Setting up a server from scratch (zero)

Question

Hi, I’m a freshman girl and I like to ride my own server. I’ve been reading a lot these days, and I’ve chosen to install nginx instead of apache, mysql, php and git instead of ftp. I would also like to have an email service, will use iredmail.

I have already installed Git. What I want to do with git?. I tell you, I use netbeans for my php (maybe not the best, but I will well and I like it), when I’m making a website is synchronized with github (I give commit and push and I step on the platform). That’s what I want that but on my server. When I finished making a page (for example nav.php) netbeans I commit to you and push and already have it on my hosted server, and people can see that change.

I installed the application iredmail I from my website I can see my email but I can not send or receive messages. Will you be able to explain to me how to do it?

For nginx, mysql and php I have read that there are “tricks” to go faster, “tricks” on safety tips that should make my web site is safer and faster.

And finally, what do you prefer ubuntu server 14.04 or debian 7.0 ?

Thank you for your attention.

Andrew SB · Answer

Hi!

I’d suggest taking a look around our tutorial section. We have articles covering all sorts of server related topics. For instance, here’s one that should point you in the right direction for setting up git to deploy your website:

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-set-up-automatic-deployment-with-git-with-a-vps

There’s also an article on setting up iRedMail on Ubuntu:

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-install-iredmail-on-ubuntu-12-04-x64

And one on optimizing you Nginx configuration:

https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-optimize-nginx-configuration

For more specific questions, it’s usually better to open a new question for each topic.

Let us know how it goes!

Question

Setting up a server from scratch (zero)