ISPmanager on the Server

ISPmanager is a commercial hosting control panel for Linux servers that provides comprehensive management of websites, domains, databases, email, and server resources. This guide explains installation and configuration.

What is ISPmanager?

ISPmanager is a powerful hosting control panel designed for hosting providers and advanced users. It offers extensive functionality for managing hosting infrastructure with support for multiple users, billing integration, and advanced server configurations.

Key Features

  • Multi-user support - Manage multiple hosting accounts
  • Billing integration - Connect with billing systems
  • Resource management - CPU, RAM, disk quotas
  • Domain management - DNS, SSL, domain parking
  • Email system - Full email server management
  • Database management - MySQL, PostgreSQL support
  • Backup system - Automated backups

System Requirements

  • OS: CentOS 7/8, AlmaLinux 8/9, Rocky Linux 8/9, Ubuntu 20.04/22.04, Debian 11/12
  • RAM: Minimum 1 GB (2 GB recommended)
  • Disk: Minimum 20 GB free space
  • Network: Internet connection for installation

Installation

Step 1: Connect to Server

Connect to your server via SSH:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Step 2: Download Installation Script

For ISPmanager 5 (Lite version - free):

wget https://download.ispsystem.com/install.sh

For ISPmanager 6 (commercial):

wget https://download.ispsystem.com/install6.sh

Step 3: Make Executable

chmod +x install.sh

Step 4: Run Installation

Execute the installation script:

bash install.sh

Follow the on-screen prompts. You'll be asked to:

  1. Choose installation type (Lite or Premium)
  2. Select server role (master or slave)
  3. Configure network settings
  4. Set admin credentials

Step 5: Access ISPmanager

After installation, access ISPmanager at:

https://your-server-ip:1500

Use the admin credentials created during installation.

Initial Setup

Step 1: License Activation

If using commercial version, activate your license in the web interface.

Step 2: Configure Server

  1. Set server hostname
  2. Configure timezone
  3. Set up network interfaces
  4. Configure DNS servers

Step 3: Security Settings

  1. Change default admin password
  2. Configure firewall rules
  3. Set up SSH key authentication
  4. Enable fail2ban

Step 4: Install Additional Software

Install required software packages:

  • PHP versions and extensions
  • Database servers (MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL)
  • Web servers (Apache, Nginx)
  • Mail servers (Postfix, Dovecot)

Creating Websites

Step 1: Create User Account

  1. Go to "Users" section
  2. Click "Create User"
  3. Enter username and password
  4. Set resource limits (disk, bandwidth, etc.)

Step 2: Add Domain

  1. Select user account
  2. Go to "Websites" section
  3. Click "Add Website"
  4. Enter domain name
  5. Configure document root
  6. Select PHP version

Step 3: Configure DNS

  1. Go to "DNS" section
  2. Add DNS zone for your domain
  3. Configure A, MX, CNAME records
  4. Update nameservers at domain registrar

Step 4: Install SSL Certificate

  1. Open website settings
  2. Go to "SSL" tab
  3. Click "Install Certificate"
  4. Choose Let's Encrypt or upload custom certificate

Database Management

Creating Database

  1. Go to "Databases" section
  2. Click "Create Database"
  3. Enter database name
  4. Create database user
  5. Set password and permissions

Accessing Databases

  • phpMyAdmin: Access via https://your-server-ip:1500/phpmyadmin
  • Command line: Use MySQL/MariaDB client
  • Remote access: Configure remote database access if needed

Email Configuration

Setting Up Mail Server

  1. Go to "Mail" section
  2. Configure mail server settings
  3. Set up SPF and DKIM records
  4. Configure spam filtering

Creating Mailbox

  1. Select user account
  2. Go to "Mail" section
  3. Click "Create Mailbox"
  4. Enter email address and password
  5. Set mailbox size limit

Email Client Settings

  • IMAP Server: mail.yourdomain.com
  • SMTP Server: mail.yourdomain.com
  • Ports: 143 (IMAP), 993 (IMAPS), 587 (SMTP), 465 (SMTPS)
  • Authentication: Required

Backup Configuration

Setting Up Backups

  1. Go to "Backups" section
  2. Configure backup storage location
  3. Set backup schedule (daily, weekly, monthly)
  4. Select what to backup:
    • Website files
    • Databases
    • Email accounts
    • Configuration files

Restoring Backups

  1. Go to "Backups" section
  2. Select backup to restore
  3. Choose restore scope
  4. Click "Restore"

Advanced Features

Resource Management

Set quotas for users:

  • Disk space limits
  • Bandwidth limits
  • CPU usage limits
  • RAM limits
  • Number of domains/websites

Billing Integration

Connect ISPmanager with billing systems:

  • WHMCS integration
  • Blesta integration
  • Custom API integration

Multi-Server Setup

Configure master-slave setup for:

  • Load balancing
  • High availability
  • Geographic distribution

Troubleshooting

Cannot Access Panel

  1. Check service status: systemctl status ispmgr
  2. Verify port 1500 is open
  3. Check firewall rules
  4. Review logs: /usr/local/ispmgr/var/ispmgr.log

Website Not Working

  1. Check web server status: systemctl status httpd or systemctl status nginx
  2. Verify domain DNS records
  3. Check website error logs
  4. Verify PHP-FPM is running

Email Issues

  1. Check mail server status: systemctl status postfix and systemctl status dovecot
  2. Verify DNS records (MX, SPF, DKIM)
  3. Check mail logs: /var/log/mail.log
  4. Test email delivery

FAQ

What's the difference between ISPmanager Lite and Premium?

Lite is free but has limited features. Premium includes advanced features, billing integration, and commercial support.

Can I migrate from cPanel to ISPmanager?

Yes, ISPmanager provides migration tools and scripts for cPanel to ISPmanager migration.

Does ISPmanager support Windows?

No, ISPmanager is Linux-only. It supports CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, and Rocky Linux.

How do I update ISPmanager?

Updates can be performed through the web interface or command line using package manager.