A novice’s step by step specific process for installing Discourse. From choosing a right server to configuring it, to SMTP, DNS & doing it all in the right order. Because of such a manual process with many branches with many options, I have many uncertainties & heard many setups go wrong when not do…

[image] Gid: Powerful, flexible, large / multiple server install: Advanced Docker install guide don’t even go near this right now. stick to the basics. get a domain name with a nameserver like namecheap. or since you have one you want to use already: [image] Gid: Not sure which I shoul…

How often would you think snapshots be taken? Once a month, with weekly backups/twice a week? Or is that overkill?

Personally, I’ve never used snapshots. (I think they are an extra-cost item, and I’m not certain of their usefulness when there’s a live database running.) The way I think about backup frequency, is how would I feel at the time I need to restore the backup? If I’d lost a month’s worth of member co…

Following negative experience with Contabo’s service, I’m considering an alternative VPS with OVHcloud. But if this ain suitable I’d have to settle with Contabo [Screenshot 2026-07-20 c] 1) If chosing distro with app, it shows only this limited option. Docker without Ubuntu as an option. So shoul…

I use OVHcloud with those exact specs to run my small forum and I use Debian and it works a treat

Huh! Nice to hear:) So far I’ve seen Ubuntu so much it felt like a requirement. The official guide also recommends it so I wonder if Debian could cause more difficulty for a rookie like me (in setups/modifications/latest updates/making things compatible)? Or is this a non issue

Don’t pick one with Docker preinstalled. Just go with standard Ubuntu or Debian, the script will do the rest. I strongly dislike Ubuntu and to be honest I’m not sure what the difference is with Debian (besides it being a lot more bloated) and why it’s recommended so strongly for Discourse over norm…

Thanks for clarifying, will I be ok if I [image] Gid: go with Distro only showing Ubuntu? Will this mean I can later install Docker or is this too complex for me? 1) Just cuz it didn’t come preinstalled won’t incur me extra cost/trouble managing it in the future too right Almost missed anot…

You really just need a barebones VPS. Nothing can be installed there and it will work fine: the installer takes care of most things. Also: [image] NateDhaliwal: No, cPanel is not needed.

Thanks for confirming. At any point if yall think having any of those apps (like agents & any panel) could be help me better I’ll consider it. And if OVHcloud’s few specs asked abt here are ok too I’ll be ordering their vps in several hours

Installing Discourse on a self hosted VPS. A process with FAQs

Product Support Self-hosting

merefield (Robert) July 20, 2026, 7:48pm 18

Make your life simple. Use Ubuntu.

Standard install takes 30 mins

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Installing Discourse on a self hosted VPS. A process with FAQs

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