This step-by-step guide covers how to convert your CentOS 8 server to CloudLinux 8 in a DirectAdmin environment, and then configure important CloudLinux features such as Alt-PHP, MySQL Governor, and the LVE Manager (CloudLinux Manager).

Important Notes:

• Always back up your server (files, databases, user data) before converting.
• Ensure you have a valid CloudLinux license key.
• Your server must meet CloudLinux 8 requirements and have a functioning DirectAdmin installation.

1. Preliminary Steps

1. Update your CentOS packages

   dnf clean all
   dnf update -y
   

2. Reboot if necessary

   reboot
   

   This ensures any updated kernel or system libraries are fully loaded.

3. Acquire a CloudLinux license key

   If you don’t have a CloudLinux license, purchase one from CloudLinux.com.

2. Convert from CentOS 8 to CloudLinux 8

1. Download the CloudLinux conversion script

   cd /root
   curl -s https://repo.cloudlinux.com/cloudlinux/sources/cln/cldeploy -o cldeploy
   chmod +x cldeploy
   

2. Run the script with your license key

   ./cldeploy -k YOUR_LICENSE_KEY
   

   Replace YOUR_LICENSE_KEY with your actual CloudLinux license key.

3. Reboot the server

   reboot
   

   Your system should now boot into the CloudLinux kernel.

4. Verify the CloudLinux kernel

   uname -r
   

   You should see something like 4.x.x-xxxx.cloudlinux in the output.

5. Check the conversion status

   cldetect --detect
   

   This confirms the system is recognized as CloudLinux.

3. Post-Installation Setup in DirectAdmin

3.1 Ensure LVE Manager Plugin is Enabled

1. Install the LVE Manager plugin (if not already installed)

   yum install lvemanager
   

   Then, in DirectAdmin, go to Admin Level > Plugin Manager and verify LVE Manager is listed.

2. Enable LVE Manager

   In DirectAdmin’s Administrator Settings, check for any CloudLinux or LVE options to ensure they’re active.

3. Restart DirectAdmin

   systemctl restart directadmin
   

4. Install and Configure Alt-PHP

Alt-PHP allows you to provide multiple PHP versions to your users.

1. Install desired Alt-PHP packages

   For each PHP version you want:

   yum install alt-php74 alt-php74-pear alt-php74-php alt-php74-php-cli alt-php74-php-common -y
   yum install alt-php80 alt-php80-pear alt-php80-php alt-php80-php-cli alt-php80-php-common -y
   yum install alt-php81 alt-php81-pear alt-php81-php alt-php81-php-cli alt-php81-php-common -y
   

2. Enable Alt-PHP in DirectAdmin

   Go to Admin Level > LVE Manager (or PHP Version Selector), and confirm the new PHP versions are available.

3. Configure default/selectable PHP versions

   Use the Selector tab in LVE Manager to enable or disable specific versions and set default PHP modules and options.

5. Install and Configure MySQL Governor

MySQL Governor manages and limits MySQL resource usage per user.

1. Install MySQL Governor

   yum install db-governor
   

2. Enable it for MySQL

   dbgovernor-mysql --install
   

   This may prompt you to align your MySQL/MariaDB version with CloudLinux’s supported builds.

3. Optional: Enable monitoring mode

   dbgov_ctl monitor on
   

   This collects usage data without enforcing limits.

4. Switch to enforcement mode

   dbgov_ctl enforce on
   

   This actively limits MySQL resources as configured.

5. Configure resource limits

   In the LVE Manager under MySQL Governor or in /etc/sysconfig/db-governor, set CPU, I/O, and connection limits per user.

6. Restart MySQL

   systemctl restart mysqld
   

6. Managing LVE Settings (CloudLinux Manager)

The LVE Manager allows you to fine-tune resource limits for each user or hosting package.

1. Access LVE Manager

   In DirectAdmin, look for Admin Level > CloudLinux LVE Manager or Resource Usage.

2. Set default limits

   Define CPU, memory, I/O, and other default resource limits for all users.

3. Customize per user

   You can override defaults for specific accounts that require more (or fewer) resources.

4. Apply changes

   After saving, changes apply immediately or within seconds. Restarting services (like HTTPD or PHP-FPM) may be done if needed.

7. Verifying and Testing

1. Check CloudLinux status

   cldetect --detect
   

   It should confirm you’re running CloudLinux.

2. Verify Alt-PHP versions

   Log in as a user in DirectAdmin, then check the available PHP versions in the Domain Setup or PHP Selector.

3. Test resource limits

   Use a resource-intensive script on a test account to confirm LVE constraints are functioning as intended.

4. Check MySQL Governor

   Run dbgov_ctl status or review logs in LVE Manager to confirm MySQL usage is being monitored or limited.

8. Routine Maintenance Tips

• Keep packages updated: yum update -y regularly.
• Monitor your license: Ensure your CloudLinux license is valid and up to date.
• Review resource usage: Adjust LVE limits in LVE Manager as needed.
• Maintain backups: Keep a solid backup strategy for all system data.
• Stay informed: Follow the CloudLinux blog and DirectAdmin forum for updates and best practices.

About Chris Danks

Chris Danks has written 88 post in this blog.

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