business, home or community later in the installation wizard upon downloading the iso file.
Once you are through with the download, there is one last step before you proceed with the installation process; you need to verify the integrity of your download. Now, do not worry if this sounds like a complex and knowledge demanding step, it is actually quite simple!
In order to have a bugfree ClearOS system, you could verify the integrity of your downloaded file by checking the SHA1 sum of the file. SHA1 is simply a mathematical representation of the whole ISO file you just downloaded. You can have a glance at the SHA1 sum for your download using the following link:
Installation
Once you have knocked the download process out of the park, the next step on the list is configuring the installation process. Assuming that your Virtual machine is capable of running ClearOS or that you are using RouterHosting VPS, you should be able to get ClearOS running smoothly on your VPS after clearing this step.
It is important to maintain a functioning network connection throughout the installation, since you are installing on a remote VPS.
1.The booting process
You do not require a USB or a DVD since most virtual machines can boot directly from the ISO image file. For information on how to boot from the ISO file, refer to the instruction manual provided by your VPS hosting provider.
Upon booting, you will go through a fully automated hardware check, which will be over quickly. You should be able to see an installer screen with a couple of options to either install ClearOS or to troubleshoot. The troubleshooting option will come in handy if you are having difficulties with the graphics of the installation.
Installation wizard
Now you have reached the main portion of the procedure; going through the installation wizard. To navigate around the installation wizard, you could utilize your mouse or use the following keys on your keyboard:
· Tab – navigate from one field to another
· Arrow keys – navigate through the options within a field
· Enter – select the highlighted option
2.Setting up Language, localization, software and system
In the installation wizard, you should see a menu of all different available languages. Choose the language that is convenient to you before selecting continue.
You should now find yourself in a page with the titles: Localization, Software and System.
Selecting the installation destination, you should be brought to a page that shows your virtual machine as an option. Upon selecting your virtual machine you wish to run ClearOS on, navigate to “Done” on the top left of the page.
Optional:
· You could select your region from “date and time” before proceeding.
· You could select “installation source”, which, by default, is the downloaded package that got you this far in the installation. You shouldn’t tamper with this option unless you have got an advanced knowledge of what youre doing or if you are a developer in which case, this guide shouldn’t be useful to you.
· You could select “software selection”. This option is quite useless since by default, ClearOS performs a minimal install, installing only but all the essential components for the operating system to function.
3.Setting up Network and Host name
The next step is to set up your network configuration by selecting “Network & Host name”
You should be brought to a page that shows a list of connections available. Upon selecting your desired hostname, set the toggle switch to “on”. Then select “configure” on the bottom right of the installation wizard.
A new window should appear with all the tabs you require to configure your network. You could set static addresses and DNS servers under IPV4 and IPV6 tabs and make other necessary changes. Once you’re done, hit the “save” button on the bottom right, which should close the window.
4.Beginning installation
Now you’re finally ready to install ClearOS! Select the “begin installation” button on the bottom right of the window to start the installation process. You will be asked to provide a password for the root account.Provide a strong password and retype it in the space below to confirm. Your password couldn’t contain any of the following characters: | ; *
5.Configuration and registration
Once the installation process is over, you will be asked to reboot your system. Upon rebooting, your installation process is over and you will be taken to a screen showing network configuration options. If you need to make any changes, you could click on the link provided in step.2 of the page. It is unlikely you would have to, if you have followed this guide correctly.
The next step is to register your ClearOS. You will be asked to provide the root username and password you created during the installation process.
You will be taken through a few pages that will ask you to select the network mode that suits you and the desired edition of ClearOS that you need on your system. The three editions available are:
· Business Edition
· Home Edition
· Community Edition
Once you have chosen your desired edition, you will be asked to register your system. At the bottom you should see a button “create account”. Use it to create a ClearCenter Account which you will need for the registration process.
After creating the account, you will be taken back to the registration page. Fill in the blanks and choose the type and environment from the dropdown lists. Now select the “Register System” Button at the bottom.
6.Software update and marketplace
Upon having completed the registration process, you will be taken to a software update page. It is recommended that you select the “update all” button and wait out the update for better system security and stability.
You will now be taken to the marketplace where you could select and install the apps and modules that you desire. You could always revisit the marketplace later to install new apps on your system.
After going through the marketplace tasks, you will now reach the Dashboard configuration. You will be presented with two options, to either use default settings or to configure it yourself. Select your desired option.
7.Congratulations!
You now have a ClearOS VPS to use!. You can exit the wizard and enjoy your new operating system.
To wind up
Clear OS is a great open source operating system for any VPS hosting. Buying a VPS should not be hard. That’s why you can even buy a VPS with a credit card these days!
We believe the clearOS installation is clear as it can be!
