How to Install FastPanel? Detailed Explanation and Optimization

FastPanel is a free and open-source control panel designed to manage your websites and servers. It stands out with its user-friendly interface, powerful features, and lightweight structure. In this article, we will explain step by step how to install FastPanel on a server and provide post-installation optimization tips.

FastPanel Pre-Installation Requirements

Before you start installing FastPanel, it is important to make sure that your server meets the following requirements:

Clean Operating System: FastPanel should be installed on a clean operating system. Installing it on a server that already has a web server or control panel installed may cause problems. Supported operating systems are generally CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu.
Root Access: You need to have root access to your server. Installation procedures usually require root privileges.
Appropriate Server Resources: Although FastPanel itself does not consume too many resources, it is important to have enough CPU, RAM, and disk space to meet the requirements of the websites and applications you will host. At least 1GB of RAM and 20GB of disk space are recommended for a start.
DNS Settings: Your domain name must be directed to your server. Make sure that the A record of your domain name and other DNS records, if any, are set correctly.
Open Ports: Make sure that the ports required for FastPanel to work (80, 443, 8080, 8888, etc.) are not blocked by your firewall.

FastPanel Installation Steps

The following steps show how to install FastPanel on a server with CentOS, Debian, or Ubuntu operating system. The steps may vary slightly depending on the operating system, but the general process is the same.

1. Connect to the Server via SSH

First, connect to your server using an SSH client (e.g., PuTTY) with the root user.

2. Perform Updates

Make sure the packages on your server are up to date. Use one of the following commands depending on your operating system:

For CentOS:

yum update -y

For Debian/Ubuntu:

apt update -y && apt upgrade -y

3. Run the FastPanel Installation Command

Download and run the FastPanel installation script using the following command:

wget http://repo.fastpanel.direct/install_fastpanel.sh -O install_fastpanel.sh
chmod +x install_fastpanel.sh
./install_fastpanel.sh -f

The -f parameter is used to confirm the installation and continue automatically. If you do not use this parameter, you may need to answer some questions during the installation.

4. Follow the Installation

While the installation script is running, you will see the installation progress on the screen. The installation process may take 15-30 minutes depending on your server's speed and internet connection.

5. Access the Management Panel

After the installation is complete, you can access the FastPanel management panel via your web browser. Enter your server's IP address or domain name followed by port 8888 (the default FastPanel port) in your browser's address bar. For example: http://server_ip_address:8888 or http://yourdomain.com:8888.

You will need to log in with the username and password created during the installation. You can find this information in the installation output. The username is usually set to "fastuser" and the password is randomly generated.

FastPanel Post-Installation Optimization

After the FastPanel installation is complete, you can apply some optimization steps to improve your server's performance and security.

1. Configure the Firewall

FastPanel provides a simple interface for firewall configuration. Enable the firewall and allow only the necessary ports (80, 443, 22 (SSH), 8888 (FastPanel)). Closing all other ports will significantly increase the security of your server.

2. SSL Certificate Installation

It is important to install an SSL certificate for the security of your websites. FastPanel integrates with Let's Encrypt and allows you to easily install SSL certificates. Create and activate an SSL certificate for your domain name.

3. Follow Updates

Regularly updating FastPanel is important for closing security vulnerabilities and adding new features. Check the control panel regularly and install updates.

4. Monitor Resource Usage

Monitor your server's resource usage (CPU, RAM, disk) regularly. High resource usage can negatively affect the performance of your websites. If necessary, increase your server's resources or make optimizations.

5. Configure Caching Settings

Use caching mechanisms to improve the speed of your websites. FastPanel allows you to configure caching settings for Nginx and Apache. By configuring appropriate caching settings, you can shorten the loading times of your websites.

6. Configure Backup Settings

It is important to perform regular backups for the security of your data. FastPanel offers automatic backup options. Back up your websites and databases regularly and store your backups in a safe place.

Sample Code Snippets and Commands

Below are some sample code snippets and commands that you can use during FastPanel installation and optimization:

Firewall Rules (iptables):

iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8888 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -j DROP

Nginx Caching Settings (nginx.conf):

proxy_cache_path /var/cache/nginx levels=1:2 keys_zone=STATIC:10m inactive=60m max_size=100m;
proxy_cache_key "$scheme$request_method$host$request_uri";
proxy_cache_valid 200 304 60m;

location / {
    proxy_cache STATIC;
    proxy_cache_bypass $http_pragma;
    proxy_ignore_headers Cache-Control Expires Set-Cookie;
    proxy_pass http://backend;
}

Conclusion and Summary

FastPanel is a powerful and free control panel that allows you to easily manage your websites and servers. In this article, we explained in detail how to install FastPanel and the post-installation optimization steps. With correct installation and optimizations, you can significantly improve the performance and security of your websites. Remember, regular updates and backups will ensure that your server remains long-lasting and secure.