How to Reboot a VPS/Dedicated Server via WHM?

For server administrators and owners of websites, the act of rebooting a VPS or dedicated server through WHM (Web Host Manager) is a crucial undertaking. This is one of the most significant practices that keep your server in good shape by protecting it from harm’s way. Whether it be a cloud server or a dedicated hosting solution, you need to get all those details when attempting to reboot your server properly. 

In this article, we will look at how we can use WHM for rebooting our servers; highlight differences between VPS and dedicated server environments as well as reasons for doing so; finally, some best practices on keeping them up and running will also be covered so that you have a clearer view on what needs to be done right.

Understanding VPS and Dedicated Servers

Prior to embarking on the rebooting procedure, it is vital to apprehend the differentiation between VPS and dedicated servers.

VPS (Virtual Private Server)

VPS simply means Virtual Private Server. Furthermore, it is a type of virtualized server that has features similar to a dedicated server. But, it resides in a shared hosting environment. This is being adopted by organizations that find it beneficial to use dedicated servers without incurring any costs. Using virtualization technology, VPS can divide up a physical server into numerous virtual servers; all have their own operating systems, resources, and different setups.

Advantages of VPS Hosting:

1. Scalability: VPS hosting permits effortless scaling of resources by your requirements, rendering it ideal for burgeoning businesses necessitating flexibility.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: VPS hosting proffers the benefits of dedicated resources at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated server.

3. Isolation: Each VPS is isolated from other users on the same physical server, providing enhanced security and stability.

Dedicated Server

Dedicated server is physically a single customer’s rented server. In contrast to Virtual Private Server (VPS) where you share some of the hardware resources with other users, dedicated server offers complete management control over all its resources, thus enabling you to make changes to suit specific needs.

Advantages of Dedicated Hosting:

1. Performance: Since a single user has exclusive access to all resources, dedicated servers provide unmatched performance. Websites receive a lot of traffic and apps. They require a lot of resources and would benefit greatly from this.

2. Customization: You have complete control over the hardware and software of the server. So you may modify it to meet your needs.

3. Protection: Dedicated hosting does not share resources with other users. It provides a higher level of security.

Why Reboot a Server?

Rebooting a server is a pivotal maintenance task that can resolve an array of issues and augment server performance. Here are some rationales for necessitating a server reboot:

• Patches and software updates often require a server restart to take effect.

• Performance issues can be alleviated by deleting temporary files and restarting applications that are consuming too many resources.

• Rebooting is necessary for major configuration changes to take effect.

• Rebooting a server can reduce security flaws after installing the necessary updates and patches.

• If the server fails or doesn't respond, you can start by rebooting it.

How to Reboot a VPS/Dedicated Server via WHM

Server managers are able to manage their hosting configurations efficiently through a powerful web-based interface known as Web Host Manager (WHM). This extensive guide will teach you how WHM can be used for restarting either VPS or a dedicated server.

Step 1: Access WHM

1. Log in to WHM: Open a web browser and type in the hostname or IP address of your server, followed by {:2087} (e.g., `https://your-server-ip:2087}). This will take you to the page where you may log in to WHM.

2. Enter Credentials: Log in utilizing your root or reseller account credentials. Ensure that you possess administrative privileges to access the requisite features.

Step 2: Navigate to System Reboot

Once logged in, adhere to these steps to navigate to the System Reboot section:

1. Search for Reboot: In the WHM search bar situated at the top left, type "reboot" to expeditiously locate the reboot options.

2. Select Reboot Option: Click on "System Reboot" from the search results to access the reboot options.

Step 3: Choose Reboot Type

WHM provides two types of reboot options:

1. Forceful Server Reboot:

• This choice is used in situations where a gentle reboot is not possible or the server is not responding.

• When processes are not properly terminated, it forces an instantaneous reboot of the server, potentially leading to data loss or damage.

• To execute a forceful reboot, click on "Forceful Server Reboot."

2. Graceful Server Reboot:

• A graceful reboot permits all running processes to be completed and saves any unsaved data before shutting down.

• This is the recommended option as it mitigates the risk of data loss and ensures a pristine restart.

• To execute a graceful reboot, click on "Graceful Server Reboot."

Step 4: Confirm Reboot:

1. Confirmation Prompt: You will be asked to confirm that you truly want to reboot the server. This has to be done after choosing the kind of reboot.

2. Confirm Reboot: Choose "Yes" or "OK" to confirm the reboot. The reboot process may take several minutes to complete. However, it will be initiated by the server.

Step 5: Monitor Reboot Process

1. Server Status: During the reboot process, your server may be temporarily inaccessible. Monitor the server status to ensure it is restored online.

2. Verify Services: Once the server has rebooted, verify that all services and applications are operational as anticipated.

Best Practices for Rebooting a Server

While rebooting a server is a relatively straightforward process. However, adhering to best practices ensures minimal disruption and sustains the health of your server environment.

Schedule Reboots During Off-Peak Hours

Minimize Downtime: Schedule reboots during off-peak hours. Consequently, it helps to minimize downtime and mitigate the impact on users.

Notify Users: Inform users in advance regarding the scheduled reboot to avert disruptions.

Backup Data

Regular Backups: Execute regular backups of your server data. As a result, it helps to forestall data loss in the event of unforeseen issues during the reboot process.

Verify Backups: Ensure backups are complete and accessible before proceeding with a reboot.

Monitor Server Performance

Resource Usage: Monitor server performance and resource usage. It helps to identify potential issues that may necessitate a reboot.

Log Analysis: Analyze server logs to detect any anomalies or patterns. This is because it can  indicate underlying problems.

Keep Software Updated

Security Patches: Regularly update software and apply security patches. This helps to safeguard your server from vulnerabilities.

Compatibility: Ensure all software is compatible with your server’s operating system and configuration.

Implement Security Measures

Firewalls: Implement firewalls and security measures. It helps to protect your server from unauthorized access.

User Access: Limit user access to critical server functions and regularly review user permissions.

Test After Reboot

Functionality Checks: Post-reboot, test all critical applications and services to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Monitor Performance: Monitor server performance for any issues that may manifest post-reboot.

Conclusion

Server administrators must be proficient in WHM if they want to restart a dedicated or VPS server. A cloud-based platform or dedicated hosting environment's stability can be preserved by restarting the server. Reducing downtime, adhering to best practices, and routinely checking the condition of your server are all part of this. 

Server management abilities are therefore essential for handling problems about cloud computing and hosting services, which are constantly changing, and should be possessed by experts in charge of websites. The ability to reboot using WHM guarantees that your server will continue to operate whether you are increasing resources on a VPS or utilizing a dedicated server.