How to perform maintenance on a dedicated server.

1. Schedule Regular Backups

  • Automate backups of data, configs, and databases.
  • Store backups offsite or in the cloud for disaster recovery.
  • Test restores periodically—never assume backups are working until you’ve tried restoring!

2. Keep the System Updated

  • Apply OS and software updates (security patches, kernel updates, service upgrades) regularly.
    • On Linux:
      bash
      sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade   # (Ubuntu/Debian)
      sudo yum update                       # (CentOS/RHEL)
      
    • On Windows:
      Use Windows Update.
  • Update control panels, CMS, plugins, etc. Don’t forget third-party tools.

3. Monitor Server Health

  • Check resource usage: Use tools like top, htop, free, or Windows Task Manager to monitor CPU, RAM, and disk usage.
  • Monitor disk space:
    • Linux: df -h
    • Windows: Check in “This PC” or use PowerShell.
  • Set up automated alerts (via Nagios, Zabbix, or your host) for high usage, low disk, or service outages.

4. Review Logs and Security

  • Regularly check logs:
    • System (/var/log/syslog, /var/log/messages)
    • Web server
    • Auth/SSH (/var/log/auth.log)
  • Look for unusual activity: Failed logins, spikes in traffic, new users, or unknown processes.
  • Audit users and permissions: Remove or disable unused accounts, check for unauthorized privilege changes.

5. Run Security Scans

  • Use malware/rootkit scanners:
    • Linux: rkhunter, chkrootkit, ClamAV
    • Windows: Windows Defender or third-party tools
  • Patch any vulnerabilities you discover immediately.

6. Verify Hardware Health (for physical servers)

  • Check SMART status of hard drives (smartctl -a /dev/sda).
  • Monitor temperatures and fans (IPMI, vendor utilities).
  • Listen/Look for warning lights or odd noises if you have physical access.

7. Clean Up and Optimize

  • Delete old files, logs, and backups you no longer need.
  • Clear cache/temp files to free up space.
  • Compact/optimize databases (via built-in tools or commands).

8. Test Services and Failover

  • Reboot during maintenance windows to apply kernel and hardware updates, and verify all services auto-restart.
  • Test failover/redundancy (if you have RAID, multi-node setups, etc.).

9. Document Changes

  • Keep a log of updates, config changes, and maintenance tasks.
  • Note any issues found and actions taken (it’ll help future troubleshooting and audits).

10. Communicate

  • Schedule maintenance windows and notify users/clients in advance.
  • Report major changes, outages, or fixes so everyone’s in the loop.

Quick Maintenance Checklist

  • Backups completed and verified
  • System and application updates applied
  • Resource/disk usage checked
  • Logs reviewed for anomalies
  • Security scans run
  • Hardware health checked
  • Old files/logs cleaned up
  • Services tested (web, email, database, etc.)
  • Changes documented

Pro tip:
Set up recurring reminders (weekly/monthly) for maintenance tasks, and automate what you can. Staying proactive means less firefighting down the road!

If you want a maintenance script, a template, or advice for specific software, just let me know!

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