Easy virtual machine (VM)

Introduction

This article explains the virtual machine (VM) provided by Easy Software for clients who purchased the Server solution. It focuses on VMs generated after November 2024, which include Docker by default. Understanding how this VM works is important for setting up and maintaining your server environment. It is also helpful if you want to take inspiration for your own setup.

Target Audience

Administrator

Understanding Easy virtual machine (VM)

Definition

The Easy VM is a preconfigured Debian-based virtual machine designed to host the application (e.g., Easy8) using Docker. It is:

Made for small sites (about 10 users at once)
Almost production-ready, but requires an experienced administrator
Only suitable for Docker-based deployment (not legacy VM setup)
A suggested hosting example, not a full solution

Key components include:

Operating system: Debian (64-bit)
Docker environment for hosting the application
Basic login and access credentials
Directory structure for managing Docker and app files

How It Works

The Easy VM is a working template that shows how the application can be hosted using Docker. Here's how its parts work together:

Login access
- SSH access is available on port 22
- Default system login:
  - Username: easy
  - Password: e4syPwd-
- Change password using passwd command
Application structure
- Located in /home/easy/docker
- Runs over HTTPS with a self-signed certificate (should be replaced immediately)
Database
- Default login: run mysql
- App login credentials vary depending on database type:
  - Clean DB: admin/admin
  - Demo DB: manager/easy848
  - Migrated from Cloud: use existing credentials
Disk layout
- ~20 GB total
- Partitions:
  - /boot: 512M
  - /: ~19G
  - swap: 512M
- Uses LVM for easy resizing
Docker setup
- Managed in /home/easy/docker
- Key files:
  - .env and env.EXAMPLE: environment variables
  - docker-compose.yml: builds Docker stack
  - nginx.conf: reverse proxy configuration
  - README.md: contains usage instructions
  - files/: stores attachments
  - .my.cnf: MySQL config file
Initial setup
- Always start by updating the OS and backing up data
- New patches may be needed due to VM being generated earlier

Examples

If you're setting up the VM for your organization, replace all default passwords.
Replace the self-signed certificate with one from a trusted authority.
Use the provided folder structure and config files as a guide.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: This VM is production-ready without changes.
Clarification: It requires an experienced administrator to finalize installation, backup, and security.
Misconception: You can use it for large sites.
Clarification: It is suitable for only small teams (about 10 users at the same time).

Structure of the application's home

.
├── .my.cnf                   # configuration for mysql connection
└── docker
    ├── docker-compose.yml    # docker compose file, assembles docker stack        
    ├── env.EXAMPLE           # contains variable examples that can be used
    ├── .env                  # production variables for application and DB
    ├── files                 # attachments and other files  
    ├── nginx.conf            # nginx proxy settings, that are in use
    ├── README.md             # README with other useful informations

Conclusion

The Easy virtual machine is a Docker-based example of how to host Easy Software applications. While it is preconfigured, it needs further setup by skilled administrators. It’s a useful reference for setting up your own secure, Docker-based hosting.