🚀 Deploy BlueOnyx on AlmaLinux VPS

This article provides a guide for how to deploy BlueOnyx on AlmaLinux VPS.

What is BlueOnyx?

BlueOnyx is an open-source web hosting control panel for Linux servers, designed to simplify server and website management through a browser-based interface.

It provides:

• Centralized administration of websites, domains, users, and email
• Built-in services such as Apache/Nginx, PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, DNS, FTP, and mail
• Multi-tenant hosting support (admin, reseller, site owner roles)
• Modular architecture with add-ons and updates
• A lightweight alternative to commercial panels like cPanel or Plesk

BlueOnyx is commonly deployed on RHEL-compatible systems (AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux) and is popular in educational, SMB, and cost-sensitive hosting environments.

How to Deploy BlueOnyx on AlmaLinux VPS

To deploy BlueOnyx on AlmaLinux VPS, follow the steps below:

1. Prerequisites

   • VPS Requirements

     • OS: AlmaLinux 8 or AlmaLinux 9 (minimal install recommended)
     • RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
     • Disk: 20 GB+
     • CPU: 1 vCPU minimum
     • Network: Public IPv4, correct reverse DNS (recommended)

   • Important Notes

     • BlueOnyx expects a clean system
     • Do not preinstall Apache, Nginx, MySQL, PHP, etc.
     • SELinux should be permissive or disabled
     • Hostname must be fully qualified (FQDN)

2. Set Hostname (FQDN)

   hostnamectl set-hostname server1.example.com
   

   Verify:

   hostnamectl
   

   Add hostname to /etc/hosts:

   echo "127.0.0.1 server1.example.com server1" >> /etc/hosts
   

3. Update System & Install Base Tools

   dnf clean all
   dnf update -y
   dnf install -y curl wget nano tar yum-utils
   reboot
   

4. Configure SELinux

   Check status:

   getenforce
   

   Set permissive:

   setenforce 0
   

   Persist after reboot:

   sed -i 's/^SELINUX=.*/SELINUX=permissive/' /etc/selinux/config
   

5. Disable firewalld (BlueOnyx Manages Its Own Firewall)

   systemctl disable --now firewalld
   

6. Enable Required Repositories

   AlmaLinux Base + EPEL

   dnf install -y epel-release
   dnf update -y
   

7. Download BlueOnyx Installer

   Create working directory:

   cd /root
   

   Download installer:

   dnf install http://devel.blueonyx.it/pub/5211R.rpm -y
   dnf groupinstall blueonyx -y
   

8. Run BlueOnyx Installer

   /usr/sausalito/scripts/initServices.sh
   

   During Installation You Will Be Prompted For:

   • Platform: AlmaLinux
   • Version: Choose the matching AlmaLinux version
   • Install Type: Full installation
   • Network Interface: Default (usually eth0)
   • IP Configuration: Static IP (recommended)
   • DNS Settings
   • Timezone

   ⏳ Installation may take 15–30 minutes depending on VPS speed.

9. Reboot After Installation

   reboot
   

10. Access BlueOnyx Web Interface

    After reboot, access the admin UI:

    https://YOUR_SERVER_IP:444
    

    or

    https://server1.example.com:444
    

    Default Credentials

    • Username: admin
    • Password: admin

    ⚠️ Change the admin password immediately

11. Post-Install Hardening (Strongly Recommended)

    Change Admin Password

    • Login → User Management
    • Change admin password

    Enable SSL Properly

    • Navigate to Network Settings → SSL
    • Install Let’s Encrypt certificate (if DNS is ready)

    Verify Services

    systemctl status httpd
    systemctl status mariadb
    systemctl status sendmail
    

12. Open Required Ports (If Using External Firewall)

    Service	Port
    HTTP	80
    HTTPS	443
    BlueOnyx UI	444
    FTP	21
    SMTP	25
    POP3	110
    IMAP	143
    SMTPS	465
    IMAPS	993
    POP3S	995

13. Create First Site

    1. Login as admin
    2. Go to Sites → Add Site
    3. Define:
       • Domain name
       • Admin user
       • PHP version
       • Disk quota
    4. Save & activate

14. Log Locations (Useful for Troubleshooting)

    /var/log/httpd/
    /var/log/maillog
    /var/log/messages
    /usr/sausalito/logs/
    

15. Common Issues & Fixes

    Installer Stops or Errors

    dnf clean all
    dnf update -y
    reboot
    

    UI Not Accessible

    systemctl restart httpd
    systemctl restart admserv
    

    DNS Issues

    Ensure /etc/resolv.conf is correct:

    cat /etc/resolv.conf
    

16. Recommended VPS Sizing (Production)

    Use Case	RAM	vCPU
    Small sites	2 GB	1
    Multi-site hosting	4 GB	2
    Reseller / Heavy PHP	8 GB	4

Conclusion

You now know how to deploy BlueOnyx on AlmaLinux VPS.