To get started with Google Cloud Platform, create a personal account on their website. You’ll need to provide your credit card details, but the 12-month trial only costs one rupee. After the trial, you’ll be charged based on your usage.
Once your account is set up, you’ll access the Google Cloud Platform dashboard to manage your server.
Step 1: Create a Virtual Machine Instance
Navigate to Home > Compute Engine > VM Instance and select Create Compute Engine VM Instance. Compute Engine allows you to utilize virtual machines running on Google’s infrastructure. You can create small or large instances using various operating systems like Debian, Windows, and more.
You’ll be directed to the VM Instance interface. Here, you’ll create an instance by giving it a name and choosing its region and zone.
Step 2: Machine Type
Customize your instance by selecting the desired number of cores, memory, and GPUs. Make sure to select at least 2vCPUs.
Step 3: Select Boot Disk
Choose your preferred operating system, such as Debian, Ubuntu, or any other Linux distribution.
Step 4: Identity and API Access
You can skip this step.
Step 5: Access Scopes
Choose “Allow default access”.
Step 6: Firewall
Configure firewall rules to permit specific network traffic from the internet. Enable both Allow HTTP traffic and Allow HTTPS traffic options before clicking the “Create” button. Your instance is now ready.
Find your server’s IP address under External IP in the instance details.
Step 7: Connect to Server
Connect to your Google Cloud server by clicking “Connect” next to the External IP. A new window will appear, confirming the server connection.
After approximately 40 seconds, you’ll be logged into the server as an instance user. To install Koha, you need to log in as the root user. Execute the command “sudo su” to switch to the root user.
Now you can proceed with installing either Koha or DSpace on your server.
Accessing Koha & DSpace on Google Cloud:
Koha:
http://35.240.165.72:8000 Staff Client
http://35.240.165.72:8001 OPAC
DSpace:
http://35.240.165.72:8080/jspui/ JSPUI
http://35.240.165.72:8080/xmlui/ XMLUI
Note: If Koha is inaccessible after installation (Your IP with port 8080), create a new firewall rule for that port:
- Navigate to Home > Networking > VPC network > Firewall rules
- Create Firewall Rule with these settings:
- Name: firewall-8080
- Targets: All instances in the network
- Source filter: IP ranges
- Source IP ranges: 0.0.0.0/0
- Protocols and ports: tcp: 8080
Click “Create”.
Alternative Cloud Hosting:
For a Debian/Ubuntu VPS, consider Upcloud. Plans start at $5 per month. Use the promo code “625SMX” for a $25 bonus, equivalent to 5 months free.
https://upcloud.com/signup/?promo=625SMX