In this tutorial I will demonstrate how to setup a Rackspace Cloud Server instance. The intended use of this sever is to host a low traffic WordPress website. All settings and configuration detailed in this tutorial are tailored for a 256MB Rackspace Cloud Server slice.
Step 1 : Create a new Rackspace account
You will need to register with Rackspace and provide your credit card details. You will be charged only when you use the products and services offered by Rackspace. Rackspace will call you to verify the account sign-up.
Step 2 : Add new server
Once your Rackspace account is setup, you can log into the control panel. Along the left menu, click on Hosting > Cloud Servers. Click on the Add Server button to launch the Add Server window.
Step 3 : Server image / Linux image
You will be asked to choose the a Linux distribution. I prefer Debian Squeeze as it uses very little memory (remember we are going to be working with just 256MB of RAM).
Step 4 : Server Configuration
Key in the server name. This is how you will identify your server within the Rackspace control panel. The server name can be changed later, if you wish to do so. Choose a server size of 256MB (10GB Disk Space). This will cost you £0.01 per hour. The monthly (744 hours) cost would come to £7.44 plus VAT (approximate). Press the Create Server button to launch the server. The server’s password will be flashed on the screen and also sent to you via email.
Step 5 : Server active
You will see the live status as the server builds. The new server instance should be active in less than a minute. The IP address of the server will be displayed on the page and also sent to you via email. You can connect to the server through SSH. You can also access the server using the Console (web based). If you wish to retain the IP address, but restore the factory image of the server, you can use the Rebuild button. The Resize button will allow you to scale the memory (RAM) of the server.
That’s your Rackspace Cloud Server ready now!