How to install DirectAdmin on Linux? 👌

List of content you will read in this article:

DirectAdmin is a web hosting control panel with a graphical user interface which was designed to make administration of websites easier. DirectAdmin is a really easy to use control panel and is extremely fast. Eventhough DirectAdmin is not a free service, they offer flexible licensing options for any kind of hosting solutions. With the product you will also get 24/7 support for any problem that you will face. Directdmin offers 3 access levels as Admin, Reseller and User. Each of these access levels come with different features so let's see what each of them can do. 

What is DirectAdmin?

DirectAdmin is a web hosting control panel software. It enables website owners and administrators to handle different aspects of their web hosting environment using a simple web-based interface. DirectAdmin allows you to create and manage email accounts, configure domains and subdomains, manage databases, install web applications, set up FTP accounts, and manage file permissions.

Similar to other control panels such as cPanel and Plesk, DirectAdmin streamlines server management procedures, allowing users to execute standard web hosting operations without requiring specialized technical knowledge. Web hosting providers typically utilize it to provide consumers with an easy-to-use interface for managing their hosting accounts.

Web Hosting

Starting From $6.99/Monthly

Buy Web Hosting

Direct admin versions

DirectAdmin is constantly evolving, with new versions filled with enhancements. These often contain bug fixes to ensure seamless operation, security patches to protect your data, and exciting new features that benefit both administrators and website owners. To take advantage of these developments while remaining secure, you must maintain your DirectAdmin installation up to date. Here's an overview:

1. DirectAdmin 1.x: The earliest versions of DirectAdmin, which laid the foundation for its features and functionalities.
2. DirectAdmin 2.x: Introduced improvements and additional features to enhance the user experience and server management capabilities.
3. DirectAdmin 3.x: This version brought significant updates, including enhancements to security, performance, and usability. It likely included new features and optimizations to keep up with evolving web hosting requirements.
4. DirectAdmin 4.x: Another major release with further improvements and possibly integration with new technologies or standards in the web hosting industry.
5. DirectAdmin 5.x: As the software evolves, newer versions may focus on offering more advanced features, better performance, and enhanced security to meet the growing demands of web hosting environments.

While it does not indicate specific versions, the DirectAdmin website may state the most recent version available. You can visit their website at https://www.directadmin.com/

Install DirectAdmin Requirements

To install DirectAdmin, you must meet the system requirements. To ensure a seamless setup, please follow DirectAdmin's installation instructions. Here is a summary of the requirements for installing DirectAdmin:

Hardware Requirements

The hardware prerequisites for DirectAdmin vary based on the server's anticipated workload and scale. Below are some general pointers:

• CPU: A modern multi-core processor is recommended. The exact CPU requirements will vary depending on the number of websites, applications, and concurrent users you expect to host.
• RAM: DirectAdmin typically requires at least 1 GB of RAM for basic functionality. However, more RAM may be necessary for larger installations or sites with high traffic.
• Storage: At least 10-20 GB of disk space is recommended for the operating system, DirectAdmin installation, and website files. Additional storage may be necessary depending on the size of your websites and databases.
• Network: A stable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth is necessary for serving web traffic and accessing updates.

License and Domain

Before installing DirectAdmin, you must obtain a valid license from the DirectAdmin website. Because the license is associated with a certain domain name, you must also register and point that domain name to your server's IP address. DirectAdmin provides multiple licensing types based on the number of accounts you intend to host and whether you use the control panel for personal or business purposes.

🔍 Curious about your online identity? Discover more by reading our comprehensive guide on "What is My IP Address."

Prerequisite Packages

Before installing DirectAdmin, make sure that your server matches the following prerequisites:

• Operating System: You can Install DirectAdmin on Linux as DirectAdmin supports a variety of Linux distributions, such as CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, and CloudLinux. Make sure you have a clean, basic installation of your preferred OS version, before Install DirectAdmin on Linux command line. Operating systems supported by DirectAdmin are listed in the table below.

We don't recommend on installing DirectAdmin on Ubuntu operating system. However there is a way to set it up on Ubuntu by running it on "Linux 84-bit static" OS selections for Ubuntu installations.  Since Ubuntu is a Debian based OS so we recommend to use Debian. 

• Static IP Address: Your server need a static IP address to enable consistent access and domain resolution.
• Hostname: Create a valid hostname for your server, such as server.example.com. This hostname should be resolvable via DNS and not a subdomain or domain that you want to host with DirectAdmin.
• Clean System: Check that your server does not already have a web server, control panel, or incompatible software installed. DirectAdmin works best on a clean system with no pre-existing customizations that may interfere.

What gets installed with DirectAdmin control panel?

With the installation you will get the following installed ad set-up on your server:

• Database servers
  • MySQL
  • MariaDB
• WWW servers
  • Apache
  • Nginx
  • Litespeed web server
  • OpenLiteSpeed
• PHP 5.x / 7.x Modes
  • mod_php
  • FPM
  • FastCGI
  • lsphp
• Web applications
  • phpMyAdmin
  • roundcube
  • SquirrelMail webmail
• IMAP / POP3 Server
  • Dovecot
• mail trasfer agent / SMTP server
  • Exim
• Mailing list
  • Majordomo
• Anti-Spam solutions
  • SpamAssassin
  • Pigeonhole
  • Easy Spam Fighter
  • BlockCrackling
  • RSPAMD
• Antivirus Software
  • ClamAV
• FTP Server
  • ProFTPd
  • Pure-FTPd
• Web application firewall
  • modsecurity
• WWW usage statistics
  • AWstats
  • Webalizer

How to Install DirectAdmin on Ubuntu

You can Install DirectAdmin on Linux distributions like Ubuntu. If you install DirectAdmin on Ubuntu, you can begin managing your hosting environment through its user-friendly interface. That`s why we guide you to install DirectAdmin on Ubuntu:

Step 1: Initiate the Download

• Browse the DirectAdmin website and sign in to your account.
• Download the DirectAdmin installation script for Ubuntu.
• After it has been downloaded, run the following command to create the script executable:

  chmod +x install.sh

• Execute the script to start the installation process:

  ./install.sh

Step 2: Open Ports on Firewall (Optional)

If your firewall is enabled, you may need to open specific ports to gain access to DirectAdmin. Common ports to open include 2222 (SSH), 80 (HTTP), and 443 (HTTPS) for web access, as well as any additional ports required by services running on your server.

Step 3: Post-Installation Configuration

When the setup process is complete, you will be asked to configure DirectAdmin. To set up your administrator's username, password, and email address, follow the steps provided on the page. likewise, you might need to setup DNS settings along with providing a valid license key for DirectAdmin to function.

Having finished the configuration, you are able to access the DirectAdmin control panel using your server's IP address or domain name via a web browser:

  https://your-server-ip-address:2222

Log in using the administrator credentials you set during the configuration process.

Can DirectAdmin be installed for free in Ubuntu?

No, DirectAdmin cannot be installed for free in Ubuntu. It is a commercial web hosting control panel that requires a purchased subscription to fully utilize its functionality. You must submit a valid license key during the installation procedure in order to activate DirectAdmin. Without a license key, the installation will fail. DirectAdmin offers many licensing types based on the number of accounts you intend to host and whether you use the control panel for personal or commercial purposes.

If you're looking for a free option, you may try open-source control panels like Webmin, Virtualmin, or VestaCP. These control panels provide basic server management functionality and are available for free without a license. However, they may lack the capabilities and sophisticated interface of professional control panels such as DirectAdmin.

How to Install Directadmin on CentOS

You can install DirectAdmin Centos 8 or install Directadmin on Linux CentOS 7, by following these steps:

Step 1: Prepare Your Server

• Check that your CentOS server matches the basic DirectAdmin installation specifications, which include a clean CentOS installation with an IP address that is static and a valid hostname.
• Verify that your server's hostname is valid and can be resolved using DNS.

Step 2: Download DirectAdmin

• Log in to the DirectAdmin client area on the DirectAdmin website.
• Download the installation script for CentOS.

Step 3: Execute the Installation Script

• Transfer the downloaded installation script to your CentOS server using SCP or SFTP.
• Make the script executable by running the command:

     chmod +x install.sh

• Execute the script to begin the installation process:

     ./install.sh

Step 4: Follow the Installation Wizard

The installation script will direct you through the steps, inviting you to provide information such your license key, administrator login, password, and email address.

Follow the on-screen directions to finish the installation. You might be required to accept the DirectAdmin license agreement.

Step 5: Access DirectAdmin Control Panel

While the installation process has been completed, you are able to access the DirectAdmin control panel using your server's IP address or domain name in a web browser:

     https://your-server-ip-address:2222

Log in using the administrator credentials you set during the installation process.

Step 6: Post-Installation Configuration (Optional)

After login in to the DirectAdmin control panel, you can customize your server settings, including domains, email accounts, databases, and more.

You did it! You have finished Install Directadmin on Linux CentOS 7 server successfully. You are able to administer your hosting environment using the DirectAdmin control panel.

Note: To install DirectAdmin Centos 8, you can follow the same instruction.

DirectAdmin VPS

DirectAdmin VPS is a Virtual Private Server (VPS) solution that uses DirectAdmin as the control panel to manage the hosting environment. In this arrangement, DirectAdmin is the interface through which customers may manage many aspects of their VPS, such as domain registration, email accounts, databases, FTP users, and more. Running DirectAdmin on a VPS offers these advantages:

• Isolation: VPS hosting offers dedicated server resources, providing isolation from other users and enhancing security and performance.
• Scalability: Easily scale server resources up or down based on your requirements, ensuring your hosting environment can adapt to changes in traffic and resource demands.
• Customization: Full control over server configurations allows for customization of settings, installation of additional software, and optimization to meet specific needs.
• Cost-effectiveness: Strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an attractive option for users needing more resources than shared hosting but not requiring a dedicated server.
• Ease of Management: DirectAdmin's user-friendly interface simplifies server management tasks, allowing users to perform administrative functions without advanced technical knowledge.

DirectAdmin VPS by MonoVM

⭐ Starting From $14.99/monthly
⭐ 25+ Locations Worldwide

Buy DirectAdmin VPS Now

Pros and Cons of DirectAdmin

Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of DirectAdmin allows you to determine whether it is the best control panel for your needs.  While it is inexpensive and simple to use, it may lack some advanced features compared to competitors. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses enables you to make an informed decision based on your technical abilities and the features required for website management. So let`s take a look at its pros and cons.

Pros

DirectAdmin offers several advantages for both web hosting providers and users:

Pricing

DirectAdmin is frequently complimented for its low cost compared to competing web hosting control panels such as cPanel. Its licensing approach normally includes a one-time or recurring price per server, with the option of having limitless domains and users on a single license. This makes it an appealing option for web hosting companies wishing to cut expenses while still providing a feature-rich control panel to their consumers.

Speed

DirectAdmin is designed to be lightweight and efficient, resulting in faster performance than certain alternative control panels. Its streamlined codebase and resource-efficient architecture reduce server load and latency, resulting in faster responses for administrative duties and website management activities.

Ease of Use

DirectAdmin has a simple interface that makes it easy to manage typical hosting operations. Its user-friendly style and basic navigation make it simple for both new and experienced users to create email accounts, manage domains, and install applications. Furthermore, DirectAdmin offers extensive documentation and support tools to help users get started and troubleshoot problems.

Stability

DirectAdmin is known for its stability and dependability, having a track record of steady performance over time. Its sturdy architecture and frequent upgrades help to maintain a stable hosting environment, reducing downtime and providing uninterrupted service to websites housed on DirectAdmin-powered servers. Furthermore, DirectAdmin's active development and rapid assistance help address any issues quickly, increasing its stability.

Cons

The cons that are associated with DirectAdmin and you should consider before using are:

Limited Functions

While DirectAdmin offers a number of useful capabilities for managing web hosting accounts, some users may find it lacking in more complex functionality when compared to rival control panels such as cPanel or Plesk. Certain specialized operations or configurations may necessitate manual involvement or additional software installations, which might be problematic for users with specific needs.

Small Online Community

DirectAdmin has a smaller user base than some of its competitors, so there may be fewer resources, tutorials, and community assistance available online. This can make it more difficult for users to locate help or troubleshooting assistance, particularly for uncommon difficulties or settings.

Strict Platform Support

DirectAdmin may have tougher requirements or limitations in terms of supported operating systems and server configurations than other control panels. This can be a disadvantage for users that value flexibility in their hosting environment or who must work with non-standard server configurations.

Limited Add-ons

While DirectAdmin comes with a number of capabilities out of the box, its ecosystem of add-ons and third-party integrations may be limited when compared to other control panels. This may limit users' ability to extend the functionality of their hosting environment with other tools or plugins, potentially limiting customization possibilities.

Are there any DirectAdmin Alternatives? 

Yes there are DirectAdmin alternatives out there. Here are our top alternatives:

• cPanel
• Vesta
• Plesk
• Webmin
• EHCP
• ISPConfig
• CentOS Web Panel

Now that we got to know about the DirectAdmin control panel, let's get to the installation of DirectAdmin.