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avatarHarendra

Summary

The author describes how they have been utilizing a free Linux server from Oracle Cloud for over four years, which includes substantial resources such as 24 GB RAM, 4 CPUs, and 200 GB storage.

Abstract

The article outlines the author's experience with a lifetime free server provided by Oracle Cloud. This server, equipped with Ubuntu 20, offers impressive specifications including 24 GB RAM, 4 CPUs, and 200 GB storage. The author emphasizes the need for developers to have cloud services for hosting backends and points out the limitations of other BaaS offerings. The discovery of Oracle Cloud's free service, which does not impose any restrictions, has led to the author's continuous use of this resource for over four years without incurring any costs. The author provides a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for Oracle Cloud, create a free instance, and set up an always-free server, including the use of SSH for secure access. A detailed video guide is also offered for those who wish to follow along visually.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that Oracle Cloud's free server offering is a valuable resource for developers seeking to host backends without the limitations of other cloud services.
  • The author expresses satisfaction with the Oracle Cloud service, highlighting its "lifetime free" aspect and the high-quality specifications available at no cost.
  • There is an implicit endorsement of Oracle Cloud's free tier as a reliable and cost-effective solution for developers, based on the author's personal long-term use.
  • The provision of a comprehensive guide and a video tutorial indicates the author's belief in the importance of accessible and user-friendly resources for the developer community.
  • The author encourages reader engagement and feedback through social media platforms, indicating a desire for community interaction and support for their content.

How I Am Using a Lifetime 100% Free Server

Get a server with 24 GB RAM + 4 CPU + 200 GB + Always Free

As developers, we need to run and host the backends on cloud services. Many BaaS (backend as a service) are available, but they have some restrictions.

What if I say I have been using the Linux-based server for free for more than 4–5 years? Yes, you heard it right. I am using this Linux server with Ubuntu 20 installed, 24 GB RAM, 4 CPUs, and 200 GB storage for a lifetime free.

How I Am Using a Lifetime 100% Free Server

Approximately four years ago, I was looking for some free cloud services; hence, my AWS and GCP trial expired. During the search, I found that Oracle Cloud provides lifetime free servers without any restrictions. So, I signed up for Oracle Cloud and started using it, and since today, which is approximately four to five years ago, I have been using it absolutely free.

oracle.com/in/cloud/free/

Here I came up with the full guide to getting started with Oracle Cloud

The first thing we need to create the Oracle Cloud account, for that you require your working email and credit card.

  • https://signup.oraclecloud.com/
  • Fill out the signup form correctly.
  • Verify your email
  • Provide the valid details along with payment details (You will not be charged) and finish the signup process.
signup.oraclecloud.com/

Create free instance

Once you complete the signup process you have to log into your Oracle Cloud account using the recently created identity. Once you successfully log in you will see the Oracle Dashboard, you have to choose compute > instances.

Then click on the Create instance button —

On the next screen, you have to choose the always free tagged resources only. For example, if you want to use Ubuntu then you have to edit the image and shape, and select the Ubuntu image tagged always free —

In the next step, download the public and private keys that are required to connect with your server via SSH.

Then arrach the boot volume up to 200GB and click on the create button,

It will take some time and you will be ready to use your always-free instance.

SSH into your Server

You can log in to your server via the keys that you have downloaded in previous steps while creating the new instance. Use the following command to —

ssh -i path/to/server.key ubuntu@your-public-ip

Here is the detailed video guide to set up your Oracle server —

Thank you for taking the time to read this article! If you found it helpful, a clap 👏 would be greatly appreciated — it motivates me to continue writing more. If you want to learn more about open-source and full-stack development, follow me on Twitter (X) and Medium.

Cloud Computing
Servers
Programming
Software Development
DevOps
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