Installing DirectAdmin on CentOS 7: Step-by-Step Guide

DirectAdmin is a widely used, user-friendly web hosting control panel. In this guide, you will learn step-by-step how to install DirectAdmin on CentOS 7.

Determining Requirements and Prerequisites

Before beginning the installation, make sure you meet all system requirements and prerequisites. Here's what you need to know before starting:

• Server: A server running CentOS 7 is required.
• Hardware Requirements: At least 1 GB of RAM and 2 GB of swap space are recommended. Also, a minimum of 2 CPU cores and 2 GB of disk space are needed.
• Root Access: You must have root access to the server.
• Static IP Address: A static IP address is required for DirectAdmin.
• Software Requirements: Necessary tools such as wget, tar, and perl should be installed.

Downloading DirectAdmin Installation Files on CentOS 7

Before installing DirectAdmin, you need to download the installation files. Follow these steps to download and prepare them:

1. First, access the terminal and log in as the root user.
2. Install the required packages using the command below:

yum install wget tar -y

3. Download the DirectAdmin installation script using the wget command:

wget http://www.directadmin.com/setup.sh

4. Make sure the downloaded file is executable:

chmod +x setup.sh

Running the DirectAdmin Installation

After downloading the installation script, you can begin the installation:

1. Run the installation script:

./setup.sh auto

2. During the installation, you will be asked to enter your license information and some server details. Enter them correctly.
3. Once the installation is complete, check if DirectAdmin services are running:

systemctl status directadmin

Initial Configuration of DirectAdmin

After the installation is complete, access the DirectAdmin panel and perform the initial configurations:

1. Access the DirectAdmin panel from your web browser. Typically, use http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:2222.
2. Log in using the Administrator username and password.
3. Upon first login, you will be prompted to complete basic settings like server time, language settings, and other initial configurations.

Security and Optimization Steps for DirectAdmin

After the installation, it's important to enhance security and optimize performance:

• Firewall Setup: Configure a firewall on your server to block unwanted access.
• SSL Certificate: Secure your DirectAdmin panel by using SSL.
• Backup Configuration: Set up regular backups to prevent data loss.
• Software Updates: Keep DirectAdmin and other server software up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of license is required for DirectAdmin installation?

You need a valid DirectAdmin license, which can be purchased from the DirectAdmin website.

What are common issues during installation?

Common issues include DNS configuration errors and missing software dependencies. These often occur when prerequisites are not fully met.

How can I migrate DirectAdmin to another server?

To migrate DirectAdmin to another server, back up your data on the current server, install DirectAdmin on the new server, and restore the backups. Make sure both servers have compatible configurations.