Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create Your First Virtual Machine on Google Cloud Platform

Creating a virtual machine (VM) on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is an excellent way to leverage the power of cloud computing. Whether you are a developer, a data scientist, or simply someone looking to explore cloud-based services, setting up a VM can provide you with the resources you need to run applications or host websites. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to create your first virtual machine on GCP.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following:

1. Google Account: You will need an active Google account to access Google Cloud Platform.
2. Billing Enabled: Although GCP offers a free tier, you must have billing enabled on your account. You can enter billing information during the setup process.
3. Familiarity with Google Cloud Console: While this guide will be detailed, some familiarity with navigating the Google Cloud Console can be helpful.

Step 1: Access Google Cloud Console

1. Go to Google Cloud Console.
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. If prompted, create a new project by clicking on the project dropdown in the top navigation bar and selecting New Project.

Step 2: Enable the Compute Engine API

1. In the Google Cloud Console, navigate to the APIs & Services section on the left-hand menu.
2. Click on Library.
3. Search for “Compute Engine API” and click on it.
4. Click on the Enable button to enable the API for your project.

Step 3: Set Up a Compute Engine Instance

1. Navigate to the Compute Engine section from the left-hand menu.
2. If it’s your first time using Compute Engine, you will see a prompt to enable the service. Click on the Enable button. This may take a few moments.
3. Once enabled, click on Create Instance.

Step 4: Configure Your Virtual Machine

1. Name Your Instance: Provide a unique name for your VM (such as my-first-vm).
2. Choose a Region and Zone: Select a region and zone where you want your VM to be hosted. It’s usually advisable to choose a location close to your target audience for better latency.
3. Configure Machine Type: Choose a machine type that suits your needs. For beginners, the e2-micro instance is typically a good start and is available in the free tier.
4. Select Boot Disk:
   • Click on the Boot disk dropdown and select the operating system you wish to use (e.g., Ubuntu, Windows, etc.).
5. Firewall Settings: Check the boxes to allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic if you plan to run a web server on your VM.

Step 5: Review Your Settings

Review all your selected settings to ensure they meet your requirements. Make any necessary adjustments before proceeding.

Step 6: Create the Virtual Machine

Once you are satisfied with your configuration, click the Create button at the bottom of the screen. The creation process may take a few moments.

Step 7: Access Your Virtual Machine

After your VM has been created:

1. In the Compute Engine page, you will see your newly created instance listed.
2. Click on the SSH button next to your instance to connect to it. A new browser window or tab should open, giving you terminal access to your VM.

Step 8: Configure Your Virtual Machine

Once connected, you can install software or configure your VM as needed. Here are a few basic commands to get started:

• Update the package list (for Ubuntu):
  bash
  sudo apt update

• Install a web server (like Apache):
  bash
  sudo apt install apache2

Step 9: Monitor and Manage Your VM

You can monitor the performance of your VM in the Compute Engine section of the Google Cloud Console. From here, you can perform various actions, such as stopping, restarting, or deleting the VM as required.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your first virtual machine on Google Cloud Platform. With this powerful tool at your disposal, you can now explore the vast array of cloud computing capabilities that GCP has to offer. Whether running applications, hosting websites, or conducting data analysis, the possibilities are endless. Happy cloud computing!