Exploring CloudLinux OS Shared
CloudLinux OS Shared is designed to optimize the performance and security of servers that host multiple websites. It enhances the standard Linux operating system, making it particularly effective for shared hosting environments. One of the key features of CloudLinux OS Shared is the Lightweight Virtual Environment (LVE). This technology ensures that each website operates independently, so if one site experiences a traffic spike or runs resource-heavy applications, it won’t affect the performance of others on the same server.
In essence, CloudLinux OS Shared creates a safer and more reliable hosting experience. It allows web hosting providers to set specific resource limits for each account, helping to maintain balance and stability across all hosted sites.
Discover the Features of CloudLinux OS Shared
Within a shared hosting environment, CloudLinux OS Shared is presented as an undoubtedly powerful solution that is specifically designed to ensure the performance and security of the servers. This operating system is built to keep all user accounts isolated and therefore boost the stability of shared hosting environments. Each website is housed in its resource bubble, which ensures that no one account can interfere with others negatively. This level of resource management is essential to ensuring a seamless experience, especially during periods of high traffic.
First, let’s delve a little deeper into the useful features of CloudLinux OS Shared and how it has already positioned itself as a preferred option for hosting providers as well as for site owners in the marketplace.
Stability Features: Enhancing Server Efficiency with LVE Manager
CloudLinux OS Shared offers a powerful solution for managing server resources efficiently through the LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) Manager. This tool allows administrators to precisely limit CPU, IO, memory, and concurrent connections per user. By doing so, LVE prevents any single website from monopolizing server resources, ensuring that overall performance remains steady for all hosted sites.
LVE Manager operates directly at the kernel level, working seamlessly with the core server systems, databases, and authentication modules. This integration ensures a smooth, low-overhead way to keep resources in check, preventing the overuse and instability common in shared hosting environments. It provides the foundation for a balanced, fair allocation of server capacity.
Key Benefits of LVE Manager
| Ensured Stability | By enforcing resource limits, LVE guarantees that no tenant exceeds their share, protecting the server from slowdowns or crashes due to resource hogging. This results in stable, consistent performance for all users. |
|---|---|
| Opportunities for Increased Revenue | With LVE Manager, hosting providers can create tiered packages offering additional CPU or memory. As customers monitor their resource usage, it becomes easier to upsell them to higher-end plans when they need more resources. |
| Reduced Customer Churn | Server downtime or slow speeds are among the main reasons for customer dissatisfaction. By maintaining reliable performance, LVE helps lower the number of complaints and keeps customers happy. |
Detailed Control with LVE Manager
LVE Manager gives administrators comprehensive control over various key resources, helping them maintain a smooth server operation. Here are some of the specific limits that can be set:
| Memory Limits | Prevent memory overuse by setting hard limits on the amount of memory each account can consume, minimizing the risk of server overload. |
|---|---|
| IO Limits | Regulate the data throughput for users to ensure balanced performance, preventing any single account from creating bottlenecks. |
| CPU Limits | Cap the CPU power available to each user, avoiding server-wide slowdowns from high CPU usage. |
| Process Limits | Control the number of active processes per account to prevent abusive practices like DoS attacks. |
| Entry Process Limits | Manage how many web scripts can be executed simultaneously, protecting the server from website overloads. |
| Inode Limits | Set restrictions on the number of files and folders an account can create, keeping the server’s file system from becoming overwhelmed. |
MySQL Governor: How It Helps Servers
MySQL Governor makes sure one user doesn’t take up all the resources on a shared server. It watches how much CPU and disk space each user is using and stops people from overloading the server. This helps keep the server running smoothly. MySQL can cause problems on shared hosting because if one person uses too much, it slows down everything for everyone. MySQL Governor stops this by tracking users and slowing down the ones using too much. It works with MySQL and MariaDB.
Admins can see what’s happening on the server in real-time, so they always know which users are causing problems.
Features of MySQL Governor
| LVE Integration | Adds limits to each user’s resources. |
|---|---|
| Stops Long Queries | Automatically finds and stops queries that run for too long. |
| Version Support | Works with MySQL 5.1 – 5.7 and MariaDB 5.x – 10.x. |
MySQL Governor helps keep servers stable by making sure no one user takes up too much.
Security Features: CageFS
CageFS is a special file system that creates a safe, virtual space for each user on a server. This stops users from seeing each other’s information or important server files. It also helps prevent hacking and other attacks, like gaining too many permissions or sharing sensitive data. The best part is, that customers don’t have to do anything or change their scripts. Sometimes, servers can be hacked if someone signs up with fake details or if a customer has an old, unsafe script. This can give hackers a way to attack your server from the inside, which can be very hard to fix.
CageFS from CloudLinux OS stops this problem by giving each user their own separate file system. This way, no one can see what other users are doing.
What CageFS Does
- Users only see safe files.
- Users cannot see or find other users.
- Users cannot view important server files like Apache config files.
- Users can only view their processes and not those of other users
Security Features: HardenedPHP
Many popular versions of PHP are no longer supported, which means they can have security problems. HardenedPHP fixes these issues for older PHP versions like 4.4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 7.0, 7.1, and 7.2.
Importance of HardenedPHP
Older PHP versions, such as 7.2, 7.1, 7.0, and 5.6, often have security flaws that the PHP.net community does not address anymore. HardenedPHP helps keep these versions safe by fixing known problems. PHP is used by over 79% of all websites, making it a target for hackers. With HardenedPHP, you can protect your server and your customers from attacks.
Benefits of HardenedPHP
| Protection for Old Versions | It keeps old PHP versions safe by fixing issues, even if they are no longer supported. |
|---|---|
| Happy Customers | You won’t need to push customers to update to newer versions, which helps keep their websites running smoothly. |
| Flexibility | You can offer different PHP versions on one server, giving customers choices while ensuring safety. |
PHP Usage Statistics
- 27% of websites still run on PHP 7.2, which stopped receiving support in November 2020.
- 8.6% use PHP 7.1, unsupported since December 2019.
- 9.1% use PHP 7.0, which has not been supported since January 2019.
- 35% run on older versions, including PHP 5 and 4.
Using HardenedPHP with CloudLinux OS Shared allows you to secure these old PHP versions while providing various options for your customers.
Security Features: SecureLinks
SecureLinks is a technology that works at the kernel level to block all known symbolic link (symlink) attacks. It boosts the security of servers by stopping bad users from making symlink files, which can trick the Apache Web server into accessing another user’s configuration files.
How SecureLinks Works
While CageFS does a great job of stopping many information leaks—like preventing hackers from reading sensitive files such as /etc/passwd—it might not stop all symlink attacks. On some cPanel servers, for example, CageFS isn’t active in areas like the WebDAV server, cPanel file manager, and webmail. This can let attackers create symlinks or hardlinks to sensitive files and read their contents.CloudLinux OS SecureLinks prevents these attacks by making sure malicious users can’t create symlinks or hardlinks to files they don’t own, enhancing overall security for all users on the server.
Profitability Features: PHP Selector
PHP Selector gives users the ability to choose the specific version of PHP they want to use. This feature provides great flexibility by offering popular PHP versions and over 120 PHP extensions.Every customer has unique needs. Since PHP is the most widely used language online, we package several PHP versions, allowing users to select from options like PHP 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, and 7.0 through 7.2. They can also choose from a wide range of extensions to enhance their applications.
Before CloudLinux OS Shared, if a customer needed a specific extension, the usual solution was to upgrade them to a VPS, which could be expensive and might lead them to consider other hosting providers. Now, CloudLinux makes it easy for users to access the extensions they need without unnecessary upgrades. Only those who require it will use the PHP Selector, while others can stick with the default PHP version on the server. Customers can switch their PHP version whenever they want.
- Supports PHP versions: 4.4, 5.1-5.6, and 7.0-7.2
- Offers over 120 PHP extensions
Python Selector Feature
Python Selector is a feature that allows users to pick the Python version they need. People have their own distinct preferences, and this tool enables them to choose the version which is appropriate for that particular project. Besides, they can attach extra modules to their applications. In the meantime, the mod_passenger platform is available to speed up Python apps.
Python versions are as follows:- alt-python27: Version 2.7.9 (works with CloudLinux versions 5-7)
- alt-python33: Version 3.3.2 (works with CloudLinux versions 6-7)
- alt-python34: Version 3.4.1 (works with CloudLinux versions 6-7)
- alt-python35: Version 3.5.4 (works with CloudLinux versions 6-7)
Users have the rights to Python Selector through their LVE Manager version 0.9-1 or higher. Admins are given the privilege to deactivate the function if they want to.Previously, before CloudLinux OS Shared, the Python Selector was only appropriate for those clients who had already upgraded to a VPS, which could be expensive and could leave the customers with no other choice but to go to another provider. Nevertheless, by means of CloudLinux, people can simply use the Python Selector when it is needed.
- Python supports versions: 2.7, 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5
- Developers have been able to add extra modules for their applications
Ruby Selector Feature
Ruby Selector lets users pick the Ruby version they want for their applications. Each customer has unique needs, and this feature allows them to choose the right Ruby version and add any extra modules (known as gems) they may require. It uses mod_passenger to ensure the best performance for Ruby applications.Before using CloudLinux OS Shared, customers who needed a different Ruby version typically had to switch to a VPS, which could be expensive and might lead them to consider other hosting providers. Now, with CloudLinux OS Shared, users have the flexibility to use the Ruby Selector when necessary.
Requirements:- The Ruby Selector is available for CloudLinux 6 or newer.
- It needs LVE Manager 0.9-1 or higher to function.
- Administrators can choose to hide the Ruby Selector option from the user interface if desired.
- 1.8
- 1.9
- 2.0
- 2.1
- Users can install extra modules to enhance their applications.
Performance Feature: Mod_Lsapi
Mod_Lsapi is an efficient and fast way to serve PHP pages. It replaces older methods like SuPHP, FCGID, RUID2, and ITK without requiring any changes. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Benefits:| Speed | It is quicker than other methods for serving PHP with Apache. |
|---|---|
| Stability | Mod_Lsapi does not have the same stability problems found in PHP FPM and mod_fcgid. |
| Caching | It includes all the advantages of opcode caching, which speeds up execution. |
| Compatibility | Works well with MPM Worker and Event. |
| No Tuning Required | You don’t have to adjust settings for it to work well. |
| PHP Directives | Supports PHP settings in .htaccess files. |
| Easy Replacement | Can replace older methods without extra setup. |
| PHP Selector Compatibility | Fully compatible with the PHP Selector feature. |
Performance Feature: PHP X-Ray
When a website slows down, it often indicates an issue with its content management system (CMS). Finding and fixing these problems used to require manual inspection of the WordPress installation. However, now with CloudLinux OS Shared Pro, there’s a new tool called PHP X-Ray that makes this process easier.
What is PHP X-Ray?
PHP X-Ray is included with CloudLinux OS Shared Pro and helps identify performance issues in WordPress sites. It provides insights into problems caused by slow plugins, database queries, functions, or external calls.
Troubleshooting Performance IssuesPHP X-Ray focuses on common performance problems in PHP websites, such as:
- Slow plugins
- Slow database queries
- Slow functions
- Slow external calls
Benefits of PHP X-Ray
| Easy Installation | It’s a ready-to-use monitoring tool that doesn’t need complex setup or ongoing support from technical teams. |
|---|---|
| User-Friendly | This tool is straightforward to use, making it suitable for teams without advanced technical skills. |
| Simple Detection | PHP X-Ray quickly identifies slow plugins, database queries, functions, and external calls. |
| Integrated with LVE Manager | It offers a detailed view per user, fully integrated with LVE Manager, setting it apart from other available solutions |
Centralized Monitoring
Centralized Monitoring allows system administrators to oversee all their servers in one place. It helps identify which users are consuming the most resources and manages any domains using excessive CPU, memory, or disk space.
A Closer Look at Server Performance
With Centralized Monitoring, sysadmins can easily track the performance of all servers in their network. This tool offers insights into:
| Overall server performance | RAM, CPU, disk usage, system load, network activity, open files, and I/O operations. |
|---|---|
| Hardware temperature | Hardware temperature to prevent overheating. |
| Active user count | Active user count on the server. |
| Apache connections | Apache connections to manage web traffic. |
| MySQL connections | MySQL connections for database management. |
| CPU steal time | CPU steal time for virtual machines (VMs). |
| Resource usage per user | Resource usage per user: including CPU, RAM, processes, I/O, and MySQL CPU and I/O. |
This tool is designed to be effective immediately upon installation and aims to provide a user-friendly experience, delivering detailed performance insights for each user.
Benefits of Centralized Monitoring
| Detects performance bottlenecks | Quickly identifies issues affecting server performance. |
|---|---|
| Ready-to-use solution | It functions well out of the box with minimal setup required. |
| Consolidated performance monitoring | Keeps all performance metrics in one centralized location. |
| Custom notifications and alerts | Set up alerts for specific performance thresholds to stay informed.. |
Start Your CloudLinux Installation
To get started with CloudLinux, make sure your server can run it. It’s also smart to back up your important data. Then, visit the CloudLinux website and download the latest version. Follow the step-by-step guide on their site to install it. With CloudLinux, you’ll make your server safer and faster!
Supported Systems and Devices
Supported HardwareCloudLinux OS Shared works with any hardware that supports CentOS or RHEL.
Supported Operating SystemsYou can install CloudLinux OS Shared on new Linux servers or convert existing CentOS/RHEL servers easily with a single script. This process doesn’t change your settings or data. CloudLinux has a CentOS-like interface, so admins will find it familiar.
Deployment Steps- To convert an existing CentOS/RHEL server to CloudLinux, follow the guide for "Installing on CentOS server." Remember to upgrade Hyper-V servers to the latest CentOS first.
- For new installations, follow the standard setup process.
CloudLinux OS Shared works well with cPanel, DirectAdmin, Plesk, and other common software used with CentOS and RHEL. If you use different control panels, CloudLinux can integrate with them too.
Converting Your CentOS Server with cPanel to CloudLinux OS Shared
Changing a CentOS server to CloudLinux OS Shared is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
RequirementsTo start, you'll need either a software activation key or an IP-based license. If you don’t have one yet, you can get a 30-day free trial key by registering on the CloudLinux website’s CLN portal. If you already have a paid license, you can find it in your welcome email or your CLN account.
Installation Steps- Connect to Your Server: Use your favorite SSH tool to access your server.
- Download the Installation Script : Execute this command to download the
necessary script: $ wget https://repo.cloudlinux.com/cloudlinux/sources/cln/cldeploy
- Run the Installation : Depending on your license type, use one of the following
commands:
- For an activation key: $ sh cldeploy -k < your_activation_key>
- For an IP-based license: $ sh cldeploy -i
- Restart the Server : After the script completes, restart your server
with: $ reboot
- For an activation key:
Post-Installation Check
Once your server restarts, the CloudLinux installation script automatically checks your environment, including the virtualization type and control panel. If you're using EasyApache 4, it will also install any necessary packages for proper operation.
To verify that your server is using the correct CloudLinux kernel, log back in and run:You should see “lve” in the kernel name, indicating everything is set up correctly.
Final Steps
Finally, check your WHM (Web Host Manager) interface to confirm that the LVE Manager plugin has been installed.
Converting Your CentOS Server with DirectAdmin to CloudLinux OS Shared
Transforming a DirectAdmin-based CentOS server to CloudLinux OS Shared is straightforward. Follow this guide for a seamless conversion process.
Prerequisites
Before starting, you’ll need either a software activation key or an IP-based license. If you don’t have a key, you can request a 30-day trial license through the CLN portal on the CloudLinux website. Remember, registration is required. For those with a paid license, check your welcome email or CLN account to find it.
Installation Steps- SSH Access : Begin by connecting to your server using your preferred SSH client.
- Download the Conversion Script : Run the following command to fetch the
installation script: $ wget https://repo.cloudlinux.com/cloudlinux/sources/cln/cldeploy
- Execute the Installation : Depending on your license type, execute one of the
commands below:
- For an activation key: $ sh cldeploy -k < your_activation_key>
- For an IP-based license: $ sh cldeploy -i
- Reboot Your Server : After the installation script completes, restart
your server: $ reboot
- For an activation key:
Verifying the Installation
Once your server reboots, the CloudLinux installation script intelligently checks your server's environment, including the virtualization type and control panel.To confirm that the correct CloudLinux kernel is in use, log back into your server and run:
Look for “lve” in the kernel name, which indicates that the installation was successful.
Check the DirectAdmin Interface
Finally, access your DirectAdmin interface to ensure that the CloudLinux LVE Manager plugin has been successfully installed during the conversion process.Congratulations! Your CentOS server with DirectAdmin is now successfully converted to CloudLinux OS Shared.
Converting Your CentOS Server with Plesk to CloudLinux OS Shared
Switching your Plesk-based CentOS server to CloudLinux OS Shared is easy. Follow these steps for a smooth conversion.
What You Need
Before you begin, you must have a software activation key or an IP-based license. You can get a free 30-day trial key by requesting it from the CLN portal on the CloudLinux website (registration is required). If you have a paid license, it should be in your welcome email or available in CLN.
Installation Steps
- Connect via SSH : Use your favorite SSH console to connect to your server.
- Download the Installation Script : Run the following command to download the
conversion script: $ wget https://repo.cloudlinux.com/cloudlinux/sources/cln/cldeploy
- Run the Installation : Depending on whether you have an activation key or an
IP-based license, enter one of these commands:
- For an activation key: $ sh cldeploy -k < your_activation_key>
- For an IP-based license: $ sh cldeploy -i
- For an activation key:
- Reboot the Server : After the installation is finished, restart your server:
$ reboot
Verify the Installation
Once your server is back up, the CloudLinux installation script will automatically recognize your server's environment, virtualization type, control panel, and any hardware needing extra drivers.To check if the correct CloudLinux kernel is running, log back into your server and type:
Look for “lve” in the kernel name, which means the installation was successful.
Check the Plesk Interface
Finally, go to your Plesk panel. The LVE Manager plugin should now be installed as part of the conversion.Congratulations! Your CentOS server with Plesk is now successfully converted to CloudLinux OS Shared.
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