# Zulip in production

To play around with Zulip and see what it looks like, you can [install
a dev
environment](readme-symlink.html#installing-the-zulip-development-environment)
or check out the [Zulip development community server](chat-zulip-org.html).

If you like what you see, you can set up Zulip for your team by
installing a production Zulip server.  These pages will walk you
through how.

## Requirements

You'll [need a few things](prod-requirements.html) to run a production
Zulip server.  Key requirements include:
* a dedicated server or VM, running Ubuntu, with at least 2GB of RAM
  (or 4GB for a large site);
* a valid DNS name and SSL certificates;
* a way to send outgoing email.

See [the requirements page](prod-requirements.html) for more details,
including free options [for SSL](ssl-certificates.html) and [for
outgoing email](prod-email.html#free-outgoing-smtp) if you don't have
those already.

## Install

Follow [the install instructions](prod-install.html).  You'll download
the built release tarball, run the Zulip install script, and configure
a handful of required settings; then create your Zulip organization
through your new server's web interface.

## Running

You now have a running Zulip install!

* Read [our advice on helping your community](realm-admin-docs) make
  the most of Zulip.

* [Customize Zulip](prod-customize.html) to your needs.

* Read about Zulip's support for backups, monitoring, and
  other [important production considerations](prod-maintain-secure-upgrade.html).

[realm-admin-docs]: https://zulipchat.com/help/getting-your-organization-started-with-zulip