How to host NodeBB on Vultr Server - ServerAvatar

NodeBB is an open-source forum software designed to enhance community engagement with its advanced features and modern architecture. It simplifies the process of building and managing online communities with its user-friendly interface and modular framework. NodeBB offers powerful tools for discussion management, user interaction, and content organization, allowing administrators to create dynamic and engaging forums efficiently. Vultr is a dependable hosting option for Nodebb, providing scalable infrastructure and simple deployment solutions. ServerAvatar makes it easy and user-friendly to deploy the Nodebb on the Vultr platform.

Create a Cloud Instance in Vultr

To create a server in Vultr, follow the below given steps. If you want to learn How to use Vultr to manage your infrastructure in Vultr, You can refer to our Vultr cloud guide.

Step 1: Go to the Instance Creation Page

Vultr provides different types of cloud instances. From the server creation page, you can create cloud instances such as Regular VMs, Dedicated, Bare Metal, Cloud GPUs, and some managed services.

To access the server creation page, log in to your Vultr account and click on the Deploy New Server option from the + button given on the dashboard.

Step 2: Choose the Server

You can create 4 different types of cloud instances which includes Optimised Cloud Compute, Cloud Compute, Cloud GPU, and Bare Metal. Select the one that fits your requirements.

Step 3: Choose Server Type

Based on your selection of the server in the second step, You will have to select a specific type of server. If you have selected the Optimised Cloud Compute instance, You will see the options like this as shown in the image below:

Step 4: Select Server Location

Location is a very important option. Make sure to select a server location closest to your major traffic source demographically. You can select locations in 5 different continents.

Step 5: Select Server Image

In simple terms, a Server image is an operating system running on the server. So here, You have to select an OS for your server.

If you are managing your servers with ServerAvatar, Select Ubuntu 20.04 or Ubuntu 22.04.

Step 6: Select Server Size

Here, Select a server size according to your requirements. The minimum requirements for hosting NodeBB are at least 2GB of RAM for better performance and a minimum of 20GB of free disk space is recommended, depending on your data storage needs and log files. The exact amount will depend on your usage and data storage needs.

If you are just getting started with the project, You can start with a small configuration and then upgrade it according to future requirements.

Step 7: Add Auto Backups and Additional Features

We recommend you to enable auto backups for important websites or apps. If you are creating a temporary server, You can skip the auto backups.

In addition to this feature, You can enable DDOS Protection and other options according to your requirements.

Do not enable the "No Public IPv4 Address" option. It will create the server without IPv4, which is impossible to connect with ServerAvatar.

Step 8: Select an SSH Key

If you use an SSH key to authenticate with the server, Select an SSH key in this section. If you haven't uploaded your key yet, You can do it by clicking on the Add New option.

SSH key is not mandatory. If you don’t want to use SSH keys, Ignore this option. You can still connect to your server by using the password.

Step 9: Firewall Group

If you are using the Vultr firewall, You can select the firewall group from here.

If you do not have the 43210 port enabled in your firewall group, you need to configure it to connect a server with ServerAvatar.

Step 10: Server Hostname and Label

In this step, you have to choose the hostname and the label for the server. You can set the same hostname and label. They are used for identification purposes only.

Step 11: Deploy Now!

Finally, click on the Deploy Now button to create a server. It might take a minute or two to fully boot up your server. Once it is ready, You will see it in the Products section in Vultr.

Initial Server Configuration

The Initial server configuration includes the installation and configuration of various packages required to host your website. Usually, You have to write commands and modify configuration files. Luckily, With ServerAvatar, Your full server configuration and optimization can be automated.

Here are the three ways to automatically configure your server with ServerAvatar.

wget https://srvr.so/install
chmod +x install
./install

Install and Setup NodeBB on Cloud using ServerAvatar

Getting Started With NodeBB:

NodeBB is a next-generation discussion platform that leverages web sockets for instant interactions and real-time notifications. It includes many modern features such as social network integration, streaming discussions, a full REST API, and a plugin framework for extensive third-party extensibility. As an open-source project, NodeBB can be forked on GitHub.

Requirements:

• Node.js

Let's begin by creating the application.

Step 1: Create a NodeBB application

• Log in to your ServerAvatar account and navigate to the Application tab from the server panel. click on the Create button.

• On the following screen, fill in the Application details, including:

  • Application Name: Enter your Application Name.
  • Select Domain: Select between a Test Domain or a Primary Domain as per your requirements.
  • Enter Domain: Enter your Application Domain.
  • Method: Select One Click as your application method.
  • Select Application: Select NodeBB as an Application.
  • Username: Enter your application Username.
  • Email: Enter your user Email id.
  • Password: Enter the Password for your application.

• After Filling up the details, click on the Create Application button.

Step 2: Access NodeBB

• Once the NodeBB Application is created, click on the domain link of your NodeBB application.

• The NodeBB interface will open, showing that the installation and setup have been completed successfully.

  • Enter your Username and Password.
  • Click the Login button.

• Congratulations! You've successfully set up a fully functional NodeBB application using ServerAvatar. Enjoy exploring the robust features.