For the last year and a half or so I have been managing a Linux Virtual Private Server or VPS for short. During this time I have found several tools that have came in quite handy and sometimes even saved money.
Most of these tools should work on any Linux box that is setup in a similar fashion as a virtuozzo VPS.
This tool allows you to monitor the status of your VPS via the web. The
script puts a ton of tools into an easy to use web based interface. It
was created by Doug Robbins along with the servint staff.
Please note
that this tool should be in a password protected directory as it has
quite a bit of information that a malicious person could use against
you.
loadavg
Another
tool created by Doug Robbins that monitors the load average on the
server. Its quite handy to see exactly when your server is loaded down
so you can monitor the status when you are away. You can quickly find
problem times for your server and it helps diagnose the issues.
vnStat
If
you need to monitor bandwidth usage this tool can quickly and easily to
it. It is a command line program that has many options to monitor
bandwidth usage at any point in time.
APF and BFD
Advanced
Policy Firewall (APF) and Brute Force Dector (BFD) are truly a
necessity in todays world of technology. These tools will protect you
from getting hacked and just secure your server in general.
You can find a good tutorial on installing these at webhostgear.
I may update this list and add some other neat Linux tools to it to help keep your server secure.
How did you ge vnstat to work on Meditemple? I am seeing errors when I try to create its database.
vnstat worked right out of the box for me on (mt). However, I run a empty server from them. I don’t have a control panel and no preinstalled software.
I think I know what error you are receiving though. All you need to do is run the command for the first time with admin rights. It may still show some sort of error, but in there it will create the database log.
I was trying to create the database for venet0:0 instead of venet0. A little user error there, thanks for the follow up. Is setting up loadavg or vps info very challenging?
Never mind Zac I was able to get those both up and runnig. Thanks for the great article, now to decide if I want to install AFP and BFD! :)
Glad you got the install figured out.
AFP and BFD are the most important tools listed. A server needs a firewall. You will be amazed at how many times your server gets attacked automatically. By having a secure ssh password and bfd installed you can avoid a ton of hassle of being attacked.
If you don’t know networking then working with a firewall can be a bit of a hassle. The hardest portion of the install is the config file. You need to know what ports you need open and which to be closed. The link to webhostgear explains that fairl clearly.