This Guide includes the Vultr Setup Process. If you know how to create and deploy Linux VPS servers, skip this by viewing the Official Guide Below:

Part 1: Linux Server Deployment (Hot Wallet)

Deploy a Linux Ubuntu 18.04 virtual private server (VPS) that will function as a masternode. This part is called the “hot wallet” — meaning it must stay online & process transactions 24/7. You’ll be using a web-based hosting service to run this VPS.

Step 1: Create an account with Vultr

Vultr is a global cloud server hosting platform that has many options for server hosting. They offer a variety of options for operating system, memory, storage capacity, and server location. There are other options for hosting, such as AWS, DigitalOcean or ZapHosting, but I have found Vultr to have the best user experience, it is affordable, and it’s reliable.

First, create an account on Vultr. (use my ref link: https://www.vultr.com/?ref=7409067) You’ll need to put in payment information, but you won’t actually be charged until you deploy a server. The servers have a monthly fee which is very clear, as you will see when you deploy your first server. Most masternodes require a server that costs $5/month. After finishing the registration process, click “Servers” or the Vultr logo in the top left to reach your Servers Dashboard.

Vultr Servers Dashboard

Step 2: Deploy a Linux Ubuntu 18.04 VPS

To add a new server, click the blue circle with the “+” icon in the top right corner of the Servers Dashboard. This will take you to the Deploy Servers page.

Deploy Servers Page. Select these settings.

You can select any Server Location you want. For Server Type select Ubuntu 18.04 x64. A Server Size of 25 GB SSD ($5/mo) can easily support 3–5 masternodes. The smallest server ($2.50/mo) will work, but Vultr limits you to 2 of these servers. Look at the graphic above for the correct settings. Leave all other settings as default. Click Deploy Now when you are ready.

New Linux VPS

You will be directed back to the Servers Dashboard. Wait a minute or two for it to boot, and then click your Server Name (currently “Cloud Instance”) to access your Server Information page. On the right side, you can click to set your Server Name (Label:). Set the Label to “BITG MN1” or similar. Keep the Server Information page open, you’ll need it to set up your server.

Vultr Server Information Page

Step 3: Use SSH To Connect To Your Linux VPS

In this step, we’ll need to use an SSH client to connect to the Linux VPS. For Windows users, this will require an application to allow us to interact with the terminal. Mac users already have “Terminal”.

Mac users, skip this section.

WINDOWS USERS:

You will need to download PuTTY. Download and install PuTTY, and then just enter your server IP (from Vultr). Click Open to start a connection.

PuTTY Configuration

When the terminal window opens, login as “root” and paste your password from Vultr. NOTE: The terminal Window does not show typing input for passwords! Just paste and press enter.

SSH with PuTTY

Windows users, skip this next section.

MAC USERS:

Mac users already have an application called Terminal that you can use as an SSH client. Simply open the “Terminal” application, and enter the following command to connect to your VPS:

ssh root@IP_ADDRESS

Your IP_ADDRESS is found on your Vultr Server Information page. Press enter and type “yes” to connect. Here’s what my terminal Window looks like when I connect:

Mac Terminal — Type “yes” to continue connecting

Next, paste your password from Vultr. NOTE: The terminal window does not show typing input for passwords! Just paste and press enter.

After entering your password, you’ll see an input line like below. You are now connected to your Linux VPS.

root@vultr:~#

Leave this ssh session open in the VPS while you start the Masternode Setup Guide.