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Introduction

This guide explains the step to secure your server in your Novacloud instance by updating your server’s operating system packages and Directadmin Software components.

Performing regular updates ensures improved performance, enhanced security, and compatibility with the latest features and services. This process is especially important for ensuring stability in hosting environments.

Keeping both the Operating System and DirectAdmin software up-to-date helps:

• Patch known vulnerabilities and security issues
• Maintain compatibility with latest libraries and modules
• Improve system performance and stability
• Prevent software conflicts due to outdated dependencies

Prerequisites

• Console access via Customer Portal Console Access
• Admin-level access to DirectAdmin panel (GUI) or root shell (CLI)
• DirectAdmin configured with Evolution skin (required for GUI-based OS updates)
• Valid DirectAdmin license
• Maintenance period / downtime

Impact

• Temporary service disruption (Apache, MySQL, Exim, PHP) during software rebuild
• Reboot may cause short downtime, advisable to schedule during maintenance windows
• PHP version changes may break legacy applications or custom scripts
• DNS or mail configurations could be reset if improperly customized

Best Practices

• When running updates/upgrades, do not quit the process half-way. Let the processes complete before moving on to next item.
• Directadmin CustomBuild updates do not upgrade the OS (Operating System), these are separate steps.
• Keeping the OS updated is essential for kernel patches, security compliance (e.g., CVEs), and ensuring compatibility with system libraries used.
• Always refer to official Directadmin changelog for the latest changes, https://docs.directadmin.com/changelog/

Step-by-Step Guide

Change from Enhanced to Evolution Skin in DirectAdmin (Directadmin GUI)

1. Log in to Directadmin
2. Navigate to User > admin > admin’s user data > Evolution > Save

Update DirectAdmin Version (Directadmin GUI)

1. Log in to Directadmin
2. Navigate to Support & Help > Updates > Update Directadmin

Update Operating System (Directadmin GUI)

1. Log in to Directadmin
2. Navigate to Server Manager > System Packages > Update All packages
3. Wait for completion, reboot

Update DirectAdmin Softwares (Directadmin GUI)

1. Log in to Directadmin
2. Navigate to Server Manager > Custombuild > Updates > Update , https://docs.directadmin.com/custombuild/upgrading-services.html

For user comfortable with CLI managing the server (update everything)

ssh root@your-server-ip
yum update -y
reboot

ssh root@your-server-ip
cd /usr/local/directadmin/custombuild
da build versions
da build update_versions

(Optional) Change from Evolution to Enhanced Skin in DirectAdmin (Directadmin GUI)

1. Log in to Directadmin
2. Navigate to Admin > Account Manager > Show All Users > admin > User > Modify > Enhanced > Save

References

https://docs.directadmin.com/changelog/version-1.683.html

https://docs.directadmin.com/custombuild/upgrading-services.html

Conclusion

System maintenance isn’t just a checkbox task, it’s a commitment to reliability, security, and performance.

Regular maintenance by updating both the operating system and DirectAdmin on a scheduled basis, you reduce vulnerabilities, improve service performance, reduce the risks associated with outdated software, and prevent conflicts caused by outdated dependencies. This process, when done properly planning and validation, it forms a reliable foundation for delivering consistent services improving user trust and operational continuity.

Need Help?
Reach out to our support team at support@ipserverone.com for assistance.