Setting up a VPS
Why to use a VPS?
Dedicated Server so you don't have to run your own computer all day long
Managing NFT Butler from your phone if you can connect to your VPS Server from your phone
Perfect internet connection (low latency) which can slightly improve bid throughput
The biggest advantage of using a VPS Server is that it's fast and running 24/7 and you don't have to keep your PC online all day.
Recommended Providers
We suggest to use on of the following VPS providers:
https://www.kamatera.com/ (very good feedback from Butler users)
https://www.strato.de/server/windows-vserver/ (cheapest option and works well, but they only speak german)
System Requirements
at least 4 vCPUs
8GB Memory
20GB Disk
Dedicated Ressources
Here are the recommended requirements for kamatera.com
How to set-up a VPS
The following chapter walks through every configuration step for setting up a VPS. The tutorial is valid for the VPS provider exoscale with whom we have an official partnership.
Create a Virtual Machine
After choosing and registering for a VPS provider you'll first have to create a Virtual Machine (VM) which will be your virtual computer to run Butler on.
First you'll usually have to configure the server by selecting ressources and Operating System (only Windows and Mac is supported)
After configuering your VPS it will be staged and should be available after a couple of minutes
Once the server is up and running you'll have to find your credentials to be able to connect to it. Usually default Username is "Administrator" with a long random password. Please make sure to always keep long and random passwords for your VPS as this is the most important security measure!
Prepare to connect to your VM using RDP
First you'll need to find the IP Address of your server to connect to as well as the Authentication details (Username + Password).
Save the ip address, username (usually administrator) and your administrator password, ideally in a password safe like KeePass or 1Password
Connect to your VM using RDP
Make sure to use a Windows RDP server and not linux server.
For windows users:
Go to Start, search for "remotedesktop" and open the first result.
Insert the IP address which will be given to you after setup of the VPS and click connect.
Now it will ask you for the username & password of the RDP server. Simply fill it out and check the checkmark to save the details so you don't have to fill it out everytime.
The first time you connect to your server you can get a warning, press the check mark and click Ok. That's it...
For Mac users:
For mac users we suggest to install the following app from the official App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466?mt=12
After you installed "Microsoft Remote Desktop", open the application
On the navigation bar, select "Add PC"
PC name is the IP address you have obtained from your VPS provider
For user account, click on "add user account" and enter the credentials you have obtained from your VPS provider
Enter a friendly name to remember the purpose of this VM
Click on "Add"
Connect to your VM by double-clicking on the created PC
Accept the certificate warning
You should now be connected to your VM
Security best-practices
The following sections specifies some enhancements for extra security of your VM:
Enable MFA for your Exoscale account
Whenever available we stronlgy recommend to use 2 Factor Authentication to access your VPS
Only use a trusted VPS provider
We suggest to use one of the following VPS providers: Recommended Providers
Use a strong password and store it in a Password manager
Use a strong password with capital letters, numbers and special characters for your Virtual Machine and your VPS account.
Use a Password manager like KeePass
Use an AntiVirus Software
Make sure that Windows Defender is installed and enabled on your VM. If anything is suspicious on your Virrtual Machine, download and install Malwarebytes and run a scan.
Keep your system up-to-date
Make sure to enable auto updates for your Virtual Machine. Further information can be found here.
Disable the standard accounts and create a new one
Guide to do so will follow soon
Whitelist your public IP to access your Virtual Machine via RDP
For the best possible security of your Virtual Machine, whitelist your public IP address to access your Virtual Machine and block all other RDP connections. Windows Firewall can be used for this purpose but take care as it can lock yourself out of the Server once your local IP has changed from your Internet Provider.
Last updated