Free Cloud-Based Services (AWS, Azure etc), or a Really Cheap / Free VPS?

mr626 on 03/07/2019 - 20:35
Last edited 03/07/2019 - 20:53

Hello Ozbargain,

Would love to hear your tips and suggestions for some great free cloud based services that I can use to start mucking around with. I'm interested primarily with linux-based projects and would like to do some projects like:

-Host my own NextCloud instance as a dropbox alternative
-Monitor a bunch of stuff with Zabbix
-Host a basic CMS
-Move my weather station website from its current home (a free webhost that is a bit flakey) to a proper LAMP stack that I control

I know about the free tiers on AWS / Azure, but is there anything else I should look at?
Maybe a free / really cheap linux VPS?

If it helps to secure a good deal / freebie, I have family who work in education that can provide me with a .edu.au email address.

Thanks!

EDIT: forgot to mention, I've already got my own domain too…not sure that is super relevant but I'll mention it anyway
EDIT2: VPS is the acronym I was forgetting- a free / cheap linux VPS would be fine too, if there's any recommendations

Computing

Comments

  • npc on 03/07/2019 - 21:27

    There is no need to look at cheap/small cloud providers. AWS/Azure/GCP are dominating the market with quality, diverse, well-priced and reliable services.

    If you are really interested in the long term development of skills I suggest you to go through the course like AWS Solutions Architect associate (or Azure 301 alternative) - this will give you a great start, available for like $15 on udemy.

  • Kiminoth on 03/07/2019 - 22:10

    I use Hetzner. Cheap as chips and the bandwidth is 20tb, so plenty enough for a heap of data transfer. I run a plex server on it and basically run my own personal netflix.

    Depending on your requirements, you can get it started for <$10 a month from memory.

    The only downside is that it's located in Germany but when visiting site(s) it's far from terrible. I would definitely recommend it. I actually just added nextcloud in my docker today so I can't attest to the speeds as I haven't copied anything directly yet, but streaming 40gb+ movies via plex (direct play) is doable.

  • kapone on 05/07/2019 - 12:36

    If you are looking to do this for work-related educational purposes, definitely go with AWS to get yourself familiar with it, as it's the way most businesses are going.

    I manage a startup, and moving to AWS was one of the best things we ever did. But there is a learning to curve to understanding the 'AWS' way of doing things (plus they love to use their own terminology for things as well).

  • TaylorN on 10/10/2019 - 11:12

    Check out Low End Box. I bought a VPS from HostUS through an offer on LEB, I've found their service quite good for the price.

    https://lowendbox.com/blog/hostus-7month-2gb-openvz-leb-excl…

  • wasdw246 on 16/10/2019 - 01:47

    Quantum Core (AU Provider)

    $50 Credit with $5 deposit
    https://quantumcore.com.au/freecredit

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