If you’re running CentOS 7 and looking to make the switch to CloudLinux, you’re in the right place. CloudLinux is a great option, especially if you’re managing a web hosting environment. It enhances server stability, security, and efficiency—qualities that are crucial for any hosting business.

Upgrading from CentOS 7 to CloudLinux might seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through the entire process in a straightforward and simple way.

Why Upgrade to CloudLinux?

Before we get into the steps, let’s quickly chat about why you might want to upgrade from CentOS 7 to CloudLinux. Here are a few good reasons:

1. Enhanced Security: CloudLinux offers hardened kernel features and advanced security measures that protect your server from common threats.
2. Better Resource Management: With CloudLinux, you can allocate specific resources (like CPU, RAM, and disk I/O) to each user or website. This prevents one user from hogging all the resources, ensuring a stable environment.
3. Stability: CloudLinux isolates users using LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) technology, meaning if one user’s website has an issue, it won’t bring down the entire server.
4. Compatibility: CloudLinux is fully compatible with cPanel and other popular hosting control panels, making it easier to manage your server.

Now that you know why upgrading to CloudLinux is a smart move, let’s go through the steps to get it done.

Step 1: Prepare Your CentOS 7 Server

Before making any major changes, it’s crucial to back up your server. This ensures that you have a safety net in case anything goes wrong during the upgrade process.

1. Backup Your Data: Use tools like rsync or tar to create a backup of your important files. If you’re using a control panel like cPanel, you can also use its built-in backup feature.
2. Update Your System: Make sure your CentOS 7 system is up to date before starting the upgrade.

   sudo yum update -y
   

3. Check Server Compatibility: Ensure that your server meets the minimum system requirements for CloudLinux.

Step 2: Register for CloudLinux

To upgrade to CloudLinux, you’ll need a CloudLinux license. If you don’t have one, you can purchase it from the CloudLinux website. Once you have your license key, keep it handy—you’ll need it during the installation process.

Step 3: Install the CloudLinux Conversion Script

Now that your server is prepared and you have your license key, it’s time to start the upgrade process.

1. Download the CloudLinux Installation Script:

   wget https://repo.cloudlinux.com/cloudlinux/sources/cln/cldeploy
   

2. Run the Installation Script:

   sudo sh cldeploy -k LICENSE_KEY
   

   Replace LICENSE_KEY with your actual CloudLinux license key. This script will convert your CentOS 7 system to CloudLinux. It might take a few minutes, so be patient.

3. Reboot Your Server:

   sudo reboot
   

After the reboot, your server should be running CloudLinux instead of CentOS 7. But we’re not done yet—there are a few more steps to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Step 4: Verify the CloudLinux Installation

Once your server is back online, you’ll want to verify that the installation was successful.

1. Check the Kernel Version:

   uname -r
   

   You should see a CloudLinux kernel version, something like 3.10.0-xxxx.xx.x.x.lve.

2. Check the Installed Packages:

   rpm -qa | grep cloudlinux
   

   This command will list all the CloudLinux packages that were installed.

3. Register with CloudLinux Network (CLN):

   sudo rhnreg_ks --activationkey=<Your Activation Key>
   

   This step ensures your server is registered with CloudLinux Network for updates.

Step 5: Set Up CloudLinux Features

With CloudLinux installed, you can now set up its unique features, like LVE and CageFS, which help manage and isolate users on your server.

1. Install and Configure LVE Manager:

   sudo yum install lvemanager
   

   Once installed, you can access the LVE Manager through your control panel to set resource limits for each user.

2. Install and Enable CageFS:
   sudo yum install cagefs
   sudo /usr/sbin/cagefsctl --init
   sudo /usr/sbin/cagefsctl --enable all
   

   CageFS provides a virtualized file system that isolates each user, enhancing security.

3. Configure MySQL Governor (Optional): If you want to manage MySQL resources, you can set up the MySQL Governor.
   sudo yum install db-governor
   sudo dbgovctl --install
   sudo dbgovctl --mysql-version=mysql
   sudo dbgovctl --enable
   

Step 6: Regular Maintenance and Updates

Now that your server is running CloudLinux, it’s important to keep it updated. CloudLinux releases updates regularly to address security issues, improve performance, and add new features.

1. Update CloudLinux:

   sudo yum update -y
   

2. Reboot if Necessary: After an update, you might need to reboot your server to apply new kernel changes.

   sudo reboot
   

Conclusion

And there you have it! You’ve successfully upgraded your CentOS 7 server to CloudLinux. This transition brings enhanced security, better resource management, and improved stability to your hosting environment. With CloudLinux, you can provide a more reliable and secure service to your clients.

If you’re managing multiple servers, the process is similar—just take it one step at a time. Remember to keep your system updated and explore the powerful features that CloudLinux offers. If you have any questions or run into any issues, the CloudLinux community and support team are always there to help.

Happy hosting!