How To Set Up CloudPanel As Your Linux Server Control Panel?

• What Is CloudPanel?

• What Are The Features Of CloudPanel?

• What Are The Prerequisites For Connecting To CloudPanel?

• How To Install CloudPanel On Your Linux Server?

• How To Connect To CloudPanel Web Interface On A Linux Server?

• How To Manage Your Linux Server With CloudPanel

• FAQs

• Summary

What Is CloudPanel?

CloudPanel is a user-friendly web hosting control panel for Linux servers. It simplifies server management and supports PHP, Node.js, and static websites. The panel ensures fast and efficient server configuration. It makes it ideal for developers, agencies, and businesses.

CloudPanel is built with a lightweight technology stack that includes NGINX, PHP-FPM, and MySQL for optimal performance. It ensures efficient resource usage and seamless workload handling.

The panel also integrates with AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean. It includes firewall settings, SSL/TLS support, automated data security, and server reliability backups.

What Are The Features Of CloudPanel?

1. User-Friendly Interface

CloudPanel provides a clean and intuitive web experience. Its web panel is designed for simplicity and speed. It offers an easy-to-use web hosting control panel for admins and hosting providers. Customization options help users customize the dashboard. CloudPanel simplifies server administration tasks with minimal effort.

2. Real-Time Monitoring of Server Performance

The control panel allows users to track system health instantly. It provides real-time monitoring of server performance for better management. Metrics include CPU, RAM, and web server load. Hosting providers benefit from fast diagnostics. This feature ensures optimal server uptime and efficiency.

3. Advanced Security Features

CloudPanel includes built-in security for hosting management. It offers free SSL/TLS, firewall security, and secure authentication. The Linux control panel supports DNS settings for added security. Admins can manage user roles with strict access controls. Security measures protect servers and web apps from threats.

4. Efficient Database Management

CloudPanel simplifies database management with quick-access tools. Users can create, edit, and delete databases easily. The system supports MySQL and MariaDB. The hosting control panel for Linux ensures smooth database operations. Admins can perform backups and optimize performance efficiently.

5. Seamless Plugin Integration

CloudPanel supports various plugins for extended functionality. Users can enhance features with add-ons like caching and backups. The control panel supports Joomla and WordPress for better web hosting. This flexibility helps businesses scale without extra costs.

What Are The Prerequisites For Connecting To CloudPanel?

1. Operating System

CloudPanel runs on Ubuntu 22.04 or 22.02 and Debian 11 and 12. These Linux web hosting control panels ensure stability, security, and performance. CentOS is not supported due to system compatibility issues. Choose the right Linux control panel setup based on your hosting needs.

2. Firewall Configuration

Ports 22 (SSH), 80 (HTTP), and 443 (HTTPS) must be open for proper functionality. DNS settings should allow seamless website access. A properly configured Linux control panel firewall improves security and prevents unauthorized entry.

3. Database Support

CloudPanel supports MySQL 8.0 and MariaDB 10.x. Databases store website and application data. Performance tuning and proper indexing are essential for smooth operations.

4. Panel Dependencies

CloudPanel requires Python 3, PHP, and system utilities. These components enable core functionalities. Some open-source hosting control panel solutions may require additional dependencies. Keeping all the necessary packages updated ensures security and efficiency.

5. User Privileges

Root or sudo access is mandatory for setup and administration. CloudPanel demands direct control over server resources. A properly managed administration panel prevents unauthorized changes.

6. Backup System

Regular server backups are recommended before installing or updating CloudPanel. Most web hosting panels provide manual or automatic backup options. Secure offsite backups protect against data loss.

7. Compatibility with Other Panels

CloudPanel is not compatible with Webmin, Virtualmin, Plesk, or cPanel. It operates as an independent open-source web hosting control panel. Mixing multiple panels makes the server unstable and may cause conflicts.

8. Virtualization Support

CloudPanel runs on KVM, VMware, and cloud platforms. A web hosting control panel designed for virtualization ensures compatibility with leading cloud providers. Kernel-level access may be required for advanced configurations.

9. Administration Panel Security

CloudPanel includes role-based access control for secure server administration. Users can assign different privileges to prevent unauthorized modifications. A well-secured source Linux panel ensures data integrity.

How To Install CloudPanel On Your Linux Server?

1. Update the System Packages

Before installing CloudPanel, update your Linux server to ensure all packages are current. For Debian or Ubuntu, use the command above, open your terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

It prevents compatibility issues during installation.

2. Set the Correct Hostname

Setting a proper hostname helps CloudPanel function correctly. Use this command to set your hostname:

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname yourhostname

Replace yourhostname with a relevant name, such as CloudPanel.yourdomain.com. Verify it using:hostnamectl

A properly set hostname ensures your control panel works without issues.

3. Download & Install CloudPanel

CloudPanel provides an official installation script. Download it using wget:

wget https://installer.CloudPanel.io/ce/v2/install.sh

This script automates the installation process.

4. Make the Script Executable

Before running the script, grant it execution permissions:

chmod +x install.sh

It allows Linux to recognize it as a runnable script.

5. Run the Installation Script

Execute the script to start the installation:

sudo ./install.sh

The script will prompt you to select the database engine. When prompted, choose MySQL 8.0 or MariaDB 10.x.

6. Wait for the Installation to Complete

CloudPanel will install automatically, setting up dependencies and services. Depending on your server's performance, the process may take 5-10 minutes.

During this, CloudPanel installs:

• NGINX (for web hosting)

• PHP versions (for web applications)

• MySQL or MariaDB (for database management)

• Security configurations

After completion, the terminal displays a message with the CloudPanel login URL.

7. Access CloudPanel via the Web Browser

Once the installation is complete, open a web browser and visit:

https://your-server-ip:8443

Replace your-server-ip with your actual server's IP address. CloudPanel uses port 8443 for secure access.

8. Log in to CloudPanel as Admin

On the CloudPanel login page, enter your admin credentials:

• Username: admin

• Password: (created during installation)

If you didn't set a password, reset it using:

sudo CloudPanel pass admin yournewpassword

Replace yournewpassword with a secure password.

9. Configure Server Settings and Security

After logging in, configure the following:

• Set the server time zone

• Update system packages within CloudPanel

• Enable automatic software updates

Navigate to Settings > Security to adjust server protection settings.

10. Set Up a Database and Web Applications

To create a new database:

1. Go to Databases in the CloudPanel dashboard.

2. Click Create Database.

3. Enter a database name, username, and password.

4. Save your credentials for future use.

For web applications, install WordPress, Laravel, or other frameworks through the Web Applications section.

11. Enable SSL/TLS for Secure Connections

SSL/TLS encrypts connections between users and the server. To enable a free Let's Encrypt SSL certificate:

1. Go to Domains > Your Domain.

2. Click Enable SSL.

3. CloudPanel automatically installs the certificate.

For custom SSL/TLS certificates, manually upload your .crt and .key files.

12. Verify Firewall and Port Settings

CloudPanel manages firewall rules automatically, but you should confirm:

• Port 22 (SSH) – for remote access

• Port 80 & 443 (HTTP/HTTPS) – for website access

• Port 8443 – for CloudPanel access

To check firewall settings, use:

sudo ufw status

Enable the firewall if disabled:

sudo ufw enable

13. Create and Manage User Accounts

To add new users:

1. Navigate to Users > Create User.

2. Set a username, email, and role.

3. Assign permissions based on user needs.

Users can manage domains, databases, and files according to assigned roles.

14. Configure Backups and Monitoring

CloudPanel offers automatic and manual backups. To create a manual backup:

1. Go to Backups in the CloudPanel dashboard.

2. Select the database or file system.

3. Click Create Backup.

For real-time monitoring of server performance, check:

• CPU Usage

• Memory Usage

• Disk Usage

Navigate to Monitoring > System Stats for detailed insights.

15. Optimize Performance and Finalize Setup

For improved performance:

• Enable caching: Go to Settings > Performance.

• Configure PHP versions: Adjust settings in PHP Management.

• Set up cron jobs: Automate tasks through Cron Jobs.

After all configurations, restart the server to apply changes:

sudo reboot

How To Connect To CloudPanel Web Interface On A Linux Server?

1. Check the Server IP Address

Before connecting, you need to know your server's public IP address. Use this command in your terminal:

ip a

or

hostname -I

The output will show your server's IP address. Note it down, as you'll use it to access CloudPanel in your browser.

If you use a domain name instead of an IP, ensure the A record in DNS settings points to your server's IP.

2. Open a Web Browser

On your local computer, open a web browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. A modern browser is more compatible with CloudPanel's web interface.

Avoid outdated browsers, as they may not display the dashboard correctly.

3. Enter the CloudPanel URL in the Address Bar

Type your server's IP address in the browser's address bar with port 8443. For example, if your server IP is 192.168.1.10, enter:

https://192.168.1.10:8443

If you've set up a domain name, use:

https://yourdomain.com:8443

CloudPanel runs on port 8443 by default, so you must include it in the URL.

4. Accept the SSL Certificate Warning (If Applicable)

Since CloudPanel uses a self-signed SSL certificate by default, your browser may display a security warning like:

"Your connection is not private."

To proceed:

1. Click Advanced (on Chrome/Firefox).

2. Click Proceed to your-server-ip (unsafe).

This warning appears because an SSL certificate has not been issued by a trusted authority. After logging in, you can install a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate for a trusted connection.

5. Enter Admin Credentials on the Login Page

You will see the CloudPanel login screen. Enter the credentials created during installation:

• Username: admin

• Password: (The password you set during installation)

If you forgot the password, reset it via SSH:

sudo CloudPanel pass admin newpassword

Replace the newpassword with a strong password.

Click login to access the dashboard.

6. Access the CloudPanel Dashboard

Once logged in, the CloudPanel dashboard appears. You will see an overview of your server's system resources, services, and available tools. The main sections include:

• Server Information (CPU, RAM, Storage, Network)

• Web Applications (Manage websites and domains)

• Databases (Create and manage MySQL databases)

• Security Settings (Firewall, SSL/TLS, User roles)

This dashboard is your central control panel for managing the Linux server efficiently.

7. Verify Server and System Status

To ensure CloudPanel is functioning correctly, check:

• Server Load: Shows CPU and RAM usage.

• Network Status: Ensures your server is accessible.

• Services Status: Confirms MySQL, PHP, and NGINX are running.

Navigate to Monitoring > System Stats to view real-time server performance.

If any service is down, restart it using SSH/FTP:

sudo systemctl restart nginx sudo systemctl restart mysql

These commands restart NGINX and MySQL if needed.

8. Start Managing Your Server Through CloudPanel

Now that you're logged in, you can:

• Create and manage websites (WordPress, Laravel, etc.)

• Set up databases and configure users

• Enable SSL/TLS for secure connections

• Configure firewall rules for protection

• Monitor server performance in real-time

Everything is accessible from the CloudPanel dashboard. It makes it an efficient Linux server control panel for administrators.

How To Manage Your Linux Server With CloudPanel

1. Manage and Configure Server Services

CloudPanel allows users to start, stop, and restart services like NGINX, PHP, MySQL, and Redis. To manage services:

1. Navigate to Settings > Services in CloudPanel.

2. View the status of active services.

3. Restart or stop services as needed to resolve issues.

Use the command line to restart services if necessary manually:

sudo systemctl restart nginx sudo systemctl restart mysql

Managing services ensures smooth server operations and quick issue resolution.

2. Customize PHP and Web Server Settings

PHP settings affect website performance. In CloudPanel:

1. Navigate to PHP Settings.

2. Adjust memory limits, max execution time, and OPcache.

3. Select the PHP version for your application.

To manually switch PHP versions:

sudo update-alternatives --config php

Web server settings such as Gzip compression, HTTP/2, and caching can be customized under NGINX Configurations.

3. Manage and Update DNS Records

Correct DNS settings ensure domains resolve correctly. In CloudPanel:

1. Go to Domains > DNS Settings.

2. Update A, CNAME, MX, and TXT records as needed.

3. Verify propagation using dig yourdomain.com

4. If changes don't reflect, clear the DNS cache with:

   sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Accurate DNS settings prevent domain-related connectivity issues.

4. Monitor and Control Running Processes

Check active processes and resource usage via CloudPanel's Monitoring > Processes section. To manually view running processes:

top

or

htop

To stop a high-resource process:

sudo kill -9 <PID>

Regularly monitoring processes prevents server slowdowns and resource exhaustion.

5. Automate Tasks with Cron Jobs

Cron jobs automate repetitive server tasks. To set up in CloudPanel:

1. Go to Settings > Cron Jobs.

2. Click Create New Cron Job.

3. Define the execution frequency and command.

To add a cron job manually:

crontab -e

For example, scheduling a daily database backup:

0 3 * * * mysqldump -u user -p'password' dbname > /backup.sql

Automation improves efficiency and reduces manual workload.

6. Manage File System and Permissions

Use FTP or SSH to upload and manage files. To change file permissions:

chmod 755 filename

To change ownership:

chown www-data:www-data /var/www/html

CloudPanel simplifies file management through SFTP access, ensuring secure transfers and proper directory permissions.

7. Optimize Database Performance

For better MySQL performance:

1. Navigate to Databases > Optimize Database.

2. Run Analyze Table and Optimize Table operations.

3. Enable query caching for faster queries.

To manually check database performance:

mysqltuner

or

SHOW STATUS LIKE 'Threads_running';

Optimized databases reduce query execution time and improve server efficiency.

8. Use CloudPanel API for Automation

CloudPanel provides an API for automating tasks. To enable it:

1. Navigate to Settings > API.

2. Generate an API Key.

3. Use API endpoints to automate deployments, user management, and server configurations.

Example API request using cURL:

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" https://yourserver.com/api/v1/websites

Automation simplifies repetitive server management tasks.

9. Troubleshoot CloudPanel and Server Issues

If CloudPanel or the server faces issues:

• Check logs under Monitoring > Logs.

• Restart affected services:
  sudo systemctl restart nginx

• Verify storage availability:
  df -h

• Restore a previous backup if needed.

CloudPanel provides an error log viewer to help identify problems quickly.

FAQs

1. Is CloudPanel a Free and Open Source Hosting Control Panel?

Yes, CloudPanel is an open-source web hosting control panel for managing Linux servers. It offers an intuitive interface and essential tools for server administration. You can access its source code and contribute to its development on GitHub.

2. Can CloudPanel Be Used on a VPS?

Yes, CloudPanel works efficiently on VPS hosting. It provides high performance, security, and an intuitive web control panel to manage web applications, databases, and system resources.

3. Does CloudPanel Include a Built-in File Manager?

Currently, CloudPanel does not have a built-in file manager. But, users can manage files securely using SFTP or SSH, ensuring better control and security over server resources.

4. How Does CloudPanel Ensure Server Security?

CloudPanel includes firewall management, role-based access control, SSL/TLS support, and automated updates. These features help protect Linux servers from unauthorized access and security threats.

5. Can I Manage Multiple Domains on CloudPanel?

CloudPanel allows users to add and manage multiple domains through its control web panel. You can configure DNS settings, enable SSL, and easily manage applications.

6. Does CloudPanel Support Multiple PHP Versions?

Yes, CloudPanel allows switching between multiple PHP versions. Users can configure different PHP settings per website, optimizing performance for various web applications.

Summary

Linux server control panel helps manage hosting, security, and performance. This tutorial explains installing, configuring, and optimizing CloudPanel for better server management.

• Learn to set up CloudPanel for fast and secure hosting.

• Understand key security settings to protect your Linux server.

• Manage domains, databases, and web applications effortlessly.

• Automate tasks with cron jobs and API for better efficiency.

• Troubleshoot common issues and keep your server running smoothly.

Explore CloudPanel to simplify your Linux server management!