Getting Started with Your Linux Server
Overview
If you are new to managing a Linux server, this guide is for you. Widely recognized for its reliability, security, and versatility, Linux powers many of the world’s servers, hosting environments, and cloud infrastructures.
Getting started can seem complex, but we’ll walk you through the essentials. This guide will show you how to:
- Understand which version of Linux you have (AlmaLinux or Ubuntu).
- Run your first basic commands.
- Keep your server secure with updates.
- Troubleshoot common, simple errors.
Linux Distributions
There are different versions of Linux available from various organizations, called Linux distributions (or distros). Distributions combine the kernel with additional tools, software, and package managers to meet different needs. Some focus on stability for enterprise use, while others emphasize ease of use and community support.
Liquid Web Linux servers primarily use AlmaLinux and Ubuntu—proven, secure, and well-supported hosting applications and websites.
Parameters / Features
| Feature | Description | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Freely available for use, modification, and redistribution. | You get a powerful, secure operating system without paying extra licensing fees. |
| Stability & Security | Ideal for server environments. Linux is less prone to malware and reboots. | Your server is designed to run for long periods without reboots and is less prone to malware, keeping your sites online. |
| Package Management | Uses repositories and package managers (dnf, apt) for software installation and updates. | You will use simple commands (like dnf or apt) to easily install, update, and remove software like Apache, PHP, or MySQL. |
| User Roles | Uses a strict permission system with root (admin) and user accounts. | You will use the sudo command to perform administrative tasks. This protects your system from accidental changes and improves security. |
| Performance | Efficient use of system resources and optimized for multitasking. | Efficient use of system resources and optimized for multitasking. Linux intelligently manages your server’s resources (like CPU and RAM) very efficiently. This means your websites and applications load faster and can stay responsive even when handling many visitors at once. |
| Customization | Modular architecture allows for tailored configurations. | You have the flexibility to tailor your server precisely to your needs. You can install only the specific software you require (like your preferred web server or database), which improves performance and security by removing unnecessary components. |
Examples
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is a Linux distribution built to be fully compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It is widely used on servers where reliability and long-term support are essential. AlmaLinux relies on the DNF package manager and is mostly managed through the command line, which makes it suitable for production environments.
Common Commands
sudo dnf update # Update all system packages
sudo systemctl restart httpd # Restart the Apache server
cat /etc/almalinux-release # Display AlmaLinux versionUbuntu
Ubuntu is based on another distribution named Debian. Known for being user-friendly while still powerful, it uses the APT package manager and is popular for web hosting, development, and testing.
Common Commands
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade # Update packages
sudo systemctl restart nginx # Restart the Nginx server
lsb_release -a # Show Ubuntu version informationHow to Keep Your Server Secure and Up-to-Date
Keeping your server updated is one of the most important tasks for security and performance. There are two different types of updates you should know about.
1. Routine Package Updates (Security & Maintenance)
This is a task you should perform regularly. It applies the latest security patches and bug fixes to the software you already have installed (like Apache, PHP, or the kernel). This does not upgrade you to a new operating system version.
- AlmaLinux: sudo dnf update
- Ubuntu: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
We recommend running these updates during a planned maintenance window when lower traffic is expected.
2. Major Operating System Upgrades (Migration)
This is a large, complex project, like moving from AlmaLinux 8 to AlmaLinux 9. When planning your operating system upgrade, the safest and most reliable best practice is to purchase a new server that already has your target OS installed. This method allows you to migrate your data and fully test your sites and applications in the new environment without risking your live server. Once you’re confident everything works, you can simply update your DNS to point to the new server, ensuring minimal downtime. Depending on your server’s management level, Liquid Web can provide migration
In-Place Upgrades
The alternative is an “in-place” upgrade, which attempts to upgrade the OS on your current server. This method is generally riskier and can cause unexpected complications. While we strongly recommend the new server migration path, Liquid Web does provide support for specific in-place upgrades on supported control panels and operating system distributions.
Common Use Cases
- Web servers (Apache, NGINX, LiteSpeed)
- Database servers (MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL)
- Application hosting (PHP, Python, Node.js)
- Container environments (Docker, Kubernetes)
- CI/CD and development servers
- DNS and mail services