What is Plesk?
Plesk is a comprehensive and intuitive management interface for managing Linux or Windows virtual servers. It offers a variety of features that allow developers, administrators, web designers and service providers to effectively control their hosting environments. Depending on your needs, you can choose between different editions, ranging from the management of a few domains to unlimited domains.
A major advantage of Plesk is its user-friendliness. Even if you are not an experienced system administrator, the interface allows you to easily configure and manage your websites, email accounts and databases. In addition, numerous extensions can be installed to further expand the functionality of Plesk.
System requirements for Plesk
Before you start the installation, it is important to ensure that your server meets the system requirements for Plesk. For Windows servers, you need at least Windows Server 2012 64-bit Standard Edition or higher, 2 GB RAM and 32 GB disk space. For Linux servers, various distributions are supported, including Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, RedHat and others. The hardware requirements for Linux servers are similar, with at least 1 GB of RAM plus 1 GB of swap RAM and 20 GB of disk space.
You should also check whether sufficient network bandwidth is available to run your planned web projects smoothly. Especially for websites with high traffic, insufficient resources can lead to slow loading times and poor performance.
Installation of Plesk on your server
Plesk can be installed in various ways, depending on your operating system and your preferences. For Linux servers, the one-click installation is a quick and straightforward method. Simply open a terminal, log in as the root user and execute the following command:
sh <(curl https://autoinstall.plesk.com/one-click-installer || wget -O - https://autoinstall.plesk.com/one-click-installer)
This command downloads the latest stable Plesk version and installs it with the standard components. The installation process usually takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on your Internet connection and server resources.
For Windows servers, you can download the Plesk installer and run it from the command prompt. Navigate to the directory where you saved the installer and execute the following command:
plesk-installer.exe --console
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
First login and configuration
After installation, it is time for the first login and configuration. Open a web browser and enter https://IhrServerName:8443 in the field. Replace 'YourServerName' with the IP address or the host name of your server. When logging in for the first time, use 'admin' as the user name for Linux servers or 'Administrator' for Windows servers. The password is the one you set during the installation.
When you log in for the first time, you will be guided through a few configuration steps. These include
- Enter your contact information
- Changing the administrator password
- Selection of a license (test license or purchased)
Setting up the first website
Once you have completed the basic configuration, you can start setting up your first website. Plesk offers various options for creating a website:
1. uploading content: If you already have a ready-made website, you can simply upload the files via FTP or the Plesk File Manager.
2. use of Presence Builder: This tool integrated into Plesk allows you to quickly create a professional website with ready-made templates.
3. installation of a CMS: Plesk offers one-click installations for popular content management systems such as WordPress, Joomla or Drupal.
To add a domain, click on 'Add domain' in the Plesk interface and enter the domain name. You can also assign IP addresses and define FTP access data.
Email management with Plesk
An important aspect of web hosting is email management. With Plesk, you can easily create email accounts for your domains. Navigate to the 'Email' section and click on 'Create email address'. Enter the desired email address and a password and the account will be set up immediately.
Thanks to the integration of SPF, DKIM and DMARC you can increase the security and deliverability of your emails by preventing your emails from being marked as Spam be labeled.
Database administration in Plesk
A database is essential for many modern websites. Plesk supports various database systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL Server. To create a database, go to the 'Databases' section and click on 'Add database'. Select the database type, enter a name and set user rights.
If you work with large amounts of data, we recommend using optimized database configurations to improve performance.
Security functions of Plesk
Security is a critical aspect of web hosting. Plesk offers various security features, including:
- SSL/TLS encryption for secure connections
- Firewalls and IP blocks to prevent unwanted access
- Regular updates to protect the platform from security vulnerabilities
It is important to use these functions and carry out regular security checks.
Backup and restore options
Another important point is the regular backup of your data. Plesk offers automated backup solutions that you can configure to back up your websites, databases and emails at regular intervals. It is advisable to perform regular backups to enable recovery in the event of data loss.
Extensions and add-ons for Plesk
As you gain experience, you will learn to appreciate the versatility of Plesk. It offers a wide range of extensions and add-ons to help you customize your hosting environment to your specific needs. From SEO tools through to extended security functions, there is a solution for almost every need.
Optimization of server performance
Server performance optimization is another area where Plesk shines. With built-in performance monitoring and optimization tools, you can ensure that your websites run quickly and efficiently. Fast load times are an essential factor for SEO and user experience.
Plesk for WordPress users
For those who deal with content management systems, Plesk offers special tools such as the WordPress toolkit. This allows easy management of multiple WordPress installations, including:
- Automatic updates
- Safety checks
- Staging environments
Conclusion
Plesk installation and getting started may seem overwhelming at first, but with practice you'll quickly realize the benefits of this powerful platform. From basic website management to advanced server administration tasks, Plesk provides the tools you need to effectively manage your hosting environment.
Through regular updates, Plesk remains one of the most powerful web hosting solutions and supports you in optimizing and securing your online presence.
