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Google Cloud VM Setup

Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up a Google Cloud Virtual Machine for Web Hosting

Google Cloud Virtual Machine Using Plesk
Google Cloud Virtual Machine Using Plesk


Google Cloud Virtual Machine Using Plesk

Introduction

Setting up a web hosting site has become more accessible than ever, thanks to cloud computing and user-friendly control panels like Plesk. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers a robust environment for hosting websites, and when combined with Plesk, it simplifies the management of your hosting environment.

In this guide, Ace Intl Media walks you through the process of setting up a web hosting site on a Google Cloud Virtual Machine using Plesk — with practical tips to ensure your hosting environment is secure, scalable, and reliable.

If you already manage hosting services with us, you can log in anytime via our Client Portal to monitor and manage your account.

Prerequisites for Setting Up Your Hosting Environment

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A Google Cloud Account (free or paid).

  • Basic SSH knowledge for connecting to your VM.

  • A Domain Name for your site (register or transfer domains via our services).

  • Billing information on Google Cloud.

Step 1: Creating a Virtual Machine on Google Cloud

  1. Log in to the Google Cloud Console.

  2. Navigate to Compute Engine → VM instances.

  3. Click Create VM Instance.

  4. Choose your machine type (e.g., f1-micro for small websites).

  5. Select a boot disk image (Ubuntu or CentOS recommended for Plesk).

  6. Assign a public IP address and configure firewall rules (HTTP & HTTPS).

  7. Click Create.

Step 2: Configuring Your Virtual Machine

  • Connect to your VM via SSH.

  • (Optional) Reserve a static IP address for your domain.

  • Update your system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 3: Installing Plesk on Your Virtual Machine

  1. Download the installer:

sudo wget https://autoinstall.plesk.com/one-click-installer
sudo chmod +x one-click-installer
sudo ./one-click-installer

  1. Access Plesk via your browser:
    http://your-server-ip:8880
    Log in with your root credentials.

Step 4: Configuring Plesk for Web Hosting

  • Complete the Plesk profile setup (name, email, password).

  • Configure server settings (hostname, timezone, IP).

  • Create hosting plans (starter, business, enterprise).

  • Add your domain or subdomain.

  • Update your DNS records to point to your Google Cloud IP.

Step 5: Setting Up Your Website

  • Upload site files via FileZilla or Plesk’s File Manager.

  • If needed, create databases under Databases in Plesk.

  • Secure your website with a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate.

Step 6: Securing Your Server

  • Enable a firewall to block unwanted access.

  • Change the default SSH port.

  • Disable root login; use a non-root user with sudo.

Step 7: Maintaining Your Server

  • Configure regular backups (local or remote).

  • Monitor resource usage via Plesk Monitoring or Google Cloud Monitoring.

  • Regularly update your OS, Plesk, and installed software.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can set up a robust, scalable, and secure web hosting environment on Google Cloud Virtual Machines using Plesk. This approach is perfect whether you’re hosting a personal blog, business website, or e-commerce platform.

For expert help, hosting packages, or managed services, visit Ace Intl Media.
Already a customer? Manage your hosting, domains, and invoices easily via our Client Portal.


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