Serdar Tekin
Co-Founder & Head of Infrastructure
Co-founder of Raff Technologies. Runs the cloud operations platform — from storage cluster scaling and network architecture to new product development. Builds infrastructure on hardware we own.expertise
94 articles published
Blog Posts(12)
Tutorials(33)
Deploy Ghost CMS on Ubuntu 24.04 with Nginx (2026)
Learn how to deploy Ghost CMS on Ubuntu 24.04 with Nginx, MySQL, Node.js, SSL, and Ghost-CLI on a Raff VM for production publishing.
How to Self-Host Plausible Analytics on Ubuntu 24.04
Self-host Plausible Analytics on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM using Docker Compose. Get privacy-friendly website analytics with no cookies, no GDPR consent banners, and full data ownership on your own infrastructure.
How to Self-Host Supabase on Ubuntu 24.04 with Docker Compose
Self-host Supabase on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM using Docker Compose. Configure PostgreSQL, Auth, Storage, and the Supabase Studio dashboard for a fully private, production-ready backend-as-a-service stack.
How to Install Coolify on Ubuntu 24.04 (Self-Hosted PaaS)
Install Coolify on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM and turn your cloud server into a self-hosted PaaS. Deploy apps, databases, and services with a Git-connected UI — no Heroku or Render subscription needed.
How to Set Up SSH MFA on Ubuntu 24.04 (Tested 2026)
Learn how to add MFA to SSH on Ubuntu 24.04 using libpam-google-authenticator and TOTP. Covers PAM config, KbdInteractiveAuthentication, and multi-user rollout.
How to Use Raff S3 Object Storage with AWS CLI
Connect to Raff S3-compatible object storage using the AWS CLI. This tutorial covers credential setup, bucket operations, file uploads, pre-signed URLs, and lifecycle policies.
Deploy a Node.js App with PM2 on Ubuntu 24.04 (Production-Ready)
Deploy a production-ready Node.js application with PM2 process manager on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM. Covers cluster mode, Nginx reverse proxy, zero-downtime reloads, and startup persistence.
Deploy a Multi-Container App with Docker Compose on Ubuntu 24.04
Deploy a multi-container application with Docker Compose on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM. This tutorial covers a Node.js app with PostgreSQL and Redis using Compose profiles, health checks, and named volumes.
Automate Server Backups with Cron and Rsync on Ubuntu 24.04
Automate file and database backups on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM using cron, rsync, and tar. Covers scheduling, retention, off-server copies, and combining with Raff snapshots.
Install MongoDB on Ubuntu 24.04
Install MongoDB Community Edition on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM. This tutorial covers adding the official repository, installation, security hardening, database creation, user authentication, and basic CRUD operations.
Install Prometheus and Grafana Monitoring on Ubuntu 24.04
Install Prometheus and Grafana on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM for server monitoring. This tutorial covers Prometheus setup, Node Exporter for system metrics, Grafana dashboards, and alerting.
Install MariaDB on Ubuntu 24.04
Install and secure MariaDB on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM. This tutorial covers installation, security hardening, user and database creation, basic SQL operations, and optional remote access configuration.
Install fail2ban on Ubuntu 24.04: Stop Brute-Force Attacks
Install and configure fail2ban on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM. This step-by-step tutorial covers SSH jail setup, custom ban rules, log monitoring, and integration with UFW.
Deploy Portainer with Docker on Ubuntu 24.04 (Free CE)
Deploy Portainer CE on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM using Docker. This tutorial covers installation, HTTPS setup, container management, and connecting to Docker Compose stacks.
Deploy Gitea Self-Hosted Git Server on Ubuntu 24.04
Deploy Gitea on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM with Docker Compose. This tutorial covers setup, database configuration, Nginx reverse proxy, HTTPS with Let's Encrypt, and creating your first repository.", "metaTitle": "Deploy Gitea on Ubuntu 24.04 | Raff Technologies
Install Redis on Ubuntu 24.04: In-Memory Caching in 10 Minutes
Install and configure Redis on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM. This tutorial covers installation, security hardening, password authentication, persistence settings, and basic operations.
Set Up SSH Keys on Ubuntu 24.04 — Secure Access in 5 Minutes
Set up SSH key authentication on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM. This step-by-step tutorial covers key generation, copying the public key, disabling password login, and troubleshooting.
nstall Node.js on Ubuntu 24.04: Quick Setup with 3 Methods in 10 Minutes
Learn how to install Node.js and npm on Ubuntu 24.04 in 10 minutes with 3 easy methods: NodeSource, nvm, and the default repository. Includes verification steps and your first HTTP server setup.
Install and Secure MySQL on Ubuntu 24.04 (2026)
Install MySQL 8.0 on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM with this step-by-step tutorial. Covers installation, security hardening, user creation, remote access, and basic database operations.
Secure Nginx with Let's Encrypt on Ubuntu 24.04 (Free SSL)
Secure your Nginx web server with a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate on Ubuntu 24.04. This step-by-step tutorial covers Certbot installation, certificate issuance, auto-renewal, and TLS hardening.
How to Build a Remote Development VM with code-server and Tailscale
Build a remote development VM with code-server and Tailscale on Ubuntu 24.04. Create a secure browser IDE on a Raff VM without exposing it publicly.
How to Secure Your Ubuntu 24.04 Server (Initial Setup)
Secure your Raff Ubuntu 24.04 server with SSH key authentication, UFW firewall, Fail2Ban, and automatic updates. Essential initial setup for production.
How to Set Up a LEMP Stack on Ubuntu 24.04
Set up a LEMP stack on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM with Nginx, MariaDB, and PHP-FPM. Covers installation, security, database config, and production tuning.
How to Deploy Open WebUI with Ollama on Ubuntu 24.04
Deploy Open WebUI with Ollama on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM for a self-hosted ChatGPT alternative. Run local AI models privately with a full web interface.
How to Self-Host n8n on Ubuntu 24.04 with Docker Compose
Self-host n8n workflow automation on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM using Docker Compose with PostgreSQL, an Nginx reverse proxy, and free HTTPS via Let's Encrypt.
How to Set Up UFW Firewall on Ubuntu 24.04: A Complete Guide for Secure Cloud Servers
Secure your Ubuntu 24.04 VM with UFW firewall. This step-by-step guide covers setting default policies, configuring SSH rules, rate limiting, port management, and enabling logging for enhanced cloud server security.
How to Deploy OpenClaw AI Agent on Ubuntu 24.04: A Complete Guide with Telegram Integration
Learn how to deploy the OpenClaw AI Agent on Ubuntu 24.04 using the official npm installer. Set up your self-hosted AI agent with Telegram integration, community skills, and persistent memory for enhanced AI functionality.
How to Install WordPress on Ubuntu 24.04 with Nginx
Install WordPress on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM with Nginx, PHP-FPM, and MariaDB. A complete step-by-step tutorial for a fast, production-ready WordPress site.
How to Install Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04: Complete Guide to Setup and Configuration
Learn how to install and configure Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04 with this easy-to-follow guide. Includes firewall setup, server blocks, and verification for a secure web server setup.
How to Install Nextcloud on Ubuntu 24.04
Install Nextcloud on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM with Apache, MariaDB, and PHP. Build your own private cloud for file sync, sharing, and collaboration.
How to Deploy Uptime Kuma with Docker on Ubuntu 24.04
Deploy Uptime Kuma on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM using Docker Compose. Set up self-hosted monitoring with alerts for your websites, APIs, and services.
How to Install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 24.04
Install and configure PostgreSQL on a Raff Ubuntu 24.04 VM. This tutorial covers adding the official repository, creating databases and roles, and securing authentication.
How to Install Docker on Ubuntu 24.04: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Learn how to install Docker Engine on Ubuntu 24.04 with this easy-to-follow guide. Step-by-step instructions for setting up repositories, installing Docker, configuring Docker Compose, and running your first container in minutes.
Guides(44)
Restic vs Borg vs Rsync: Backup Tools for Cloud Servers
Learn how Restic, Borg, and Rsync compare for cloud server backups. Understand encryption, deduplication, restore speed, retention, and Raff storage options.
Private vs Public Admin Access: SSH, VPN, Bastion, Tailscale
Understand private vs public admin access methods including SSH, VPN, bastion hosts, and Tailscale. Learn how to secure server access on Raff.
Cloud Firewall Rules Explained: Inbound, Outbound, and Least Privilege
Understand inbound and outbound firewall rules, the least privilege principle, and how to design a firewall policy for your Raff cloud infrastructure. A practical decision framework for sysadmins and DevOps teams.
Kubernetes Cost Optimization: When the Cluster Bill Starts Hurting
Learn Kubernetes cost optimization for startups by fixing waste, sizing workloads, and knowing when cluster complexity costs more than it saves.
SaaS Infrastructure Cost Breakdown: From MVP to Series A
Learn SaaS infrastructure cost from MVP to Series A. Compare compute, database, environment, and scaling costs so you can grow without margin shock.
Startup Infrastructure Checklist: Before Your First Enterprise Customer
Learn the startup infrastructure checklist to lock down before your first enterprise customer. Cover access, backups, secrets, staging, and monitoring.
K3s vs Full Kubernetes: Which Cluster Model Fits Your Team?
Learn K3s vs full Kubernetes by comparing architecture, scale, and operational burden. Choose the cluster model that fits your team and production needs.
High Availability vs Disaster Recovery Explained for Small Teams
Learn how high availability and disaster recovery differ for small teams. Understand uptime, failover, RTO, RPO, backups, and when you need both.
IPv4, IPv6, and Dual-Stack Networking for Cloud Servers
Learn how IPv4, IPv6, and dual-stack networking differ for cloud servers. Understand DNS, firewalls, routing, and when dual-stack is the safest path.
Your First Cloud Server: What to Do After You Provision It
Learn what to do after provisioning your first cloud server. A practical post-deployment checklist covering login, updates, users, firewall, monitoring, and first deployment.
Kubernetes vs Docker Compose for Small Teams: When to Switch
Learn Kubernetes vs Docker Compose for small teams by comparing complexity, scaling, recovery, and team fit. Choose the right container path on Raff.
Zero-Downtime Database Migrations: What Actually Works for Small Teams
Learn zero-downtime database migrations for small teams. Understand compatibility windows, backfills, cutovers, and safer production rollback planning on Raff.
PostgreSQL Replication vs Backups vs Snapshots: What Protects What?
Learn PostgreSQL replication, backups, and snapshots by understanding what each one protects, where each one fails, and how to design safer recovery on Raff.
Linux Commands for Cloud Servers: A Practical Reference (2026)
Learn the Linux commands you actually use on a cloud server. Organized by real tasks — connecting, securing, deploying, monitoring, and troubleshooting — with examples tested on Ubuntu 24.04.
Observability for Small Teams: Metrics, Logs, and Traces
Learn observability for small teams by understanding when to use metrics, logs, and traces. Build a practical debugging and reliability strategy on Raff.
S3-Compatible Object Storage Use Cases for Developers
Learn S3-compatible object storage use cases for developers, when to use it, and how to match backups, media, logs, and assets to Raff storage.
How to Choose a U.S. Cloud Server for Latency and Compliance
Learn how to choose a U.S. cloud server for latency and compliance. Compare region placement, traffic paths, and controls that matter for safer deployments.
Shared vs Dedicated vCPU: How to Choose the Right VM Class
Learn shared vs dedicated vCPU differences, workload fit, pricing trade-offs, and how to choose the right Raff VM class for performance and cost.
Monolith vs Microservices (Decision Framework for Small Teams)
Learn monolith vs microservices trade-offs for small teams. Compare speed, scaling, complexity, and migration signals to choose the right cloud architecture.
Single-Server vs Multi-Server Architecture for Growing Apps
Learn single-server vs multi-server architecture for growing apps. Compare cost, complexity, scaling signals, and when to split workloads on Raff.
Stateful vs Stateless Applications: What Cloud Teams Need to Know
Learn stateful vs stateless applications for cloud infrastructure. Compare scaling, sessions, storage, and team fit before choosing the right design on Raff.
Blue-Green vs Rolling Deployments: Risk, Rollback, and Cost
Learn blue-green vs rolling deployments for cloud apps. Compare rollback speed, infrastructure cost, release risk, and team fit before choosing safely on Raff.
Caddy vs Nginx: Which Reverse Proxy Should You Use in 2026?
Learn when to choose Caddy vs Nginx for reverse proxying in 2026. Compare HTTPS, configuration, performance, and operations for modern cloud deployments.
Reverse Proxy vs Load Balancer: Which Does Your App Need?
Learn when to use a reverse proxy vs load balancer for cloud apps. Compare roles, trade-offs, and best practices to design a safer, scalable architecture.
From Shared Hosting to Raff for Growing SaaS Teams
Learn how to migrate from shared hosting to Raff for better performance, scalability, and control. A practical SaaS migration path with minimal downtime.
Automation & Infrastructure-as-Code on Raff
Learn how to use automation and Infrastructure-as-Code on Raff to build repeatable deployments, scalable workflows, and reliable cloud operations.
Cloud-Init vs Custom Images vs One-Click Apps
Learn cloud-init, custom images, and one-click apps for VM provisioning. Understand when to use each model and choose the right approach for your Raff infrastructure.
MCP vs n8n vs API Integration: Choosing the Right Automation Layer
Learn the differences between MCP, n8n, and direct API integration. Understand when to use each automation layer and how to choose the right approach for your workflow.
Understanding Cloud Server Backups: RPO, RTO, and Snapshots
Learn cloud server backup strategy with RPO, RTO, snapshots, and restore planning. Build a reliable backup system for your Raff infrastructure.
Object Storage vs Block Storage vs VM Disk in Cloud Infrastructure
Learn how object storage, block storage, and VM disk differ in cloud infrastructure. Compare performance, cost, and use cases to choose the right storage on Raff.
n8n Explained: When Self-Hosted Workflow Automation Makes Sense
Learn what n8n is, when self-hosted workflow automation makes sense, and how to choose the right deployment model for secure, scalable automation on Raff.
Private Networking in Cloud: Public vs Private Traffic
Learn when to use public vs private traffic in cloud infrastructure. Understand isolation, latency, security, and networking design patterns for Raff workloads.
Managed Databases vs Self-Hosted Databases
Learn the difference between managed and self-hosted databases, including cost, performance, and operational trade-offs for production workloads on Raff.
Load Balancing Explained: When One Server Isn’t Enough
Learn what load balancing is and when you need it. Understand Layer 4 vs Layer 7, traffic distribution, and how to scale cloud applications reliably on Raff.
Nginx vs Apache: Which Web Server to Choose in 2026
Compare Nginx and Apache across architecture, performance, configuration, and use cases. A detailed 2026 guide with benchmarks to help you choose the right web server.
DNS for Cloud Applications: Records, TTL, and Failover
Learn DNS for cloud applications including records, TTL, propagation, and failover strategies for reliable deployments.
Self-Hosting in 2026: Why It Matters and How to Get Started
Learn why self-hosting matters in 2026 and how to get started. Covers data ownership, cost savings, top open-source tools, infrastructure choices, and a practical roadmap.
Choosing the Right VM Size for Your Workload
Learn how to choose the right VM size for your workload using CPU, RAM, and storage planning. Match common apps to Raff VM tiers and avoid overpaying.
Horizontal vs Vertical Scaling in Cloud Infrastructure
Learn the difference between horizontal and vertical scaling in cloud infrastructure. Understand when to scale up or scale out for performance, reliability, and cost efficiency.
Firewall Best Practices for Cloud Servers
Learn firewall best practices for cloud servers, including least privilege, segmentation, logging, and rule hygiene. Build a safer, easier-to-manage security baseline.
Cloud Server Backup Strategies: Snapshots, RPO, and Recovery Planning
Learn how cloud server backup strategies work including snapshots, automated backups, RPO, and recovery planning to protect workloads running on cloud infrastructure.
Block Storage vs Local Disk in Cloud Infrastructure
Learn the differences between block storage and local disk in cloud infrastructure. Understand performance, reliability, and best practices for choosing storage on Raff.
Cloud Security Fundamentals for Developers
Learn cloud server security fundamentals including access control, firewalls, patching, backups, and monitoring to protect production workloads on Raff.
Understanding Private Cloud Networks: VPC Design and Best Practices
Learn how Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) networks work and how to design secure private cloud architectures using subnets, firewall rules, and best practices.
Comparisons(5)
Raff Object Storage vs Cloudflare R2: Pricing and Backups (2026)
Compare Raff Object Storage and Cloudflare R2 across pricing, egress, request fees, S3 compatibility, backup workflows, and developer fit in 2026.", "metaTitle": "Raff vs Cloudflare R2: Object Storage | Raff
Raff vs Railway: VM Control or Developer PaaS? (2026)
Compare Raff and Railway across VM control, PaaS workflows, pricing, scaling, storage, and developer experience to choose the right platform in 2026.
Raff vs Hetzner: Cloud VPS Comparison (2026)
Compare Raff and Hetzner across shared and dedicated cloud pricing, features, bandwidth, and infrastructure fit to choose the right VPS in 2026.
Raff vs DigitalOcean: Full Comparison (2026)
A detailed comparison of Raff and DigitalOcean in 2026. Compare pricing, features, performance, and bandwidth policies to find the best cloud provider for your needs.
Raff vs OVHcloud: Cloud VPS Comparison (2026)
Compare Raff Technologies and OVHcloud across shared VPS pricing, performance-class compute, traffic policy, platform features, and support in 2026.