Setting up a secure hosting panel and installing ServerPilot on Ubuntu
Overview
ServerPilot is a rapid and secure hosting control panel designed to facilitate the effortless installation of WordPress and PHP with just a click. Functioning as a centralized platform, ServerPilot streamlines the installation of critical open-source applications like PHP, MySQL, Nginx, or Apache on your server, automatically configuring them for immediate use.
Key features of ServerPilot include automatic security updates, firewall configuration, SSL support, server monitoring, and a comprehensive control panel.
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing ServerPilot on an Ubuntu 16.04 LTS 64-bit system.
Requirements
If you don’t have an Ubuntu 16.04 LTS 64-bit server from blendhosting.com, you can obtain one from Blend Hosting.
Before installing ServerPilot, make sure you have a ServerPilot account. If you don’t, please follow the tutorial below to create one.
The installation process for ServerPilot is straightforward and requires only a web browser and a VPS server from blendhosting.com. You won’t need to connect to your VPS server using an SSH terminal at this point, as the installation is handled by ServerPilot from their Control Panel.
Setting Up an Account on ServerPilot
To create a ServerPilot account, ensure you have a valid email address and password. Navigate to their website at https://manage.serverpilot.io/#signup, enter the necessary details, and then click on “Sign Up.” Follow the prompts to complete the registration process.
Upon completing the sign-up process, ServerPilot will send you a confirmation email. To verify the validity of your email, click on the link provided in the confirmation email.
Thanks for signing up for ServerPilot! To connect your first server, please verify your email address by clicking the link below.
https://manage.serverpilot.io/#confirm-email/1s3g9Zonz2gaa02eqsm1kdmw73ncd9
Note that this link will expire in 24 hours if it's not activated.
Happy Hosting,
Team ServerPilot
Please be aware that the confirmation link included in the email will expire within 24 hours. If you fail to confirm your email address within this timeframe, you will need to reconfirm it.
With your ServerPilot account now created, you can proceed to log in to their website and initiate the process of connecting your VPS server.
Configuring ServerPilot on your system
To connect your VPS server to ServerPilot, log in to your ServerPilot account at https://manage.serverpilot.io/#login.
Once logged in, you’ll be prompted to connect your first server using the Control Panel. To initiate this connection, click on the “Connect a Server” button.
Complete all the necessary fields, beginning with the “IP Address” of your VPS server, followed by the “Root Password,” and the “SFTP Password.” Ensure that you do not leave the SFTP password blank, as it will be utilized by the “ServerPilot” user for your VPS.
After filling in the required information, click on “Connect to ServerPilot” to initiate the ServerPilot installation process on your VPS. ServerPilot will log in to your server and automatically install the necessary applications, including Apache, Nginx, PHP, MySQL, and firewall applications.
Once all the applications have been successfully installed and ServerPilot has verified that there are no issues with your server, you will be prompted to create your very first app.
That’s it! ServerPilot is now installed, and you are ready to proceed with installing your first application, which, in this case, is WordPress.
Creating a ServerPilot App
After the creation of your app is completed, you will be directed to your application settings, where you can update and delete your application.
As a free user, you are permitted to create, delete, and update the database. You can also update your domain information and delete the application. To access additional features such as Stats, Logs, and SSL, you will need a Coach or Business account. You can review the options available for your plan at https://serverpilot.io/pricing.
Now that you have added an application, open your web browser and enter your server IP or domain name. You should see a “Welcome to WordPress” page, indicating a successful installation.