# Arch Linux on a VPS

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- Server

From Wikipedia:Virtual private server:

  Virtual private server (VPS) is a term used by Internet hosting services to refer to a virtual machine. The term is used for emphasizing that the virtual machine, although running in software on the same physical computer as other customers' virtual machines, is in many respects functionally equivalent to a separate physical computer, is dedicated to the individual customer's needs, has the privacy of a separate physical computer, and can be configured to run server software.

This article discusses the use of Arch Linux on Virtual Private Servers, and includes some fixes and installation instructions specific to VPSes.

Warning:

- Since many container-based virtualization environments rely on older kernels, it may be impossible to keep an Arch Linux install up-to-date in such an environment. Linux 2.6.32, used by OpenVZ 6, is not supported by systemd since version 205 (and will not work with systemd-212 or higher). OpenVZ does sometimes backport newer kernel features into its kernel, but as of 2018-06-27, a fresh installation of Arch does not work on OpenVZ 6 kernel version 2.6.32-042stab131.1 . Arch can be installed on OpenVZ 7, with a minor workaround, as of OpenVZ 7 kernel version 3.10.0-693-21.1.vz7.48.2 .

## Official Arch Linux cloud image

Arch Linux provides a official cloud image as part of the arch-boxes project. The image comes with Cloud-init preinstalled and should work with most cloud providers.

The image can be downloaded from the mirrors under the `images` directory. Instructions for tested providers is listed below:

Provider | Locations | Note
--- | --- | ---
Digital Ocean | Global | Find the cloud image on a mirror, ex: https://mirror.pkgbuild.com/images/latest/Arch-Linux-x86_64-cloudimg-20210619.26314.qcow2 or check here for the latest link: https://mirror.pkgbuild.com/images/latest/ Add the image as a custom image by importing it Create a new VM from the custom image SSH to the VM: `ssh root@<ip>`
1. Hetzner Cloud | Nuremberg, Falkenstein (Germany), Helsinki (Finland) | Create a new VM with this user data:
       #cloud-config
       vendor_data: {'enabled': false}
The `vendor_data` from Hetzner overrides the `distro` and sets the default user to `root` without setting `disable_root: false`, meaning you can not login Boot the VM in rescue mode SSH to the VM and download the cloud image from a mirror, ex: `curl -O https://mirror.pkgbuild.com/images/v20210315.17387/Arch-Linux-x86_64-cloudimg-20210315.17387.qcow2` Write the image to the disk: `qemu-img convert -f qcow2 -O raw Arch-Linux-x86_64-cloudimg-20210315.17387.qcow2 /dev/sda` Reboot the VM SSH to the VM: `ssh arch@<ip>`
Proxmox | N/A | Create a new VM Select "Do not use any media" in OS section. Remove created hard disk from your VM after VM creation completes. Add the downloaded image to your VM using `qm importdisk`, ex: `qm importdisk 100 Arch-Linux-x86_64-cloudimg-20210315.17387.qcow2 local` Add a cloudinit drive and make your configurations in Cloud-Init section. Start the VM!

## Providers that offer Arch Linux

This article or section needs language, wiki syntax or style improvements. See Help:Style for reference.

Reason: Inconsistency, some language issues (Discuss in Talk:Arch Linux on a VPS#)
Warning: We cannot vouch for the honesty or quality of any provider. Please conduct due diligence before ordering.
Note: This list is for providers with a convenient Arch Linux template. Using Arch on other providers is possible but requires more work. Example methods include:

- Loading custom disc images (requires hardware virtualization such as in Xen or KVM),
  - Ex the official Arch cloud image
- Installing under chroot, for example with the help of the vps2arch script (it will download the latest iso; be particularly aware of the systemd 220/221 bug), or
- Following #Installing the latest Arch Linux on any OpenVZ container provider instructions, using rsync to synchronize Arch over the top of another distribution.

Provider | Archiso release | Virtualization | Locations | Notes
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1984hosting.com | 2016.x | Xen | Iceland (IS) | Hardware will provide any image you request, has Arch in default image list.
4smart.cz | 2013.08 | OpenVZ | Prague, CZ | (Czech language site only) when updating system make sure you use [tredaelli-systemd] in pacman.conf (see Unofficial user repositories
affinity.net.nz | 2013.08.01 | KVM | Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) | IRC channel is #affinity on ircs.kiwicon.org
Atlantic.Net | 2016.03.01 | KVM | NYC/SF/Toronto/Dallas/Orlando, US & Canada | 100% SSD 1-click Arch Linux, ready in 30 seconds. It is also easy to update Arch to the current version because the pre-provisioned Arch image is relatively current.
BuyVM | 2017.08.01 | KVM | Buffalo, (US-NY); Las Vegas, (US-NV); Luxembourg, Germany (DE) | Cannot select Arch at purchase. Once purchased, use Stallion control panel to install Arch manually from ISO.
CloudVIP | Latest | KVM | Brussels, Belgium | French site and support.
Coinshost | 2015.04 | Xen | Zurich, Switzerland | Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies accepted.
Cherry Host | Latest | KVM | Santee, US-CA | Must submit a support ticket to get Arch installed.
Contabo | Latest | KVM | Germany | Only place to get 500 GB for 7€ - Decent speed. Other cheaps plans add snapshots, which is useful if you VPS runs a rolling release distro.
DirectVPS | 2014.01.xx | OpenVZ | Amsterdam, NL; Rotterdam, NL | (Dutch language site only)
Edis | 2019.02.01 | vServer, KVM, OpenVZ | Multiple international locations. | Also offer dedicated server options as well as an "off-shore" location at the Isle of Man (IM). Requires mounting an Arch ISO for a full manual install.
Hetzner | 2020.06.01 | KVM | Nuremberg, DE; Falkenstein, DE; Helsinki, FI | You cannot choose Arch Linux directly on the order form. Order Ubuntu or something first, then go to ISO Images, mount Arch Linux, reboot server, and log in to web console to complete installation.
GigaTux | 2013.06.01 | Xen | Chicago, US-IL; Frankfurt, DE; London, GB; San Jose, US-CA | Currently, when changing to the US$ currency, the page breaks and it is not possible to provision a server.
Leapswitch Networks | 2013.10.xx | OpenVZ/KVM | USA, India, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine, Germany | Arch Linux currently available in Control Panel for reinstall, not on order form.
Linevast.de | Latest | OpenVZ, KVM | Germany | Arch Linux is possible on openvz and on KVM with the one click os installer.
Linode | Latest | KVM | Multiple US, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Singapore | Linode instances are configured to run Arch's kernel by default. Linode provides custom kernels which can be selected in the manager settings. There are also community-supported kernels in the AUR, such as linux-linodeAUR.
LYLIX | 2014.01.xx[dead link 2021-05-09 ⓘ] | OpenVZ | Multiple US; Europe | 32-bit and 64-bit available
Netcup | 2020.09.01 | KVM | Germany (DE) | German language: Netcup
MedHaHosting | Latest | KVM | Buffalo, NY, USA; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles, CA, USA | Arch Linux available on request. Many Linux and Windows hosting options.
MonoVM | Latest | VMware | USA - Canada - Netherlands - Germany - UK - France - Denmark | VMware Based VPS Server Provider.
OnePoundWebHosting | 2014.01 | Xen PV, Xen HVM | United Kingdom (UK) | They are a registrar too. Unable to verify server locations.
PacmanVPS | 2014.01 | KVM | Canada (CA), Poland (PL) | Arch image is very old and PacmanVPS repos are broken. Not possible to update Arch. Site appears unmaintained.
Proplay | Latest | OpenVZ, KVM | Germany (DE) | (German language site only)
Rackspace Cloud | 2013.6 | Xen | Multiple international locations[dead link 2020-12-19 ⓘ] | Billed per hour. Use their "next gen" VPSes (using the mycloud.rackspace.com panel); the Arch image on the first gen Rackspace VPSes is out of date.
RamHost.us | 2013.05.01 | OpenVZ, KVM | Los Angeles, US-CA; Great Britain (GB); Atlanta, US-GA; Germany (DE) | You can request a newer ISO on RamHost's IRC network.
RamNode | 2016.01.01 | SSD and SSD Cached: KVM | Alblasserdam, NL; Atlanta, GA-US; Los Angeles, CA-US; New York, NY-US; Seattle, WA-US | You can request Host/CPU passthrough with KVM service.[1] Frequent use of discount promotions.[2], Must install Arch manually from an ISO using VNC viewer.
RoseHosting | Latest | OpenVZ, KVM | St. Louis, Missouri, USA | SSD powered hosting plans with free fully-managed 24/7 support. No unmanaged VPS offerings.
SeedVPS | Latest | OpenVZ, KVM | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Linux VPS and Windows VPS Hosting in The Netherlands (NL). Newer ISO can be requested by opening a support ticket.
Server Cheap | Latest | OpenVZ, KVM | Chicago, Illinois, USA | Arch Linux available on request. Windows, BSD, and many Linux distribution hosting options.
SkyHost | Latest | LXC | Moscow, Yaroslavl, Russia |
Tilaa | 2016.03.01 | KVM[dead link 2020-03-28 ⓘ] | Amsterdam, NL |
TransIP | latest | KVM | Amsterdam, NL | For latest image, submit ticket. Also registrar.
upCUBE[dead link 2021-05-09 ⓘ] | Latest | Docker | Germany | Different prepared arch linux templates available
Virpus | 2014.11.07 | Xen | Kansas City, US-KS; Los Angeles, US-CA | Arch is not offered as a choice when creating a server (even though the Arch logo is prominently featured on the site). As of 2018, the most recent version of Ubuntu offered is 14.04, and the limited-time promo code for new sign ups is over two years old. None of this generates much trust.
Virtual Master | 2012-08 | ?? | Prague, CZ |
VPS6.NET | 2013.01.xx | OpenVZ, Xen, HVM-ISO | Multiple US; Frankfurt, DE; Bucharest, RO; Istanbul, TR | Registrar.
VPSBG.eu | 2013.10 | OpenVZ | Sofia, Bulgaria | Offshore VPS in Bulgaria - anonymous registrations and Bitcoin are accepted.
VPSCHEAP | 2016.10 | NVM KVM | Dallas, TX, USA | Has one plan that allows you to select Arch Linux, but does not appear in any other plan, but available on request. The system is severely outdated. To fix it install archlinux-keyring, then run pacman -Syu.
VPSSERVER | 2015.07 | KVM | Chicago, US-IL; Dallas, US-TX; Miami, US-FL; New York, US-NY; Silicon Valley, US-CA; Amsterdam, NL; Frankfurt, DE; London, UK | Currently the latest Arch Linux OS version we are providing is 2015.07 x64 and you cannot update the OS version to the new version.
Vultr | Latest | KVM | Multiple International locations | When deploying a new server just select the Arch install ISO from Vultr ISO Library. Then just manually run through the standard Arch installation guide.
World4You | 2015.10.28 | OpenVZ | Austria (AT) | Internet hosting provider; quick setup; 24/7 support; shared web hosting; also CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch OpenVZ servers; supports newest systemd (227 atm)
XenVZ | 2009.12.07 | OpenVZ, Xen | United Kingdom (UK), United States (US) | Hardware
ZappieHost | Latest | LXC | Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) | Hosted on redundant SSDs. Kernel 4.X using LXC
Misaka.io / zeptoVM | Latest | KVM | Multiple International locations | Images are built every 24 hrs

## Providers with Community provided Arch Linux support

Warning: We cannot vouch for the honesty or quality of any provider. Please conduct due diligence before ordering.
Note: Arch Linux is not officially supported by these providers. The images and scripts listed here are created by the community.

Provider | Installation Type | Locations | Notes
--- | --- | --- | ---
Amazon Web Services | Custom Images | Global |
Digital Ocean | Official Arch cloud image, Conversion Script or Custom Image | Global | IPv6 does not work with custom images, but works with conversion script
Google Cloud Platform | Custom Image | Global |

## Installation

### KVM

This article or section needs expansion.

Reason: Are there instructions specific to VPSes? (Discuss in Talk:Arch Linux on a VPS#)

See QEMU#Preparing an (Arch) Linux guest.

### OpenVZ

#### Installing the latest Arch Linux on any OpenVZ container provider

Warning: Please refer to the warning about the older kernel version and systemd at the top of the page, and note the workaround for OpenVZ 7 below.

It is possible to directly copy an installation of Arch Linux over the top of a working OpenVZ VPS. This tutorial explains how to create a basic installation of Arch Linux with `pacstrap` (as used in a standard install) and then replace the contents of a target VPS with it using rsync.

This process (with minor modification) also works to migrate existing Arch installations between various environments and has been confirmed to work in migrating from OpenVZ to Xen and from Xen to OpenVZ. For an install to Xen, other hardware-virtualized platforms, or even to physical hardware, extra steps (basically running `mkinitcpio` and installing a boot loader) are needed.

##### Prerequisites

- A working Arch Linux installation
  - To keep things simple, it should match the architecture you want to install on your VPS (x86_64 or i686).
  - To build from other distributions, arch-bootstrap.sh can be used in place of `pacstrap`.
- The arch-install-scripts, rsync, and openssh packages from the official repositories
  - SSH is not strictly required, but rsync over SSH is the method used here.
- A VPS running any distribution, with `rsync` and a working SSH server
  - Its architecture (x86_64 or i686) does not matter as long as the OpenVZ installation can support your target architecture.
- OpenVZ's serial console feature (usually accessible via your provider's control panel)
  - Without this, any network configuration for the target VPS will have to be done immediately after the "Build" step below.

##### Building a clean Arch Linux installation

As root, build the installation (optionally replacing `build` with your preferred target directory):

    # mkdir build
    # pacstrap -cd build

Other tweaks for the `pacstrap` command:

- `-C custom-pacman-config.conf` - Use a custom pacman configuration file. By default, `pacstrap` builds according to your local pacman.conf. This determines the architecture (i686 or x86_64) of the build, the mirror list, etc.
- `-G` - Prevent `pacstrap` from copying your system's pacman keyring to the new build. If you use this option, you will need to run `pacman-key --init` and `pacman-key --populate archlinux` in the Configuration step to set up the keyring.
- `-M` - Prevent `pacstrap` from copying your system's pacman mirror list to the new build.
- You can pass a list of packages to `pacstrap` to add them to your install, instead of the default `base` group. For example: `pacstrap -cd build base openssh dnsutils gnu-netcat traceroute vim`

###### Preparing the Arch build for use on an OpenVZ 7 container

OpenVZ 7 will fail to start a container if some expected network configuration files do not exist. The easiest way to get around this is as follows:

1. Create the OpenVZ 7 container as Debian 8 (Debian 9 would probably work as well).
2. Create the required blank network configuration files inside the Arch build, as follows:

    # mkdir build/etc/network
    # touch build/etc/network/interfaces
    # mkdir -p build/etc/resolvconf/resolv.conf.d
    # touch build/etc/resolvconf/resolv.conf.d/base

##### Replacing everything on the VPS with the Arch build

Replace all files, directories, etc. on your target VPS with the contents of your `build` directory (replacing "YOUR.VPS.IP.ADDRESS" below):

Warning: Be careful with the following command. By design, `rsync` is very destructive, especially with any of the `--delete` options.

    # rsync -axH --numeric-ids --delete-delay -e ssh --stats -P build/ YOUR.VPS.IP.ADDRESS:/

Explanation of options:

- `-a` - Required. Preserves timestamps, permissions, etc.
- `--delete` - Required. Deletes anything in the target that does not exist in the source
- `-x` - Important. Prevents the crossing of filesystem boundaries (other partitions, /dev, etc.) during the copy
- `-H` - Important. Preserves hardlinks
- `--numeric-ids` - Important. Does not assign user/group ownership of files based on matching user and group names and instead uses the numeric IDs directly, ensuring proper file ownership on the target system
- `--delete-delay` - Recommended. Enables alternate deletion mode which waits to delete anything until the synchronization is otherwise complete, which may reduce the risk of a slow transfer causing the target VPS to lock-up
- `-e ssh` - Recommended. Uses `rsync` over SSH (recommended for simplicity compared to setting up an `rsync` server)
- `-P` - Recommended. Shows partial progress information during transfer
- `--stats` - Recommended. Shows transfer statistics at the end

##### Configuration

1. Reboot the VPS externally (using your provider's control panel, for example).
2. Using OpenVZ's serial console feature, configure the network and basic system settings (ignoring fstab generation and arch-chroot steps).
   - If you do not have access to the serial console feature, you will need to preconfigure your network settings before synchronizing Arch to the VPS.
   - On some VPS configuration you will not have a gateway to connect to, here is an example netctl configuration for this setup. It configures static IP addresses and default routes on venet0 and uses Google Public DNS.

    /etc/netctl/venet

    Description='VPS venet connection'
    Interface=venet0
    Connection=ethernet

    IP=static
    Address=('192.0.2.42/32')
    Routes=('default')

    IP6=static
    Address6=('2001:db8::1234:5678/128')
    Routes6=('default')

    DNS=('2001:4860:4860::8888' '2001:4860:4860::8844' '8.8.8.8' '8.8.4.4')

### Xen

This article or section needs expansion.

Reason: Are there instructions specific to VPSes? (Discuss in Talk:Arch Linux on a VPS#)

See Xen.

Categories:

- Installation process
- Virtualization

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