So as I mentioned I'm getting a VPS for the first time in my life. I've been working on shared hosting for almost 10 years now just because i've been given lots of perks by this one company and most of my projects are hosted on client side.

I'll be choosing Cpanel over other options. I use Plesk at work but think Cpanel is much easier to manage everything...

I'm wondering what do I need to do once I get it and how to maintain it.

I read andrei's post (which was what got me thinking). I'll be tweaking the PHP settings, apache settings..

install a firewall? which one?

and then install my SSL..

I suppose thats all the inital setup

then backup regularly...

why do i need remote access?


Thanks for any other advice as well..

SSH is your remote access. Think of this as the main way you'll be managing your server. It is important that you get familiar with the many different SSH commands. Please start by downloading, and installing "Putty" (free). This will help you on your venture .

After you've had cPanel installed, it is important that you take a look at mod_security, and a firewall. For cPanel servers I strongly recommend "ConfigServer Firewall" (free). This will not only provide a great control panel via the WHM interface - but also keep your server nice and tight - security wise. Take a look at the "security check" once CSF is installed. It will guide you in the basics of securing your server.

SSH for Shell Access
ConfigServer Firewall
ConfigServer Mail Queue Manager
cpbackup
UPCP

That is all, I think.

Originally Posted by twhdir

SSH for Shell Access
ConfigServer Firewall
ConfigServer Mail Queue Manager
cpbackup
UPCP

That is all, I think.

cpbackup and upcp are simply scripts included with cPanel. They are def. some of the more important ones, however they can be accessed via the WHM interface anyway.

If you plan on rebuilding apache + PHP, please take a look at easyapache. I would reccoemnd you do so via SSH. Simply run the following:

/scripts/easyapache

It will make for an easier build, and ensure that everything is done correctly. Simply follow the steps, and select your preferences. It may take a little getting used to!

twhdir did bring up something important. Mail. Right off the bat, you should ensure that your IPs have a reverse DNS entry to your own website. Some Hosts forget to do so, and it will cause most emails to be labelled as SPAM. Afterwords, please read up on SPF records. Ensure you've set them for yourself, and your clients.

wow thanks guys... thats a great list of things to get me started

andrei just wondering when and why do i need to rebuild? how do I ensure reverse DNS entry...

now i know there's been heated arguments between cpanel and plesk... is cpanel a good choice? seeing I know little of actually managing a server...

ARe you on a VPS powered by Virtuozzo Power Panel (OS virtualization). If "yes" I would suggest you to stick to Plesk. The way it is organized is different from cPanel, but honestly I think will work better on Virtuozzo VPS.

I personally use cPanel, and only cPanel. It's great. Rebuilding apache is necessary if you want to install new modules, or want to upgrade such things as the apache or php version. Also, sometimes you will find that apache is spitting out errors - that would be another ideal time to rebuild.

I don't think SSL a must

hcolor - I don't have the VPS yet, i'm doing my research first.. i already have a company in mind and I can choose which ever management system I want. After using both plesk and cpanel I prefer cpanel a bit more but no particular preference

andrei - i suppose the rebuild is only rebuilding the system and won't be wiping out all my content correct?

suraja - I have user login areas that I'll need the ssl for... no credit card transaction (yet) but its not expensive to get the regular certificate so what the hay

You are correct. A rebuild would just alter the php and apache system files - not website files in any way. Your data is always safe when rebuilding apache/ php.

Originally Posted by andrei155

You are correct. A rebuild would just alter the php and apache system files - not website files in any way. Your data is always safe when rebuilding apache/ php.

I agree. But just in case have a backup of all files. That is not a must but in any case that is recommended action.

For Firewall in VPS you can use Mod Security which is free and good.Also for a free Control panel i suggest PLESK(for 1 domain only) or Kloxo (ex LXADMIN)

Originally Posted by NCNBNT

For Firewall in VPS you can use Mod Security which is free and good.Also for a free Control panel i suggest PLESK(for 1 domain only) or Kloxo (ex LXADMIN)

That is good idea but I suppose free tools are very easy to hack and you might have some problems with them.

Originally Posted by SiberForum

That is good idea but I suppose free tools are very easy to hack and you might have some problems with them.

I assume any tool or application can be hacked. That just the question of the time if that is really needed.

Originally Posted by SiberForum

That is good idea but I suppose free tools are very easy to hack and you might have some problems with them.

I have never heard these tools have been ever hacked.

This thread is so helpful for me as I am also planning to go for VPS for the first time.

Originally Posted by JeffNetSite

This thread is so helpful for me as I am also planning to go for VPS for the first time.

Jeff I suppose you will be able to find more if you do the search for the VPS in this section. Actually there have been a lot of threads about VPS

Originally Posted by JeffNetSite

This thread is so helpful for me as I am also planning to go for VPS for the first time.

Are you sure you need that? Please do not get offended but it seems people make a lot of mistakes with the choice of the web hosting solution and overpay...

I myself am having a similar problem and would appreciate any input. I have VPS I have learned sphinx search, and a few things to use via my ssh and putty, but i have another site which i host on my vps and it needs mod rewrite activated.

I am getting this error that the requested url is not found when trying to use mod rewrite.

I need to know the ssh command to start my mod rewrite on apache. The module is there, but does not seem to be working. I do not know how to access my httpd.conf via ssh either.

as you said ,i think Cpanel is easier than plesk,as a flesh man i suggest use this,in fact ,firewall and SSL are also about security,but i think SSL is more important,because you dont know what time your website is safe ,if the content and database is significant ,SSL is necessary.besides,WHS you can choose some normal funtion to maintain...