Complete Setup Guide

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
   • Add the Account Domain in DirectAdmin
8. Configure per‑domain PHP settings via DirectAdmin (LiteSpeed).
   • Apply PHP Settings for a Domain in DirectAdmin
9. Configure DNS records and nameservers.
   • Add DNS & Nameserver Prerequisites for the Account Domain
10. Issue SSL certificates using DirectAdmin and Let’s Encrypt. Sequenced steps with required wait periods to ensure reliable activation.
    • Configure SSL for a Domain on a DirectAdmin VPS
11. Ensure redis and DirectAdmin Extra Features are available. Sequenced steps to verify redis and supporting services will open; fixes included.
    • Confirm Redis & Supporting Services Before Mail Configuration
12. Configure Admin Mailbox for Account Domain.
    • Activate & Test Mail for the Account Domain
      • Creates mailbox identity for admin
      • Enables DKIM for domain
      • Adds rDNS
      • Runs Live Email Tests, Evaluates results, Builds support requests as needed
      • Request for Open Ports for Mail, if needed
    • Authenticate Domain Mail with DMARC
13. Enable Security.txt (RFC 9116) on the DirectAdmin VPS
    • Enable Security.txt (RFC 9116) on the DirectAdmin VPS
14. Final Completion Steps for Account Domain
    • Install & Configure Softaculous and create a VPS system backup before proceeding to application‑level work.
15. Add and fully configure additional domains. The sequential step-by-step posts with all checklists.
    1. Add an Additional Domain to DirectAdmin VPS
    2. Apply PHP Settings for a Domain in DirectAdmin
    3. Configure DNS & Nameservers for an Additional Domain
    4. Configure SSL for a Domain on a DirectAdmin VPS
    5. Confirm Supporting Services for Additional Domain
    6. Activate and Test Mail for Additional Domain
    7. Authenticate Domain Mail with DMARC
    8. Enable Security.txt (RFC 9116) on the DirectAdmin VPS — if already completed, confirm it remains enabled
    9. If you haven’t yet, optionally install Softaculous
    10. If you are preparing to install applications on this server and no system backup exists yet, create one now. See Create VPS System Backup.
16. Transition into routine maintenance and operations.
    Review Maintenance & Operations
17. 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 ends with a link to the next logical step.
• Pillar pages explain each major phase and shows links to their full guide libraries.