> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docwrite.jooj.us/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# VPS or Dedicated Server

> A complete guide to installing the NexWrite - Medium-style blogging platform script on your VPS or dedicated server, including setup, license activation, and database configuration.

Welcome to the NexWrite - Medium-style blogging platform VPS Installation Guide. This step-by-step tutorial is designed to help you install and configure the script on a VPS or dedicated server.

<Note>
  This guide is for users with VPS or dedicated servers. If you are using a shared host or local environment, check the relevant installation guides.
</Note>

## Prerequisites

Ensure your server meets the [server requirements](/get-started/server-requirements). You will need:

* A clean VPS or dedicated server (Ubuntu 20.04+ recommended)
* Root or sudo access
* A domain name pointed to your server's IP
* Node.js (v18+), MongoDB (or MongoDB Atlas), and Nginx (recommended)

## Step 1: Prepare Your Server

1. **Connect via SSH:**

```bash theme={null}
ssh root@your-server-ip
```

2. **Install Node.js:**

```bash theme={null}
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
```

3. **Install MongoDB (optional if using Atlas):**

```bash theme={null}
sudo apt install -y mongodb
```

4. **Install PM2 process manager:**

```bash theme={null}
npm install -g pm2
```

5. **Install Nginx (optional, for HTTPS and proxying):**

```bash theme={null}
sudo apt install nginx
```

## Step 2: Upload, Extract & Install Dependencies

1. Upload your script files via SFTP or SCP:

```bash theme={null}
scp nexwrite-server-files.zip root@your-server-ip:/var/www/medium-clone
```

2. Extract the archive:

```bash theme={null}
cd /var/www/medium-clone
unzip nexwrite-server-files.zip
```

3. Install backend dependencies:

```bash theme={null}
npm install
```

4. Ensure the public files are accessible via domain:

```bash theme={null}
sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/yourdomain.com
```

Point root to:

```nginx theme={null}
root /var/www/medium-clone/public;
```

<Note>
  Restart Nginx after editing:

  ```bash theme={null}
  sudo systemctl restart nginx
  ```
</Note>

## Step 3: Installation via Web Wizard

Once files are uploaded and dependencies are installed, open your browser:

```txt theme={null}
https://yourdomain.com/install
```

<Steps>
  <Step title="License Activation">
    * Enter your license key.
    * If you don’t know it, go to [https://pay.jooj.us/](https://pay.jooj.us/) and log in with your purchase email.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Database Configuration">
    * Enter your MongoDB connection URI. You can use either:

    **A. MongoDB Atlas (cloud database)**

    Example:

    ```bash theme={null}
    mongodb+srv://<username>:<password>@<cluster>.mongodb.net/<database>?retryWrites=true&w=majority
    ```

    (Replace `<username>`, `<password>`, `<cluster>`, and `<database>` with your actual values.)

    If you are using MongoDB Atlas, you can find your connection string in your Atlas dashboard under **Database > Connect > Drivers**.

    **B. Self-hosted MongoDB on VPS (local MongoDB)**

    Example:

    ```bash theme={null}
    mongodb://<username>:<password>@<your-server-ip>:27017/<database>
    ```

    (Replace `<your-server-ip>` with your VPS IP address and `<database>` with your database name.)

    You will also be asked to enter a **JWT secret key**. You can either paste your own or click **Generate** to auto-generate one securely.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Admin">
    * Set your full name, email, username, and password for the administrator account.
    * Once saved, the server will restart automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 4: Running the Script

1. Ensure you're in the project directory:

```bash theme={null}
cd /var/www/medium-clone
```

2. Start the server using PM2:

```bash theme={null}
pm2 start server.js --name="medium-clone"
```

3. Enable auto-start on reboot:

```bash theme={null}
pm2 startup
pm2 save
```

Your project is now running in the background.

## Recommended VPS Providers

We suggest the following VPS providers for stable hosting:

* [DigitalOcean](https://m.do.co/c/084136521a6a) — Easy setup and \$200 in free credits
* [Vultr](https://www.vultr.com/?ref=9690154) — Great for small deployments
* [Hetzner](https://www.hetzner.com/) — Budget-friendly, powerful servers
* [Contabo](https://contabo.com) — Affordable and large storage
* [AWS EC2](https://aws.amazon.com/) — Enterprise-grade flexibility

<Note>
  For best results, choose a VPS with at least **2GB RAM and 1 vCPU**.
</Note>

## After Installation

* Your admin dashboard will be available at:

```txt theme={null}
https://yourdomain.com
```

* You can now log in using the admin credentials created during the installation.

<Tip>
  Make sure your SSL certificate is active. You can use [Let's Encrypt](https://letsencrypt.org/) or purchase one from your domain provider.
</Tip>

***

If you encounter issues, refer to the [Troubleshooting Guide](/get-started/installation/troubleshooting) or contact [support@jooj.us](mailto:support@jooj.us).