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AppendixThe short version
- A Linux server: a small virtual private server (VPS) from any hosting provider, or a spare machine at home.
- About 10 minutes.
- Optionally, a domain name. You can start without one and add it later.
1. A server
A server is just a computer that stays on and is reachable from the internet. Most people rent a small virtual one (a VPS) from a hosting provider such as Hetzner, DigitalOcean or Linode. Any provider that gives you root access to a Linux machine works.
You do not need to install Docker yourself. The installer does it if it is missing.
The sizes above are a starting point, not a benchmarked minimum. Start small and resize the server later if you need to.
2. A domain name (optional)
A domain such asapps.example.com gives your apps real HTTPS addresses. It is not required to get started: Levelrail can give you a working address without any DNS setup, and you can attach your own domain later from Domains and ingress.
If you do have a domain, you will point an A record at your server’s IP address. The dashboard shows you exactly what to enter.
3. A way to reach the server
You will connect over SSH from your own computer. On macOS and Linux that is thessh command in a terminal. On Windows, use PowerShell or Windows Terminal. Your hosting provider shows the command, usually ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP.
What happens next
1
Install
Run the install command on the server. See Install on a server.
2
Sign in
Open the dashboard in your browser and use the one-time setup token the installer prints.
3
Deploy your first app
Follow the quickstart to run something real in about ten minutes.
Good to know
- Levelrail is one program plus Docker. There is no cluster to build or learn.
- Your apps and data stay on your server. Nothing is sent to a hosted service.
- If a step fails, the troubleshooting guide covers the common causes.