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VPS Installation with Cloud-Init

Introduction EDIS Global has recently transitioned from traditional .iso-based operating system installations to .qcow2 based installations using Cloud-Init for its Virtual Private Servers (VPS). This change affects most recent distributions supporting Cloud-Init. This article aims to explain what Cloud-Init is, the benefits of using Cloud-Init over .iso based installations, and how to utilize cloudinit_user_data for effective VPS management.

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What is Cloud-Init?

Cloud-Init is an industry standard for automated cloud instance initialization. It is used to configure a cloud instance (like a VPS) during its first boot while it is being created. Cloud-Init can perform tasks such as setting the hostname, adding users, and installing packages. It works by reading user data provided during the instance creation process and executing the specified configurations.

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Benefits of Cloud-Init vs .ISO Based OS Installations

  1. Automated Configuration: Cloud-Init automates the process of setting up a new VPS, reducing the need for manual configuration.
  2. Speed and Efficiency: Instances boot and become operational faster compared to .iso installations, enhancing efficiency.
  3. Customization: Allows for greater customization of the instance on its first boot, tailored to specific needs.
  4. Scalability: Easier to scale and manage multiple instances, as each can be configured identically or differently based on the provided user data.
  5. Cross-platform Compatibility: Supports a variety of operating systems, making it versatile for different environments.

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Understanding cloudinit_user_data

cloudinit_user_data is a powerful feature of Cloud-Init that allows users to provide custom configurations and scripts that the system will execute upon initialization. This data is in the format of #cloud-config, which is a YAML-based configuration file. Example Configuration Explanation: 
#cloud-config
set_hostname: YOUR_HOSTNAME
user: root
password: YOUR_ROOT_PASSWORD
disable_root: false
disable_root_opts: ""
ssh_pwauth: True
manage_etc_hosts: true
expire: False
runcmd:
  - chage -d 19000 root
  - [
      /usr/bin/sed,
      -i,
      -E,
      "s/disable_root:.*true/disable_root: false/i",
      /etc/cloud/cloud.cfg,
    ]
  - [
      /usr/bin/sed,
      -i,
      -E,
      "s/#PermitRootLogin.*/PermitRootLogin yes/i",
      /etc/ssh/sshd_config,
    ]
users:
  - default
power_state:
  delay: now
  mode: reboot
  message: Bye Bye
  timeout: 30
  condition: True
package_upgrade: true
set_hostname: Sets the hostname of the VPS. user and password: Configures the default user and password. disable_root: Determines whether the root account should be disabled ssh_pwauth: Enables SSH password authentication. manage_etc_hosts: Allows Cloud-Init to manage the /etc/hosts file. runcmd: Executes specified commands on first boot. In this example, it modifies root password expiry and SSH configurations. users: Defines additional users. power_state: Controls the power state of the instance after initialization, here set to reboot. package_upgrade: Ensures that all packages are upgraded on first boot.
Summary The shift to Cloud-Init and .qcow2 based installations marks a significant advancement in the way EDIS Global manages its VPS offerings. By leveraging Cloud-Init, users can enjoy faster deployment, increased automation, and more customized configurations, enhancing the overall user experience and efficiency.
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