How to Get a High-Powered Linux Server for Free, Forever |

What if you could run a high-powered Linux server absolutely free, forever? With no strings attached, it's possible to leverage a fully functional server with impressive specifications—including 24 GB of RAM, 4 CPUs, and 200 GB of storage—without ever paying a cent. This article will show you exactly how to set one up for yourself.

The Problem with Temporary Free Trials

Many developers have faced the moment when free trials for services like AWS or Google Cloud run out. After enjoying the benefits of a trial period, unexpected monthly fees can become a frustrating financial burden. In the search for a sustainable alternative, Oracle Cloud emerges as a remarkable solution.

A Truly Free, High-Powered Solution

Oracle offers what they call “Always Free” resources, which is far from a watered-down, barely-usable free tier. This is a genuine, permanent offer. Unlike free trials that expire, Oracle’s free tier is forever. It provides powerful specifications—24 GB of RAM, 4 CPUs, and 200 GB of storage—completely free of charge. These resources are more than sufficient for hosting a backend, running databases, or experimenting with resource-intensive projects. The service is reliable, has no hidden charges, and is perfect for developers seeking a stable environment without the financial commitment. It has proven dependable for personal projects, testing, and even some production-level tasks.

Getting Started with Oracle Cloud

To get started, head to signup.oraclecloud.com. You will need a working email address and a credit card for verification, but rest assured, you will not be charged. The process involves filling out a signup form, verifying your email, and providing your details. Oracle’s interface guides you through each step. Upon completion, you will gain access to your Oracle Cloud dashboard.

Creating Your Free Instance

From the dashboard, navigate to Compute and select Instances. Click the Create Instance button to begin configuring your server. The key is to always look for options marked as “Always Free.”

For the operating system, Ubuntu is a recommended choice due to its versatility, wide support, and ease of use. Adjust the image and shape settings to match the free-tier specifications. Before finalizing, you must download your SSH keys. These keys are essential for connecting to your server, so save them in a secure location. Finally, attach the boot volume, which can be as large as 200 GB, and click Create. The system will take a few minutes to provision the instance, and then your free server will be ready.

Accessing Your New Server

Accessing the server is straightforward using the SSH keys downloaded earlier. Open your terminal and use the following command:

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

Note: Replace path/to/server.key with the actual path to your private key file and your-public-ip with the server’s public IP address, which is available in your Oracle Cloud dashboard. After hitting enter, you will be logged into your server. It is now yours to command—install software, host applications, set up databases, or handle any other tasks your projects require.

Important Security Tips

If you encounter issues, such as trouble connecting via SSH, double-check that your keys are set up correctly and that you are using the correct IP address. For added security, consider taking these steps:

Enable a firewall: To control incoming and outgoing traffic.
Use security tools: Implement software like Fail2Ban to protect your server from unauthorized access.
Perform regular backups: This is a good practice to avoid losing important data.