Guides

Updated 2026-10-30

These guides explain how to choose, set up, secure and run a VPS, with real commands for Ubuntu 24.04 and Debian 12. They work on any provider; where Wolkra has a shortcut, we say so.

For step-by-step help with the Wolkra console and API, see the docs instead.

Choosing a server

How to choose a VPS in Germany: a checklist for location, sizing, traffic terms, billing, IPv4 costs and growth.
Unmetered vs unlimited bandwidth: the difference between bandwidth and traffic, the common billing models and what fair use means.
Hourly vs monthly VPS billing: how monthly caps, prepaid balances and contracts change the bill, with worked examples.
GDPR hosting in Germany: what server location does and does not solve, processors, DPAs and a practical checklist.

Getting started on a new server

First steps on a new VPS: updates, a sudo user, hostname, time zone, swap and a firewall in about 15 minutes.
How to create and use SSH keys: Ed25519 keys on Linux, macOS and Windows, ssh-agent, a config file and key rotation.
How to secure an Ubuntu server: key-only SSH, UFW, Fail2ban, automatic updates, kernel settings and auditing.

Running apps

Deploy with Docker Compose: install Docker, write a compose.yaml with a database and HTTPS, and update safely.
WordPress on a VPS: Caddy, PHP-FPM, MariaDB and WP-CLI, plus caching, cron and backups.
Caddy as a reverse proxy: automatic HTTPS, several apps on one server, password protection and load balancing.
WireGuard VPN server: your own VPN with a German exit, client configs and QR codes for phones.

Keeping data safe

A backup strategy for your VPS: the 3-2-1 rule, server backups and snapshots, database dumps, restic offsite copies and restore tests.

Shortcuts on Wolkra

Several guides have a one-click alternative. When you create a cloud server you can choose an app image that is ready a few minutes after boot:

Docker CE with Compose
WordPress with Caddy, PHP, MariaDB and WP-CLI
WireGuard VPN

See all one-click apps. The guides remain useful afterwards, because they explain how the pieces fit together when you need to change or fix something.

Example values

Commands use example addresses from the documentation ranges, such as 203.0.113.10 for a public server, 198.51.100.0/24 for your own network and 10.0.0.0/24 for a private network, plus example.com for domains. Replace them with your own values.

Frequently asked questions

Do the guides only work on Wolkra?

No. The commands are standard Ubuntu 24.04 and Debian 12 and work on any VPS. Where Wolkra has a shortcut, such as a one-click app or a cloud firewall, the guide mentions it.

Which guide should I read first?

Start with first steps on a new VPS and SSH keys, then secure an Ubuntu server. After that, pick the guide for what you want to run.

Which Linux version do the guides use?

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and Debian 12. Differences between the two are pointed out where they matter.

Where are the instructions for the Wolkra console?

In the docs. Guides teach general server skills; the docs explain how to do things in the Wolkra console and API.