What is RunCloud?
RunCloud is a cloud-based server management platform that simplifies the deployment and management of PHP applications. It provides a web-based interface for managing multiple servers and applications, automatic SSL certificate installation, one-click backups, and monitoring tools. Think of it as a middle ground between shared hosting and managing bare metal servers.
RunCloud Features
- • User-friendly web interface
- • Multiple PHP versions support
- • Automatic SSL certificates
- • One-click backups
- • Server monitoring tools
- • Git deployment
- • Database management
RamNode Benefits
- • High-performance VPS hosting
- • Excellent network connectivity
- • Competitive pricing
- • SSD storage
- • Generous bandwidth allocations
- • Strategic data center locations
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure you have:
Server Requirements
- • RamNode VPS account with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
- • Root access to your VPS
- • A domain name pointing to your VPS IP address
- • SSH client (Terminal on macOS/Linux, PuTTY on Windows)
Account Requirements
- • A RunCloud account (free plan available for one server)
- • Basic knowledge of server management
- • Understanding of DNS configuration
- • Familiarity with web applications
Setting Up Your RamNode VPS
First, let's prepare your RamNode VPS for RunCloud integration:
ssh root@your-server-ipapt update && apt upgrade -yapt install curl wget unzip -y💡 Tip: Replace "your-server-ip" with your actual RamNode VPS IP address. Make sure your server has at least 1GB RAM for optimal RunCloud performance.
Create RunCloud Account
Set up your RunCloud account to manage your servers:
Account Setup Steps:
- 1. Go to RunCloud.io
- 2. Click "Sign Up" and create your account
- 3. Verify your email address
- 4. Choose your plan (free plan includes 1 server)
- 5. Complete your profile setup
🆓 Free Plan: RunCloud offers a free plan that allows you to manage one server, which is perfect for getting started with your RamNode VPS.
Connect Server to RunCloud
Connect your RamNode VPS to RunCloud for management:
Server Connection Process:
- 1. Log in to your RunCloud dashboard
- 2. Click "Connect Server" or "Add Server"
- 3. Enter your server details:
- • Server Name: Your choice (e.g., "RamNode-Production")
- • Server IP: Your RamNode VPS IP address
- • Server Provider: Select "Other" or "Custom"
- 4. Choose server configuration:
- • Web Server: Nginx (recommended)
- • Database: MySQL or MariaDB
- • PHP Version: Latest stable version
- 5. Click "Connect Server"
RunCloud will provide you with a connection command. Execute it on your server:
curl -s https://manage.runcloud.io/runcloud-server-installer | sudo bash -s -- --server-key="your-server-key-here"⏱️ Installation Time: The RunCloud agent installation typically takes 5-10 minutes. Monitor the progress in both your terminal and RunCloud dashboard.
Initial Server Configuration
Configure your server settings through the RunCloud dashboard:
🌐 Dashboard Access: Access your RunCloud dashboard at https://manage.runcloud.io to configure all server settings.
Initial Configuration Tasks:
- 1. Server Status: Verify your server shows as "Connected" in RunCloud
- 2. PHP Settings: Configure PHP versions and extensions
- 3. Security: Set up firewall rules and fail2ban
- 4. Time Zone: Configure server time zone
- 5. Monitoring: Enable server monitoring and alerts
Create Your First Web Application
Deploy your first web application using RunCloud:
Web App Creation Process:
- 1. Go to "Web Applications" in RunCloud dashboard
- 2. Click "Create Web Application"
- 3. Configure application settings:
- • App Name: Your choice (e.g., "my-website")
- • Domain: Your domain name
- • Public Path: /public (for Laravel) or /public_html
- • PHP Version: Latest stable
- • Web Application Type: Generic PHP or specific framework
- 4. Click "Create Web Application"
Configure Domain and SSL
Set up your domain and enable SSL certificates:
Domain Configuration:
- 1. Update your domain's DNS records:
- • A Record: yourdomain.com → your-server-ip
- • A Record: www.yourdomain.com → your-server-ip
- 2. In RunCloud, go to your web application
- 3. Navigate to "Domain Management"
- 4. Add additional domains if needed (www version)
- 5. Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours)
SSL Certificate Setup:
- 1. Go to your web application → SSL/TLS
- 2. Click "Install Let's Encrypt Certificate"
- 3. Select domains to include in certificate
- 4. Enable "Force HTTPS Redirect"
- 5. Enable automatic renewal
🔒 Free SSL: RunCloud provides free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates with automatic renewal, ensuring your site is always secure.
Database Management
Create and manage databases for your applications:
Creating a Database:
- 1. Go to "Database" in RunCloud dashboard
- 2. Click "Create Database"
- 3. Configure database settings:
- • Database Name: Your choice
- • Database User: Create new user
- • Password: Use strong password
- • Collation: utf8mb4_unicode_ci (recommended)
- 4. Click "Create Database"
File Management
Manage your application files through RunCloud:
File Manager Features
- • Built-in web-based file manager
- • Upload and download files
- • Edit files directly in browser
- • Set file permissions
- • Create and extract archives
Git Integration
- • Connect Git repositories
- • Automated deployments
- • Branch management
- • Deployment hooks
- • Version control integration
Git Deployment Setup:
- 1. Go to your web application → Git
- 2. Click "Connect Repository"
- 3. Add your Git repository URL
- 4. Configure deployment settings:
- • Branch: main or master
- • Deployment Path: /public_html
- • Auto Deploy: Enable for automatic deployments
- 5. Add deployment hooks if needed
Monitoring and Performance
Monitor your server and applications with RunCloud's built-in tools:
Server Monitoring
- • CPU and memory usage
- • Disk space monitoring
- • Network traffic analysis
- • Load average tracking
- • Process monitoring
- • Real-time alerts
Application Monitoring
- • Website uptime monitoring
- • Response time tracking
- • Error log monitoring
- • PHP performance metrics
- • Database query analysis
- • Custom alert rules
Setting Up Monitoring:
- 1. Go to Server → Monitoring
- 2. Enable system monitoring
- 3. Configure alert thresholds
- 4. Set up notification preferences (email, Slack)
- 5. Enable uptime monitoring for your websites
Backup Management
Set up automated backups for your applications and databases:
Backup Configuration:
- 1. Go to your web application → Backup
- 2. Click "Create Backup Job"
- 3. Configure backup settings:
- • Backup Type: Files, Database, or Both
- • Schedule: Daily, Weekly, or Monthly
- • Retention: Number of backups to keep
- • Storage: Local or remote storage
- 4. Enable backup notifications
- 5. Test backup and restore functionality
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Best Practices and Security
Security Best Practices
- • Keep RunCloud agent updated
- • Use strong passwords for all accounts
- • Enable two-factor authentication
- • Regular security audits
- • Monitor access logs
- • Use HTTPS for all applications
- • Regular backup testing
Performance Optimization
- • Enable PHP OPcache
- • Configure proper caching
- • Optimize database queries
- • Use CDN for static assets
- • Monitor resource usage
- • Regular server maintenance
- • Keep applications updated
🎉 Congratulations! You now have a fully functional RunCloud setup on your RamNode VPS. You can manage multiple applications, databases, SSL certificates, and monitoring—all through an intuitive web interface that simplifies server management while maintaining full control over your hosting environment.