// Server under control
Setting up and maintaining VPS/VDS for stable operation of the website
I help set up and maintain the server part of the website: PHP, database, SSL, backups, email, security, monitoring, transfer from hosting and regular checking of the server status.
Audit
Checking the server, PHP, database, logs, disk, memory, DNS, SSL, email, backups and errors.
Setting
Web server, PHP-FPM, database, SSL, cron, file permissions, users and basic structure.
Protection
Firewall, SSH, updates, access rights, SSL, users, passwords and vulnerability control.
Monitoring
Control of availability, load, disk space, errors, backups, email and critical services.
// When the server becomes part of the problem
The website may be working properly, but the server still prevents it from working
Slow loading, errors 500/502/504, broken forms, full disk, old PHP, lack of backups and weak security are often not solved by editing the website. You need to look at the whole bunch: website, CMS, PHP, database, email, DNS and the server itself.
PHP and environment
PHP versions, extensions, memory limits, execution times, file uploads, cron and compatibility with CMS or home-written code.
Database
MySQL/MariaDB, database size, errors, slow queries, backups, access and website stability under load.
DNS, domain and SSL
Setting up domain, subdomains, HTTPS, certificates, redirects and basic verification after moving the website.
Email and forms
SMTP, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, sending requests, server restrictions and reasons why letters go to spam.
Security
Firewall, SSH, users, passwords, file permissions, updates, suspicious processes, logs and basic server protection.
Speed and stability
Cache, load, memory, disk, web server, error logs, availability monitoring and website crash prevention.
// Server maintenance
VPS/VDS does not require one-time setup, but regular monitoring
A virtual server gives more freedom, but with it comes responsibility: updates, security, backups, disk space, logs, email and monitoring. If this is not done, the website may break even without changes to the CMS.
// How the work goes
First audit, then settings
Server changes require caution: one incorrect setting can affect the website, email, SSL or database. Therefore, the work proceeds step by step.
Audit
Server, panel, PHP, database, DNS, SSL, email, backups, logs, website load and errors.
Backup
Before making changes, I fix the current files, database, configs and the ability to rollback.
Setting
PHP, web server, database, SSL, email, cron, file rights, users and services.
Protection
Updates, firewall, SSH, passwords, accesses, rights, basic security and log checks.
Control
Checking the website, forms, email, HTTPS, speed, errors, backups and further recommendations.
// When a server audit is needed
It’s better to find VPS problems before the website crashes
- The website often displays errors 500, 502 or 504
- No clear backups and recovery checks
- Forms do not send emails or emails go to spam
- Disk quickly fills with unknown files
- Need to update PHP without breaking the website
- The server has not been updated for a long time
- Need to move a website from regular hosting
- There is a suspicion of hacking or a strange load
- SSL, DNS or redirects are configured unstable
- Several websites interfere with each other on the same server
// Application
It’s better to start with a server audit
Send a link to the website and briefly describe the situation: VPS/VDS, hosting, errors, slow work, PHP, SSL, email, backups, transfer or security. I'll see what to check first.
// FAQ
Frequently asked questions about setting up VPS/VDS
What is VPS/VDS and why does a website need it?
VPS/VDS is a virtual server where the website has more control than on regular shared hosting. It is needed when the website needs speed, stability, flexible settings for PHP, database, email, SSL, backups and security.
When is regular hosting no longer enough?
If the website is slow, often receives 500/502/504 errors, runs into memory limits, requires a special version of PHP, non-standard modules, stable email, a store or several websites on one server, it is worth considering VPS/VDS.
What is included in the initial VPS/VDS setup?
Basic setup includes web server, PHP, database, SSL, users, access rights, firewall, updates, backups, cron tasks, email, logs and checking the website after migration or launch.
Is it possible to transfer a website from regular hosting to VPS?
Yes. Before transferring, you need to check your files, database, domain, DNS, SSL, email, PHP versions and dependencies. After the transfer, pages, forms, admin panel, redirects and website stability are checked.
Do you maintain the server after setup?
Yes. Regular maintenance may include updates, log checks, backup control, monitoring, security, SSL, email, disk space, load, PHP errors and minor server edits.
Is it possible to set up a server for WordPress, Joomla or PrestaShop?
Yes. Different settings are important for different CMSs: PHP version, memory limits, cache, database, file permissions, cron, SSL, sending emails and admin panel protection. The server must correspond to a real website, not an abstract instruction.
What about backups on VPS/VDS?
On VPS/VDS, backups need to be thought through separately: files, database, schedule, storage location and recovery verification. A backup that no one has checked cannot be considered complete protection.
Is it possible to customize email and application forms?
Yes. SMTP, DNS records, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, sender address, server restrictions and website forms are checked. This is important so that enquiries are not lost and letters do not go to spam.
What to do if you already have a VPS, but the website is not working well?
We need an audit: load, memory, disk, PHP, database, web server, cache, error logs, cron, backups and security. Often the problem is not in the tariff, but in incorrect configuration or lack of service.
Do you need root/SSH access?
To fully configure a VPS/VDS, you usually need SSH access with administrator rights or access to the server panel. For routine diagnostics, sometimes the hosting panel, SFTP and website admin are enough.