Introduction

Plesk is a powerful and cost-effective alternative to cPanel/WHM, offering a user-friendly interface and robust features for managing web hosting. Whether you're a VPS owner looking to cut costs or a reseller managing multiple clients, Plesk is a solid choice. This guide provides a step-by-step tutorial for installing Plesk on a VPS, with tips for SSH access and installation.

Prerequisites for Installing Plesk

  • A VPS with root-level access.
  • Basic knowledge of the Command Line Interface (CLI).
  • PuTTY or another SSH client for server access.
  • Stable internet connection to download and run the Plesk installer.

Important: Use caution when running commands as root, as improper actions can lead to data loss or system damage.

Steps to Install Plesk on a VPS

Step 1: Access Your VPS via SSH Using PuTTY

  1. Download and install PuTTY on your local machine if you haven’t already.
  2. Open PuTTY and enter the IP address or domain name of your VPS.
  3. Select SSH as the connection type and click “Open.”
  4. When prompted, enter your VPS username and password.

Tip: Use the right-click option in PuTTY to paste your password if copying from a password manager. Ensure you have administrative access to the VPS.

Step 2: Start the Plesk Installation

    1. Visit the official Plesk installation guide to review the latest instructions.
    2. Copy the installation command provided in the guide. It typically looks like this:
sh <(curl https://autoinstall.plesk.com/one-click-installer || wget -O - https://autoinstall.plesk.com/one-click-installer)
  1. Paste the command into PuTTY and press Enter.
  2. Allow the installer to run. This may take several minutes, depending on your server’s specifications and network speed.

Step 3: Access the Plesk Interface

Once the installation is complete, you can access Plesk using your browser. Enter your VPS IP address or domain followed by :8443. For example:

https://your-vps-ip:8443

You’ll be prompted to log in with the credentials you set up during installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the configuration.

Why Choose Plesk for Your VPS?

  • Affordable licensing compared to cPanel.
  • Supports multiple operating systems, including Linux and Windows.
  • Comprehensive features for managing domains, email, databases, and more.
  • Built-in security tools like ModSecurity and Fail2Ban for enhanced protection.
  • Perfect for resellers looking to manage clients cost-effectively.

Tips for a Successful Installation

  • Ensure your VPS meets the minimum system requirements for Plesk.
  • Regularly back up your VPS data before making significant changes.
  • After installation, explore the Plesk extensions marketplace for additional tools.

Conclusion

Plesk is an excellent choice for VPS owners and web hosting resellers seeking a robust yet affordable control panel. By following this guide, you can quickly install and configure Plesk on your VPS, unlocking powerful features to manage your hosting environment efficiently. Don’t forget to explore Plesk’s built-in tools and extensions to get the most out of your server.