How to Choose the Template for a Cloud VPS

When creating a Cloud VPS on SeFlow, one of the most important decisions is choosing the template, which defines the preconfigured software environment installed on the virtual machine. The chosen template determines the operating system, available features, preinstalled configurations, and compatibility with specific applications or workloads.

Tip: Template selection is not trivial. First determine the purpose of your VPS (web, database, Windows, Linux, Plesk, testing, etc.) to choose the most suitable template and reduce post-installation configuration time.

What is a Template

A template is a preconfigured image that includes:

  • a clean operating system (Linux or Windows);
  • optional preinstalled services or roles (web server, control panel, Microsoft tools, etc.);
  • basic system settings optimized for specific purposes.

SeFlow templates allow you to deploy Cloud VPS instances that are ready to use, drastically reducing time spent on manual installation and complex configuration.

Tip: Not all templates provide the same degree of customization. More complex templates (e.g., Plesk) may require management through dedicated tools.

How Templates Are Categorized

Available templates can be grouped into two main categories:

  • Clean OS templates
    Only the operating system, without additional software.
  • Templates with preconfigured software/roles
    Include preinstalled tools or optimized settings for specific workloads.

Every template available for Cloud VPS creation is shown during the configuration process.

Tip: Template availability may vary depending on the selected hypervisor (OpenStack, VMware, Hyper-V). Always check compatibility.

Clean Operating System Templates

These templates contain a standard installation of the operating system with no additional services. They are ideal for advanced users who want full manual control over the system.

Linux Templates (Clean OS)

  • Ubuntu Server – stable, well-documented, ideal for web apps, APIs, and microservices;
  • Debian – lightweight, reliable, suitable for robust minimal infrastructures;
  • CentOS / AlmaLinux / Rocky Linux – enterprise-compatible options aligned with RHEL;";
  • OpenSUSE – a good choice for developers or specific environments.
Tip: If you don’t have special requirements, Ubuntu Server or Debian are the most versatile choices for general Linux-based applications.

Windows Templates (Clean OS)

  • Windows Server (various versions)

Recommended for:

  • Active Directory and domain services;
  • Microsoft applications (IIS, .NET, SQL Server);
  • enterprise software built for Windows environments.
Tip: Before choosing a Windows Server template, verify the licensing requirements for any applications you plan to install.

Templates with Preconfigured Roles or Software

These templates include ready-to-use software or control panels, greatly reducing setup time and configuration errors.

Plesk

Plesk is one of the most widely used control panels for web hosting and multi-account environments.

  • supports Apache, NGINX, PHP, Node.js, and more;
  • manages domains, DNS, email, and SSL certificates;
  • provides an intuitive interface for non-expert users.
Tip: Choose Plesk if your VPS will host multiple websites or if you want to simplify management for clients or coworkers.

SQL and SQL Management Tools (Windows)

Templates that include Microsoft SQL Server and the necessary administration tools.

  • ideal for .NET applications and Microsoft-based database systems;
  • optimized for performance and administrative workflows;
  • reduce installation and configuration time.
Tip: Be aware that SQL Server–based templates may involve additional licensing costs.

Templates with OpenSSH Enabled

Some Linux templates include preconfigured SSH access settings, useful for development servers or DevOps automation.

Template Sheets: What Information They Contain

Template Sheets provide key information to understand exactly what is included. Each sheet typically shows:

  • template description;
  • operating system version installed;
  • additional software included, if any;
  • special requirements (licenses, resources, compatibility);
  • enabled or disabled features;
  • notes and warnings to consider before deployment.
Tip: Always review the template sheet before creating your VPS. It tells you exactly what is preinstalled so you can avoid unexpected services, open ports, or unusual configurations.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Template

Select the template according to the purpose of your Cloud VPS:

  • Linux web server → Ubuntu Server, Debian, Plesk;
  • Microsoft applications or Active Directory → Windows Server;
  • SQL Server database → SQL-specific templates;
  • Testing or development environment → clean Linux template with SSH;
  • Multi-site hosting → Plesk;
  • Legacy or special applications → verify OS versions and compatibility in the template sheet.
Tip: If you need several VPS within the same project, use the same template (and ideally the same hypervisor) to maintain consistency and avoid compatibility issues.

Best Practices Before Finalizing Your Choice

  • always check the exact OS version included in the template;
  • verify license requirements for Windows, SQL Server, or Plesk;
  • choose simple templates if you need full flexibility, and complex templates if you want ready-to-use services;
  • evaluate whether you need SSH, web panels, databases, or preconfigured services;
  • plan updates and security hardening, especially for software-based templates.
Tip: SeFlow updates templates periodically. If you need consistency across environments (production, staging, development), check that the template versions match before deployment.

 

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