Start Here: DirectAdmin VPS System

This site documents a complete, real‑world system for building and operating an unmanaged VPS using DirectAdmin. The focus is on predictable sequencing, secure configuration, and long‑term reliability before any applications, such as WordPress, are installed.

Everything here is based on hands‑on operation and documentation‑driven checklists. You can follow the system from start to finish or jump to the phase that matches where you are now.

The Complete DirectAdmin VPS Workflow

The roadmap below shows the full, real‑world sequence for building and operating an unmanaged VPS
with DirectAdmin. Each item represents a single guide (post) that documents a
complete task with prerequisites, verification steps, and next actions.

Some guides are already published, while others are planned. The sequence itself is stable and
reflects how this system is operated in production.

1. Decide whether unmanaged hosting is the right fit.
   • Managed vs Unmanaged VPS: When DIY Hosting Makes Sense
   • Unmanaged VPS Hosting: How to Choose the Right Provider
2. Provision a VPS and install a base Linux system.
   • How to Set Up a Linux VPS — Commands Checklist
3. Install DirectAdmin on the server.
   • DirectAdmin Install: Step‑by‑Step Guide for AlmaLinux 10
4. Secure administrative access and core credentials.
   • DirectAdmin Passwords — Change, Reset & Protect Directories
5. Create an initial system‑level backup.
   • How to Create a DirectAdmin Admin Backup
6. Install the web server and align DirectAdmin build settings.
   • How to Install OpenLiteSpeed on a DirectAdmin VPS
   • CustomBuild Requirements After OpenLiteSpeed Install
7. Add the first domain to the server (primary domain). Planned guide
8. Configure per‑domain PHP settings via DirectAdmin (LiteSpeed). Applies to both primary and additional domains. Planned guide
9. Configure DNS records and nameservers. Planned guide
10. Change nameservers at the domain registrar (primary domain only). Planned guide
11. Issue SSL certificates using DirectAdmin and Let’s Encrypt. Sequenced steps with required wait periods to ensure reliable activation. Planned guide
12. Advanced SSL scenarios (wildcard and chained certificates). Planned guide
13. Configure email authentication and deliverability.
    • Enable DKIM (planned)
    • Configure SPF (planned)
    • How to Add DMARC Records
    • Reverse DNS (rDNS) and mail port considerations (planned)
14. Add and manage additional domains. Planned guide
15. Transition into routine maintenance and operations.
    Review Maintenance & Operations
16. Prepare the server for application‑level workloads. This site stops at infrastructure readiness.

How to Use This Site

• Follow the sequence above if this is a new server.
• Jump directly to a phase if your server already exists.
• Each checklist post links to the next logical step.
• Pillar pages explain each phase and link to their full guide libraries.

When You’re Ready for WordPress

This site stops at infrastructure readiness. Application‑level setup is documented separately, with WordPress at WordPressBricks.com (updated & new content is planned early-to-mid 2026).