Oracle Free Tier - Hints & Tips

Summary

In this video, the creator answers common questions about Oracle Cloud’s Free Tier. Topics covered include troubleshooting VM creation errors, the requirements for signing up, understanding the free tier limits, and how to avoid unexpected charges. The video also delves into setting up web servers using different control panels like Hestia and CyberPanel, explains which version of Ubuntu works best for compatibility, and offers tips on running email services with external SMTP providers. Overall, it provides valuable insights for users looking to navigate Oracle Cloud’s Free Tier effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oracle Cloud Free Tier provides various resources for users, including virtual machines and storage, but there are common issues and limits to be aware of.
• 😀 The 'Out of Capacity' error can occur when trying to create a VM. Try switching availability domains, adjusting CPU/RAM configurations, or using AMD instances to resolve this.
• 😀 To sign up for Oracle Cloud Free Tier, ensure your card, phone number, and address match exactly. Some banks and cards might have issues during the verification process.
• 😀 The Ampere processors have a usage limit of 4 CPUs and 24 GB of RAM per month on the Free Tier. Exceeding this limit can result in charges.
• 😀 You won't be charged on Oracle Free Tier unless you upgrade to a paid account. The only initial charge is a $1 verification fee, refunded after processing.
• 😀 Oracle Cloud Free Tier doesn't force updates like other platforms. Ubuntu versions 20.04 and 18.04 are good choices for running web servers, offering long-term support.
• 😀 Hestia is recommended for most web server setups, especially for beginners. Cloudflare integration requires additional setup and troubleshooting.
• 😀 If you need to use email services with Oracle Cloud, note that Port 25 is blocked. You can use third-party SMTP services like Sendinblue or Mailjet for email functionality.
• 😀 Some Oracle Cloud data centers (e.g., Ashburn, US West, and US East) generally offer more capacity, making it easier to create Ampere-based instances.
• 😀 Oracle's Free Tier is aimed at developers, hobbyists, and students. It’s part of Oracle’s strategy to gain market share from competitors like AWS and Google Cloud.
• 😀 Be patient when trying to create an instance. If you encounter capacity issues, keep trying as Oracle continues to expand its resources and improve availability.

Q & A

What is the 'out of capacity' error when creating a VM instance on Oracle Cloud?

The 'out of capacity' error occurs when the data center doesn't have enough resources available to create a virtual machine (VM). This can be resolved by trying different availability domains or adjusting the shape (CPU and RAM) of the instance.

What should I do if I encounter the 'out of capacity' error when trying to create a VM?

You can try selecting a different availability domain, reduce the requested number of CPUs or RAM, or switch to using an AMD processor, which tends to be more available than the Ampere CPUs.

How can I resolve registration issues when signing up for Oracle Cloud's free tier?

To resolve registration issues, ensure that your phone number, credit card, and address match exactly with the information on your bank account. If you're still having trouble, try using a different card or contact Oracle support for assistance.

What does the 'Always Free' label mean for instances in Oracle Cloud's free tier?

The 'Always Free' label indicates that an instance is eligible for free usage as long as it stays within the free tier limits, such as the number of CPUs and RAM hours provided each month.

What are the limits of Oracle Cloud’s free tier for Ampere-based instances?

Oracle Cloud’s free tier allows up to 4 Ampere CPUs and 24GB of RAM per month for free. This is equivalent to about 3,000 Oracle CPU hours and 18,000 gigabyte hours per month.

Will I get charged if I exceed the free tier limits on Oracle Cloud?

No, you will not be charged as long as you remain within the free tier limits. To be billed, you must upgrade to a paid account. The only charge you might experience is a temporary $1 verification fee when signing up, which is refunded after a few days.

What is the significance of the verification charge when registering for Oracle Cloud?

The $1 verification charge is a small, temporary fee to verify your identity during account registration. It is refunded after a few days, depending on how long your bank takes to process the refund.

Can I use Ubuntu 22.04 for running web servers on Oracle Cloud’s free tier?

No, if you're using Hestia control panel, you should use Ubuntu 20.04 instead of Ubuntu 22.04 because Hestia does not yet support 22.04. Ubuntu 20.04 is a stable long-term support version, and security updates will continue until 2025.

Which control panels are recommended for beginners using Oracle Cloud’s free tier?

Hestia control panel is recommended for beginners. It is easy to set up and works well with Oracle Cloud’s free tier. Other options like Cyberpanel and aaPanel are also available, but Hestia tends to be simpler for new users.

How can I send emails from my Oracle Cloud server if port 25 is blocked?

Since port 25 is blocked to prevent spam, you can use third-party SMTP services like Sendinblue or Mailjet to send emails. Both services offer free tiers with a daily email sending limit (300 emails/day for Sendinblue, 200 emails/day for Mailjet).