In the world of website security, SSL certificates play a crucial role in protecting data transmitted between users and servers. Two popular options for obtaining SSL certificates are Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt. Both offer robust security features, but they cater to different needs and use cases. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt to help you decide which one is the best fit for your requirements.

Cloudflare SSL provides SSL/TLS encryption through its content delivery network (CDN) and security services. Cloudflare offers various levels of SSL certificates, ranging from free to premium, with additional features and services to enhance website performance and security.

- Automatic SSL Certificates: Cloudflare issues and manages SSL certificates automatically, simplifying the process for website owners.

- Flexible SSL Options: Offers Flexible SSL (partially encrypted) and Full SSL (fully encrypted) modes to accommodate different server configurations.

- Advanced Security Features: Includes protection against DDoS attacks, web application firewall (WAF), and more.

- Performance Enhancements: Integrates with Cloudflare's CDN to improve website speed and reliability.

- Universal SSL: Provides free SSL certificates for all domains using Cloudflare.

Let's Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority (CA) that provides SSL/TLS certificates to enable HTTPS on websites. It is widely used for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice among small to medium-sized websites and developers.

- Free SSL Certificates: Issues SSL certificates at no cost, making it accessible to everyone.

- Automated Process: Utilizes the ACME protocol to automate the issuance, renewal, and revocation of certificates.

- Wide Browser Compatibility: Trusted by all major browsers and devices, ensuring broad compatibility.

- Community-Driven: Supported by a large community of developers and organizations dedicated to web security.

- Easy Integration: Can be easily integrated with web servers and hosting platforms using various tools and plugins.

Cloudflare SSL vs. Let's Encrypt: Key Comparisons

Cloudflare SSL: Offers both free and paid plans. The free plan includes Universal SSL, while premium plans provide additional features and support.

Let's Encrypt: Completely free for all users.

Cloudflare SSL: Simplifies the process by automatically issuing and managing certificates once you point your DNS to Cloudflare.

Let's Encrypt: Requires installation and configuration on your web server. Automation tools like Certbot make the process easier, but some technical knowledge is needed.

Cloudflare SSL: Provides additional security features like DDoS protection, WAF, and performance enhancements through its CDN.

Let's Encrypt: Focuses solely on SSL/TLS encryption without additional security features. It provides robust encryption but lacks extra security measures.

Cloudflare SSL: Offers different SSL modes (Flexible, Full, Full Strict) to accommodate various server configurations and security needs.

Let's Encrypt: Provides standard SSL/TLS certificates without flexible modes. It requires your server to support full end-to-end encryption.

Cloudflare SSL: Integrates with Cloudflare's CDN to enhance website speed and performance by caching content and reducing latency.

Let's Encrypt: Does not include CDN services. Performance improvements depend on your server and network setup.

Cloudflare SSL: Offers support through documentation, community forums, and paid support plans.

Let's Encrypt: Supported by a large community with extensive documentation and forums. No dedicated support, but many hosting providers offer integrated support.

Both Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt provide excellent options for securing your website with SSL/TLS encryption. Your choice depends on your specific needs and technical capabilities:

- Choose Cloudflare SSL if: You want a comprehensive solution that includes additional security features, performance enhancements, and easy management through a CDN. It’s ideal for users who want a straightforward setup with extra security and performance benefits.

- Choose Let's Encrypt if: You need a free and open-source solution that provides robust encryption without additional features. It’s perfect for developers and small to medium-sized websites looking for a cost-effective way to implement HTTPS.

By understanding the differences between Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt, you can make an informed decision that best suits your website’s security and performance requirements.

In the world of website security, SSL certificates play a crucial role in protecting data transmitted between users and servers. Two popular options for obtaining SSL certificates are Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt. Both offer robust security features, but they cater to different needs and use cases. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt to help you decide which one is the best fit for your requirements.

What is Cloudflare SSL?

Cloudflare SSL provides SSL/TLS encryption through its content delivery network (CDN) and security services. Cloudflare offers various levels of SSL certificates, ranging from free to premium, with additional features and services to enhance website performance and security.

Key Features of Cloudflare SSL:
- Automatic SSL Certificates: Cloudflare issues and manages SSL certificates automatically, simplifying the process for website owners.
- Flexible SSL Options: Offers Flexible SSL (partially encrypted) and Full SSL (fully encrypted) modes to accommodate different server configurations.
- Advanced Security Features: Includes protection against DDoS attacks, web application firewall (WAF), and more.
- Performance Enhancements: Integrates with Cloudflare's CDN to improve website speed and reliability.
- Universal SSL: Provides free SSL certificates for all domains using Cloudflare.

What is Let's Encrypt?

Let's Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority (CA) that provides SSL/TLS certificates to enable HTTPS on websites. It is widely used for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice among small to medium-sized websites and developers.

Key Features of Let's Encrypt:
- Free SSL Certificates: Issues SSL certificates at no cost, making it accessible to everyone.
- Automated Process: Utilizes the ACME protocol to automate the issuance, renewal, and revocation of certificates.
- Wide Browser Compatibility: Trusted by all major browsers and devices, ensuring broad compatibility.
- Community-Driven: Supported by a large community of developers and organizations dedicated to web security.
- Easy Integration: Can be easily integrated with web servers and hosting platforms using various tools and plugins.


Cloudflare SSL vs. Let's Encrypt: Key Comparisons

1. Cost:
Cloudflare SSL: Offers both free and paid plans. The free plan includes Universal SSL, while premium plans provide additional features and support.
Let's Encrypt: Completely free for all users.

2. Ease of Use:
Cloudflare SSL: Simplifies the process by automatically issuing and managing certificates once you point your DNS to Cloudflare.
Let's Encrypt: Requires installation and configuration on your web server. Automation tools like Certbot make the process easier, but some technical knowledge is needed.

3. Security Features:
Cloudflare SSL: Provides additional security features like DDoS protection, WAF, and performance enhancements through its CDN.
Let's Encrypt: Focuses solely on SSL/TLS encryption without additional security features. It provides robust encryption but lacks extra security measures.

4. Flexibility:
Cloudflare SSL: Offers different SSL modes (Flexible, Full, Full Strict) to accommodate various server configurations and security needs.
Let's Encrypt: Provides standard SSL/TLS certificates without flexible modes. It requires your server to support full end-to-end encryption.

5. Performance:
Cloudflare SSL: Integrates with Cloudflare's CDN to enhance website speed and performance by caching content and reducing latency.
Let's Encrypt: Does not include CDN services. Performance improvements depend on your server and network setup.

6. Community and Support:
Cloudflare SSL: Offers support through documentation, community forums, and paid support plans.
Let's Encrypt: Supported by a large community with extensive documentation and forums. No dedicated support, but many hosting providers offer integrated support.

Conclusion
Both Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt provide excellent options for securing your website with SSL/TLS encryption. Your choice depends on your specific needs and technical capabilities:
- Choose Cloudflare SSL if: You want a comprehensive solution that includes additional security features, performance enhancements, and easy management through a CDN. It’s ideal for users who want a straightforward setup with extra security and performance benefits.
- Choose Let's Encrypt if: You need a free and open-source solution that provides robust encryption without additional features. It’s perfect for developers and small to medium-sized websites looking for a cost-effective way to implement HTTPS.

By understanding the differences between Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt, you can make an informed decision that best suits your website’s security and performance requirements.

Here’s a comprehensive comparison of Cloudflare SSL and Let's Encrypt to help you decide which one is the best fit for your requirements

Cloudflare SSL vs. Let's Encrypt: A Comparative Overview

osTicket is an open-source ticketing system available on the Linux/Windows platform. It is an extremely lightweight, easy-to-use web-based customer support application. It is written in PHP and supports MySQL/MariaDB. Not only that, but it provides Integration with LDAP/Active Directory for central authentication.

osTicket is the most reliable and widely used application for managing and tracking all the tickets. Here are some key features of osTicket.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to install osTIcket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04. Before you start, we offer users to use alternative and more easy way to deploy osTicket using Docker technologies with additional features included. 

A sudo user configured with root privileges

Before starting the installation, update the system with latest stable version by executing the below command on your server:

After the system upgraded to the latest packages, you need to install the required dependencies, to do so run the below command in the terminal:

sudo apt install ca-certificates apt-transport-https software-properties-common wget curl unzip -y

Step 2: Install and Configure Nginx Web Server

You can install the nginx web server by executing the command given below:

Next, start the nginx service and check the status of the nginx service by running the following command:

sudo systemctl start nginx
sudo systemctl status nginx

Now, enable the nginx service at system boot time using the below command:

sohan@ubuntu:~$ sudo systemctl enable nginx
Synchronizing state of nginx.service with SysV service script with /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysv-install.
Executing: /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysv-install enable nginx

Next, Install PHP, and its required dependencies using the command below:

sudo apt install php8.3 php8.3-mysql php8.3-cgi php8.3-fpm php8.3-cli php8.3-curl php8.3-gd php8.3-imap php8.3-mbstring php8.3-intl php8.3-apcu php8.3-common php8.3-gettext php8.3-bcmath php8.3-xml php8.3-dom -y

Now make the necessary changes in php.ini by editing the file.

Here, search for “cgi.fix_pathinfo” uncomment the line, and set its value 0

Once you are done with editing, save and close the file.

To apply the changes, you need to restart the php8.3-fpm service and also enable it as a system reboot.

sudo systemctl restart php8.3-fpm
sudo systemctl enable php8.3-fpm

Now, install the MariaDB database server by executing the command below:

Next, start the MariaDB service, check the service status, and enable the service at system reboot by running the following command:

sudo systemctl start mysql
sudo systemctl enable mysql
sudo systemctl status mysql

Next, Secure the MariaDB installation by running the below command:

Enter current password for root (enter for none):
Switch to unix_socket authentication [Y/n] n
Change the root password? [Y/n] n
Remove anonymous users? [Y/n] Y
Disallow root login remotely? [Y/n] Y
Remove test database and access to it? [Y/n] Y
Reload privilege tables now? [Y/n] Y

Note: We assume that you already set the strong root password, so we don’t need to change to root password here.

Now, log in to the MariaDB shell as a root user by running the following command:

Enter, your root password and press “Enter”

Now you need to create a database and user for osTicket.

grant all privileges on osticket_database.* to osticket_user identified by 'your-password';

You can set the database user and password of your choice.

Now, flush the privileges and exit from the MariaDB shell by running the below command:

sohan@ubuntu:~$ sudo mysql -u root -p
Enter password: 
Welcome to the MariaDB monitor.  Commands end with ; or \g.
Your MariaDB connection id is 42
Server version: 10.11.8-MariaDB-0ubuntu0.24.04.1 Ubuntu 24.04

Copyright (c) 2000, 2018, Oracle, MariaDB Corporation Ab and others.

Type 'help;' or '\h' for help. Type '\c' to clear the current input statement.
MariaDB [(none)]> create database osticket_database;
Query OK, 1 row affected (0.000 sec)

MariaDB [(none)]> grant all privileges on osticket_database.* to osticket_user identified by 'your-password';
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.001 sec)

MariaDB [(none)]> flush privileges;
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.001 sec)

MariaDB [(none)]> exit;
Bye

Start by acquiring the latest version of osTicket from the GitHub download page.

sudo wget  https://github.com/osTicket/osTicket/releases/download/v1.18.1/osTicket-v1.18.1.zip

Once you download the package, create a directory for osTicket and extract the downloaded files inside it as shown in the below command.

sudo mkdir -p /var/www/html/osticket
sudo unzip osTicket-v1.18.1.zip -d /var/www/html/osticket/

Next, change ownership and set the required permission for osTicket directory.

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/osticket
sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/html/osticket

Then, generate an osTicket configuration file from the given ‘ost-sampleconfig.php’ file using the below command:

osTicket is an open-source ticketing system available on the Linux/Windows platform. It is an extremely lightweight, easy-to-use web-based customer support application. It is written in PHP and supports MySQL/MariaDB. Not only that, but it provides Integration with LDAP/Active Directory for central authentication.
osTicket is the most reliable and widely used application for managing and tracking all the tickets. Here are some key features of osTicket.
Clean Dashboard Reports
Custom Fields
Custom Columns and Queues
Ticket Filters
Agent Collision Avoidance
Configurable Help Topics
Assign and Transfer Tickets
Auto-Responder
Thread Action
Service Level Agreements
Customer Portal

In this tutorial, you will learn how to install osTIcket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04. Before you start, we offer users to use alternative and more easy way to deploy osTicket using Docker technologies with additional features included. 

Prerequisites
A server running Ubuntu 24.04.
A sudo user configured with root privileges

Step 1: Upgrade the base OS
Before starting the installation, update the system with latest stable version by executing the below command on your server:

sudo apt update &&  sudo apt upgrade -y

After the system upgraded to the latest packages, you need to install the required dependencies, to do so run the below command in the terminal:
sudo apt install ca-certificates apt-transport-https software-properties-common wget curl unzip -y

Step 2: Install and Configure Nginx Web Server

You can install the nginx web server by executing the command given below:
sudo apt install nginx -y

Next, start the nginx service and check the status of the nginx service by running the following command:
sudo systemctl start nginx
sudo systemctl status nginx

Now, enable the nginx service at system boot time using the below command:
sudo systemctl enable nginx

Output:
sohan@ubuntu:~$ sudo systemctl enable nginx
Synchronizing state of nginx.service with SysV service script with /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysv-install.
Executing: /usr/lib/systemd/systemd-sysv-install enable nginx

Step 3: Install PHP and PHP Modules

Next, Install PHP, and its required dependencies using the command below:
sudo apt install php8.3 php8.3-mysql php8.3-cgi php8.3-fpm php8.3-cli php8.3-curl php8.3-gd php8.3-imap php8.3-mbstring php8.3-intl php8.3-apcu php8.3-common php8.3-gettext php8.3-bcmath php8.3-xml php8.3-dom -y

Now make the necessary changes in php.ini by editing the file.
sudo vim /etc/php/8.3/fpm/php.ini

Here, search for “cgi.fix_pathinfo” uncomment the line, and set its value 0
cgi.fix_pathinfo=0

Once you are done with editing, save and close the file.
To apply the changes, you need to restart the php8.3-fpm service and also enable it as a system reboot.
sudo systemctl restart php8.3-fpm
sudo systemctl enable php8.3-fpm

Step 4: Install and Configure MariaDB

Now, install the MariaDB database server by executing the command below:
sudo apt install mariadb-server -y

Next, start the MariaDB service, check the service status, and enable the service at system reboot by running the following command:
sudo systemctl start mysql
sudo systemctl enable mysql
sudo systemctl status mysql

Next, Secure the MariaDB installation by running the below command:
sudo mysql_secure_installation

Answer the questions below:
Enter current password for root (enter for none):
Switch to unix_socket authentication [Y/n] n
Change the root password? [Y/n] n
Remove anonymous users? [Y/n] Y
Disallow root login remotely? [Y/n] Y
Remove test database and access to it? [Y/n] Y
Reload privilege tables now? [Y/n] Y
Note: We assume that you already set the strong root password, so we don’t need to change to root password here.

Now, log in to the MariaDB shell as a root user by running the following command:
sudo mysql -u root -p

Enter, your root password and press “Enter”
Now you need to create a database and user for osTicket.

create database osticket_database;

grant all privileges on osticket_database.* to osticket_user identified by 'your-password';

You can set the database user and password of your choice.
Now, flush the privileges and exit from the MariaDB shell by running the below command:
flush privileges;
exit;

The output looks like the below:
sohan@ubuntu:~$ sudo mysql -u root -p
Enter password: 
Welcome to the MariaDB monitor.  Commands end with ; or \g.
Your MariaDB connection id is 42
Server version: 10.11.8-MariaDB-0ubuntu0.24.04.1 Ubuntu 24.04

Copyright (c) 2000, 2018, Oracle, MariaDB Corporation Ab and others.

Type 'help;' or '\h' for help. Type '\c' to clear the current input statement.
MariaDB [(none)]> create database osticket_database;
Query OK, 1 row affected (0.000 sec)

MariaDB [(none)]> grant all privileges on osticket_database.* to osticket_user identified by 'your-password';
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.001 sec)

MariaDB [(none)]> flush privileges;
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.001 sec)

MariaDB [(none)]> exit;
Bye

Step 5: Download and Configure osTicket
Start by acquiring the latest version of osTicket from the GitHub download page.
sudo wget  https://github.com/osTicket/osTicket/releases/download/v1.18.1/osTicket-v1.18.1.zip

Once you download the package, create a directory for osTicket and extract the downloaded files inside it as shown in the below command.
sudo mkdir -p /var/www/html/osticket
sudo unzip osTicket-v1.18.1.zip -d /var/www/html/osticket/

Next, change ownership and set the required permission for osTicket directory.
sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/osticket
sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/html/osticket

Then, generate an osTicket configuration file from the given ‘ost-sampleconfig.php’ file using the below command:
sudo cp /var/www/html/osticket/upload/include/ost-sampleconfig.php /var/www/html/osticket/upload/include/ost-config.php

Step 6: Configure the Nginx virtual host file for osTicket

To access osTicket, you need to create the nginx virtual host file.
sudo vim /etc/nginx/sites-available/osticket.conf

Then, paste the following configuration into it:
server {
    listen 80;
    server_name example.com;

    root /var/www/html/osticket/upload;

    index index.php index.html index.htm;

    access_log /var/log/nginx/osticket_access.log;
    error_log /var/log/nginx/osticket_error.log;

    client_max_body_size 100M;

    location / {
        try_files $uri $uri/ =404;
    }

    location ~ \.php$ {
        include snippets/fastcgi-php.conf;
        fastcgi_pass unix:/var/run/php/php8.3-fpm.sock;
        fastcgi_param SCRIPT_FILENAME $document_root$fastcgi_script_name;
        include fastcgi_params;
    }
    location ~ /\.ht {
        deny all;
    }
}

Please note that here, you need to replace example.com with your domain_name/server_IP address.
Save and exit from the vim editor.

Next, create a symlink using the below command:

sudo ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/osticket.conf /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/

The above command creates a file as shown below:

sohan@ubuntu:~$ ll /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
total 8
drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 4096 Jul  7 19:42 ./
drwxr-xr-x 8 root root 4096 Jul  7 12:23 ../
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root   40 Jul  7 19:41 osticket.conf -> /etc/nginx/sites-available/osticket.conf
sohan@ubuntu:~$

Now, verify the configuration file using the following command:
sudo nginx -t

Output:
sohan@ubuntu:~$ sudo nginx -t
nginx: the configuration file /etc/nginx/nginx.conf syntax is ok
nginx: configuration file /etc/nginx/nginx.conf test is successful
sohan@ubuntu:~$

Once the configuration test is successful, restart the nginx service to apply the changes.
sudo systemctl restart nginx

You can check the Nginx service status by executing the command below:
sudo systemctl status nginx

Step 7: Access the osTicket
Please open your web browser and navigate to http://example.com to access the osTicket installation page. You will be directed to the prerequisites page.


 


Press the ‘Continue’ button, and you will see the installation page on the next screen.


 


 


 

Set your Helpdesk Name and other details along with the database name, username, and password you set earlier, then click on ‘install now’ button to finish the installation.
You will see the screenshot as shown below:

 

Next, open the osTicket URL and you will see the homepage here http://example.com


 

osTicket Admin Panel: http://example.com/scp/login.php


 

Enter the username and password, you have set at installation time. You will see a screen similar to the one below:

 


OsTicket Admin panel configuration: http://example.com/scp/settings.php
Here, you will see the alert like “Please take a minute to delete setup directory (../setup/) for security reasons.”

To resolve this, delete the setup directory from the osTicket home path.
sudo rm -rf /var/www/html/osticket/upload/setup/


 



 



Think it's too complex? Let us automatically deploy it for you with all above included, 
install osTicket.


Conclusion
Congratulations! You have installed osTicket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04. osTicket offers great features like customizable fields, ticket routing, customizable logos and many more which make it a perfect solution for small to medium businesses. You can combine with other system as well. It provides robust and cost-effective solution that improve your customer service. Overall, osTicket is a very flexible and reliable solution you can trust for tracking support issues. 




In this tutorial, you will learn how to install osTIcket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04.


How to install osTicket with Nginx on Ubuntu 24.04

Welcome to our monthly report, TryDirect users! We're thrilled to share the latest improvements and features that have been implemented this month. Our team has been hard at work to ensure your experience is smoother, more efficient, and more secure. Let's dive into the details!

We know how important a seamless experience with the Stack Builder is for your workflow. This month, we've squashed several bugs that were affecting its performance. These fixes will enhance the reliability and functionality of the Stack Builder, making it easier than ever to create and manage your stacks.

Our Docker Image Validation process has been fine-tuned to address previous issues. The fix ensures that your Docker images are validated accurately and efficiently. This improvement will help prevent errors and streamline your container deployment process.

User experience is at the heart of what we do. We've implemented a series of UI/UX improvements across the platform based on your valuable feedback. These enhancements include:

Improved Navigation: Simplified menus and more intuitive navigation paths to help you find what you need faster.

Enhanced Aesthetics: Updated visuals and a cleaner interface for a more pleasant user experience.

Performance Boosts: Optimized load times and smoother transitions to keep your workflow uninterrupted.

4. New Templates Added to the Stack Builder Library

We're excited to announce the addition of new templates to the Stack Builder library. These templates are designed to help you kickstart your projects with best practices and efficient configurations. Whether you're starting a new application or upgrading an existing one, our expanded template library has you covered.

5. New User Consent Policy for the European Economic Area (EEA)

In compliance with the latest regulations, we have introduced a new user consent policy for our users in the European Economic Area (EEA). This policy ensures that we are handling your data with the utmost care and transparency. You'll be prompted to review and consent to our updated terms, which detail how your data is collected, used, and protected.

Thank you for being a part of the TryDirect community! We're committed to continuously improving our platform and your feedback is invaluable in this journey. If you have any questions or need support, our team is always here to help. Stay tuned for more updates next month!


Welcome to our monthly report, TryDirect users! We're thrilled to share the latest improvements and features that have been implemented this month. Our team has been hard at work to ensure your experience is smoother, more efficient, and more secure. Let's dive into the details!

1. Stack Builder Bug Fixes
We know how important a seamless experience with the Stack Builder is for your workflow. This month, we've squashed several bugs that were affecting its performance. These fixes will enhance the reliability and functionality of the Stack Builder, making it easier than ever to create and manage your stacks.

2. Docker Image Validation Fix
Our Docker Image Validation process has been fine-tuned to address previous issues. The fix ensures that your Docker images are validated accurately and efficiently. This improvement will help prevent errors and streamline your container deployment process.

3. Multiple UI/UX Improvements
User experience is at the heart of what we do. We've implemented a series of UI/UX improvements across the platform based on your valuable feedback. These enhancements include:
Improved Navigation: Simplified menus and more intuitive navigation paths to help you find what you need faster.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Updated visuals and a cleaner interface for a more pleasant user experience.
Performance Boosts: Optimized load times and smoother transitions to keep your workflow uninterrupted.

4. New Templates Added to the Stack Builder Library
We're excited to announce the addition of new templates to the Stack Builder library. These templates are designed to help you kickstart your projects with best practices and efficient configurations. Whether you're starting a new application or upgrading an existing one, our expanded template library has you covered.

5. New User Consent Policy for the European Economic Area (EEA)
In compliance with the latest regulations, we have introduced a new user consent policy for our users in the European Economic Area (EEA). This policy ensures that we are handling your data with the utmost care and transparency. You'll be prompted to review and consent to our updated terms, which detail how your data is collected, used, and protected.
Thank you for being a part of the TryDirect community! We're committed to continuously improving our platform and your feedback is invaluable in this journey. If you have any questions or need support, our team is always here to help. Stay tuned for more updates next month!

Warm regards,
The TryDirect Team

Our team has been hard at work to ensure your experience is smoother, more efficient, and more secure. Let's dive into the details!

Monthly Report June 2024

Maximize Your Earnings Online with TryDirect

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, finding efficient ways to monetize your technical skills is essential. TryDirect, a platform designed to streamline application deployment for freelancers, system administrators, and developers. This guide will show you how to make money with TryDirect, leveraging your technical expertise.

TryDirect is an innovative platform that simplifies the deployment of applications using Docker Compose in the cloud. It automates cloud firewall configurations and prepares servers, making it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to save time and increase efficiency.

Sign Up: Start by creating an account on TryDirect. The registration process is simple and quick, requiring basic personal information. Once registered, you’ll have access to a variety of application deployment options.

Browse Application Collections: After signing up, explore the available application collections on Docker Compose. These collections include a wide range of pre-configured applications tailored for various purposes, from web servers and databases to development environments.

Select and Deploy Applications: Choose the applications that meet your needs. TryDirect's platform allows you to deploy these applications effortlessly in the cloud. The platform automatically configures the cloud firewall and prepares a suitable server, ensuring a seamless deployment process.

Earn Money: Utilize the deployed applications for freelance projects, system administration tasks, or development purposes. The time saved and efficiency gained can be translated into higher earnings by taking on more projects or improving the quality of your work.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings on TryDirect

Stay Updated: Regularly check the platform for new application collections and updates. TryDirect continually adds new tools and features, providing you with the latest technologies to work with. Join our discord server to follow the latest updates

Efficient Deployment: Use the platform’s automated features to deploy applications quickly, allowing you to focus on your core work rather than spending time on configuration and setup.

Expand Your Skill Set: Familiarize yourself with a wide range of applications available on TryDirect. The more you know, the more versatile you become, opening up more opportunities to earn.

Referral Program: Many platforms, including TryDirect, offer referral bonuses. By inviting colleagues and friends to join, you can earn additional rewards when they sign up and use the platform.

Client Satisfaction: Deliver high-quality work using the deployed applications. Satisfied clients are more likely to offer repeat business and refer you to others, increasing your earning potential.

While TryDirect offers a streamlined way to deploy applications and save time, be aware of potential challenges:

Technical Expertise: A certain level of technical knowledge is required to fully utilize the platform’s features. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies is essential.

Dependence on Cloud Services: Ensure that your internet connection and cloud service availability are reliable, as any downtime can affect your work and earnings.

Initial Setup: While TryDirect automates much of the deployment process, familiarizing yourself with the platform’s interface and features might take some time.

When comparing the minimal prices on various freelancer platforms for deploying a WordPress site to the cost of an Individual plan on TryDirect, the difference is significant. The average cost for deployment services for freelancers ranges from $50 to $100 per app. With TryDirect's Individual plan at just $10 per month, you can perform unlimited WordPress deployments for all your customers, offering exceptional value.

The TryDirect development team is always available to assist you in the initial stages, ensuring a smooth and comfortable workflow.

If you are experienced with Docker technologies, you don’t need to purchase a subscription. You can use Stack Builder completely free of charge.

TryDirect provides a powerful platform for freelancers, system administrators, and developers to deploy applications efficiently in the cloud. By automating the configuration of cloud firewalls and server preparation, TryDirect saves you valuable time and effort, allowing you to focus on your core tasks and maximize your earnings.

To get started, visit TryDirect and sign up today. Explore the diverse range of application collections available and start leveraging this innovative platform to boost your productivity and income.

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Maximize Your Earnings Online with TryDirect

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, finding efficient ways to monetize your technical skills is essential. TryDirect, a platform designed to streamline application deployment for freelancers, system administrators, and developers. This guide will show you how to make money with TryDirect, leveraging your technical expertise.

Why TryDirect?
TryDirect is an innovative platform that simplifies the deployment of applications using Docker Compose in the cloud. It automates cloud firewall configurations and prepares servers, making it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to save time and increase efficiency.

How Does TryDirect Work?
Sign Up: Start by creating an account on TryDirect. The registration process is simple and quick, requiring basic personal information. Once registered, you’ll have access to a variety of application deployment options.
Browse Application Collections: After signing up, explore the available application collections on Docker Compose. These collections include a wide range of pre-configured applications tailored for various purposes, from web servers and databases to development environments.
Select and Deploy Applications: Choose the applications that meet your needs. TryDirect's platform allows you to deploy these applications effortlessly in the cloud. The platform automatically configures the cloud firewall and prepares a suitable server, ensuring a seamless deployment process.
Earn Money: Utilize the deployed applications for freelance projects, system administration tasks, or development purposes. The time saved and efficiency gained can be translated into higher earnings by taking on more projects or improving the quality of your work.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings on TryDirect
Stay Updated: Regularly check the platform for new application collections and updates. TryDirect continually adds new tools and features, providing you with the latest technologies to work with. Join our discord server to follow the latest updates
Efficient Deployment: Use the platform’s automated features to deploy applications quickly, allowing you to focus on your core work rather than spending time on configuration and setup.
Expand Your Skill Set: Familiarize yourself with a wide range of applications available on TryDirect. The more you know, the more versatile you become, opening up more opportunities to earn.
Referral Program: Many platforms, including TryDirect, offer referral bonuses. By inviting colleagues and friends to join, you can earn additional rewards when they sign up and use the platform.
Client Satisfaction: Deliver high-quality work using the deployed applications. Satisfied clients are more likely to offer repeat business and refer you to others, increasing your earning potential.

Potential Challenges
While TryDirect offers a streamlined way to deploy applications and save time, be aware of potential challenges:
Technical Expertise: A certain level of technical knowledge is required to fully utilize the platform’s features. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies is essential.
Dependence on Cloud Services: Ensure that your internet connection and cloud service availability are reliable, as any downtime can affect your work and earnings.
Initial Setup: While TryDirect automates much of the deployment process, familiarizing yourself with the platform’s interface and features might take some time.

Additional Benefits of TryDirect

Cost Efficiency
When comparing the minimal prices on various freelancer platforms for deploying a WordPress site to the cost of an Individual plan on TryDirect, the difference is significant. The average cost for deployment services for freelancers ranges from $50 to $100 per app. With TryDirect's Individual plan at just $10 per month, you can perform unlimited WordPress deployments for all your customers, offering exceptional value.

Expert Support
The TryDirect development team is always available to assist you in the initial stages, ensuring a smooth and comfortable workflow.

Free Usage for Docker Experts
If you are experienced with Docker technologies, you don’t need to purchase a subscription. You can use Stack Builder completely free of charge.

Get Started Today
TryDirect provides a powerful platform for freelancers, system administrators, and developers to deploy applications efficiently in the cloud. By automating the configuration of cloud firewalls and server preparation, TryDirect saves you valuable time and effort, allowing you to focus on your core tasks and maximize your earnings.
To get started, visit TryDirect and sign up today. Explore the diverse range of application collections available and start leveraging this innovative platform to boost your productivity and income.

 


How to make money with TryDirect if you are a devops beginner, freelancer, developer. Learn how to TryDirect can save you a lot of time and efforts.  

How to make money with TryDirect

Here at TryDirect, our team is passionate about creating fast, efficient software. Sometime when I work on a project, I fall into the habit of using the clone() method to copy values. It's the easiest way to achieve results quickly, but I've learned it's a common mistake that needs to be avoided. How we overcame our cloning dependency and embraced more efficient practices?

We were tasked with developing a new feature for our product, a real-time data processing module. 

Lets take first and most common example from the real project

 let tag = self.tag.clone().unwrap_or("latest".to_string());

Here’s how you can refactor it to avoid cloning:

let t = self.tag.as_deref().unwrap_or("latest");

as_deref() Method: The as_deref() method converts an Option<String> to an Option<&str>. It does this by converting the String inside the Option to a &str slice, thereby avoiding the need for cloning.
If self.tag is Some(String), as_deref() will turn it into Some(&str).
If self.tag is None, it stays None.


unwrap_or("latest"): Now, with Option<&str>, you can use unwrap_or("latest") to provide a default string slice "latest" if the Option is None.

This way, the string "latest" is only created when necessary, and no cloning is done when the tag is present.

Next step towards efficiency could be embracing borrowing.

Why clone data when we can just borrow it? We can use references to access data without taking ownership. So here is a first example of how to avoid cloning.


fn process_data(data: &str) {
    // Use data without taking ownership
}

let my_data = String::from("Hello, world!");

process_data(&my_data);  // Pass a reference

// my_data can still be used here


Next, we turned our attention to collections and strings. Instead of cloning entire vectors or strings, we used slices.


fn sum_slice(slice: &[i32]) -> i32 {
    slice.iter().sum()
}

let numbers = vec![1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let result = sum_slice(&numbers);  // Pass a slice

By passing slices, we can reduce unnecessary data duplication, and functions become more versatile.

As our project grew, we needed a way to share data across multiple components. That's when we discovered Rc<T> (Reference Counted) smart pointers. These allowed us to share ownership without cloning.

use std::rc::Rc;

fn share_data(data: Rc<String>) {
    println!("{}", data);
}

let shared_data = Rc::new(String::from("Hello, Rc!"));
share_data(shared_data.clone());  // Rc::clone() is cheap
share_data(Rc::clone(&shared_data));  // This is also a cheap operation

There is one another method that might help. Cow (Copy on Write). With Cow, you can work with borrowed data and only clone it if necessary. 


use std::borrow::Cow;

fn modify_string(input: Cow<str>) -> Cow<str> {
  if input.contains("bad") {
    let mut owned = input.into_owned();
    owned.replace_range(.., "good");
    Cow::Owned(owned)
  } else {
    input
  }
}

let borrowed: Cow<str> = Cow::Borrowed("Hello");

let modified = modify_string(borrowed);  // No clone here

let owned: Cow<str> = Cow::Owned(String::from("bad string"));

let modified_owned = modify_string(owned);  // Clones only if modified


Cow provided the flexibility we needed without compromising efficiency.

Iterators became our best friends for processing data lazily. We transformed and consumed elements without creating intermediate collections. Basic example:


fn sum_even_numbers<I>(iter: I) -> i32
where
I: Iterator<Item = i32>,
{
    iter.filter(|&x| x % 2 == 0).sum()
}

let numbers = vec![1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let result = sum_even_numbers(numbers.into_iter());


This approach not only improved performance but also made our code more readable.

Sometimes, we realized we didn't need the original data after a certain point. Instead of cloning, we moved ownership.


fn take_ownership(s: String) {
    println!("{}", s);
}

let my_string = String::from("Hello, world!");

take_ownership(my_string);  // my_string is moved here

// my_string cannot be used here anymore


By moving data, we avoided unnecessary copies and kept our code efficient.

For scenarios requiring mutable access to shared data, RefCell<T> provided a solution. It allowes us to mutate data even when it was behind an immutable reference.


use std::cell::RefCell;

fn mutate_data(data: &RefCell<i32>) {
    *data.borrow_mut() += 1;
}

let data = RefCell::new(5);

mutate_data(&data);

println!("{}", data.borrow());  // Output: 6


This approach ensured safe runtime borrow checking without compromising performance.

By avoiding unnecessary cloning and embracing efficient Rust practices, you can improve both performance and code quality. This journey taught us the value of understanding and leveraging Rust's powerful features to write efficient, idiomatic code.

And so, the story of TryDirect continues, now with a commitment to avoiding clone() whenever possible, always striving for efficiency and excellence in every project we undertake.

https://users.rust-lang.org/t/can-i-avoid-cloning/56069
https://www.reddit.com/r/rust/comments/17luh6c/how_can_i_avoid_cloning_everywhere/

Here at TryDirect, our team is passionate about creating fast, efficient software. Sometime when I work on a project, I fall into the habit of using the clone() method to copy values. It's the easiest way to achieve results quickly, but I've learned it's a common mistake that needs to be avoided. How we overcame our cloning dependency and embraced more efficient practices?

The Project Begins
We were tasked with developing a new feature for our product, a real-time data processing module. 

Lets take first and most common example from the real project
 let tag = self.tag.clone().unwrap_or("latest".to_string());
Here’s how you can refactor it to avoid cloning:
let t = self.tag.as_deref().unwrap_or("latest");

Explanation:
as_deref() Method: The as_deref() method converts an Option<String> to an Option<&str>. It does this by converting the String inside the Option to a &str slice, thereby avoiding the need for cloning.
If self.tag is Some(String), as_deref() will turn it into Some(&str).
If self.tag is None, it stays None.

unwrap_or("latest"): Now, with Option<&str>, you can use unwrap_or("latest") to provide a default string slice "latest" if the Option is None.

This way, the string "latest" is only created when necessary, and no cloning is done when the tag is present.

Discovering Borrowing
Next step towards efficiency could be embracing borrowing.
Why clone data when we can just borrow it? We can use references to access data without taking ownership. So here is a first example of how to avoid cloning.

fn process_data(data: &str) {
    // Use data without taking ownership
}

let my_data = String::from("Hello, world!");

process_data(&my_data);  // Pass a reference

// my_data can still be used here


Slicing Through Inefficiency
Next, we turned our attention to collections and strings. Instead of cloning entire vectors or strings, we used slices.

fn sum_slice(slice: &[i32]) -> i32 {
    slice.iter().sum()
}

let numbers = vec![1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let result = sum_slice(&numbers);  // Pass a slice
By passing slices, we can reduce unnecessary data duplication, and functions become more versatile.

Embracing Smart Pointers
As our project grew, we needed a way to share data across multiple components. That's when we discovered Rc<T> (Reference Counted) smart pointers. These allowed us to share ownership without cloning.

use std::rc::Rc;

fn share_data(data: Rc<String>) {
    println!("{}", data);
}

let shared_data = Rc::new(String::from("Hello, Rc!"));
share_data(shared_data.clone());  // Rc::clone() is cheap
share_data(Rc::clone(&shared_data));  // This is also a cheap operation

The Power of Cow
There is one another method that might help. Cow (Copy on Write). With Cow, you can work with borrowed data and only clone it if necessary. 

Code example:

use std::borrow::Cow;

fn modify_string(input: Cow<str>) -> Cow<str> {
  if input.contains("bad") {
    let mut owned = input.into_owned();
    owned.replace_range(.., "good");
    Cow::Owned(owned)
  } else {
    input
  }
}

let borrowed: Cow<str> = Cow::Borrowed("Hello");

let modified = modify_string(borrowed);  // No clone here

let owned: Cow<str> = Cow::Owned(String::from("bad string"));

let modified_owned = modify_string(owned);  // Clones only if modified

Cow provided the flexibility we needed without compromising efficiency.

Iterators: The Lazy Path to Performance
Iterators became our best friends for processing data lazily. We transformed and consumed elements without creating intermediate collections. Basic example:


fn sum_even_numbers<I>(iter: I) -> i32
where
I: Iterator<Item = i32>,
{
    iter.filter(|&x| x % 2 == 0).sum()
}

let numbers = vec![1, 2, 3, 4, 5];

let result = sum_even_numbers(numbers.into_iter());

This approach not only improved performance but also made our code more readable.

Moving to Better Semantics
Sometimes, we realized we didn't need the original data after a certain point. Instead of cloning, we moved ownership.

fn take_ownership(s: String) {
    println!("{}", s);
}

let my_string = String::from("Hello, world!");

take_ownership(my_string);  // my_string is moved here

// my_string cannot be used here anymore

By moving data, we avoided unnecessary copies and kept our code efficient.

Interior Mutability with RefCell
For scenarios requiring mutable access to shared data, RefCell<T> provided a solution. It allowes us to mutate data even when it was behind an immutable reference.

use std::cell::RefCell;

fn mutate_data(data: &RefCell<i32>) {
    *data.borrow_mut() += 1;
}

let data = RefCell::new(5);

mutate_data(&data);

println!("{}", data.borrow());  // Output: 6

This approach ensured safe runtime borrow checking without compromising performance.

Conclusion: A Cloning-Free Future
By avoiding unnecessary cloning and embracing efficient Rust practices, you can improve both performance and code quality. This journey taught us the value of understanding and leveraging Rust's powerful features to write efficient, idiomatic code.
And so, the story of TryDirect continues, now with a commitment to avoiding clone() whenever possible, always striving for efficiency and excellence in every project we undertake.

The Related discussion
https://users.rust-lang.org/t/can-i-avoid-cloning/56069
https://www.reddit.com/r/rust/comments/17luh6c/how_can_i_avoid_cloning_everywhere/


How to get rid of multiple clone() in Rust. Few methods that might be helpful for Rust developers  

How to avoid multiple clone() in Rust

OpenResty is a versatile web platform based on Nginx and designed to handle dynamic web applications with high performance. When combined with Docker, OpenResty becomes even more powerful and flexible for deploying scalable web solutions. Below, we explore the integration of OpenResty with Docker, its use with Cloudflare, and its application at the edge.

OpenResty is a high-performance web platform built on top of NGINX that integrates Lua scripting to enable dynamic web applications and advanced web server functionalities. It is designed to handle high concurrency with low latency, making it ideal for developing web services, API gateways, and other server-side applications that require robust and efficient request processing.

Using OpenResty with Docker simplifies the deployment and management of your web applications. By containerizing OpenResty, you can ensure a consistent environment across different stages of development, testing, and production. Here’s a basic OpenResty Docker example:

FROM openresty/openresty:alpine
COPY ./nginx.conf /usr/local/openresty/nginx/conf/nginx.conf
COPY ./app /usr/local/openresty/nginx/html

 version: '3'
 services:
  openresty:
    build: .
    ports:
      - "80:80"
    volumes:
      - ./nginx.conf:/usr/local/openresty/nginx/conf/nginx.conf
      - ./app:/usr/local/openresty/nginx/html

This setup allows you to build and run an OpenResty container, making it easy to deploy your web application consistently.

Integrating OpenResty with Cloudflare can enhance your web application's performance and security. Cloudflare provides a powerful CDN and security features that, when combined with OpenResty, offer a robust solution for handling web traffic. By placing Cloudflare in front of your OpenResty server, you can take advantage of Cloudflare's caching, DDoS protection, and SSL/TLS encryption.

OpenResty Edge is a specialized version of OpenResty optimized for edge computing. It allows for faster processing of requests closer to the end-user, reducing latency and improving performance. OpenResty Edge is ideal for applications that require high-speed data processing and low-latency responses. By deploying OpenResty Edge in strategic locations, you can significantly enhance the user experience for geographically distributed users.

Here’s a simple OpenResty example configuration to get you started:

worker_processes  1;

events {
    worker_connections  1024;
}

http {
    server {
        listen       80;
        server_name  localhost;
        location / {
             default_type text/html;
             content_by_lua_block {
                  ngx.say("Hello, OpenResty!")
             }
        }
     }
}

Create the application directory if you don't have one.

mkdir app
touch app/index.html
echo "Hello from NGINX" > ./app/index.html

This example sets up a basic OpenResty server that responds with "Hello, OpenResty!" to HTTP requests. By leveraging Docker, Cloudflare, and edge computing, OpenResty can be a powerful tool for building and deploying high-performance web applications.

OpenResty is secure, featuring advanced security mechanisms like SSL/TLS encryption.

Install OpenResty example application  with TryDirect

Example button

Install OpenResty

OpenResty web platform

OpenResty is a versatile web platform based on Nginx and designed to handle dynamic web applications with high performance. When combined with Docker, OpenResty becomes even more powerful and flexible for deploying scalable web solutions. Below, we explore the integration of OpenResty with Docker, its use with Cloudflare, and its application at the edge.

What is the use of OpenResty?
OpenResty is a high-performance web platform built on top of NGINX that integrates Lua scripting to enable dynamic web applications and advanced web server functionalities. It is designed to handle high concurrency with low latency, making it ideal for developing web services, API gateways, and other server-side applications that require robust and efficient request processing.

OpenResty Docker
Using OpenResty with Docker simplifies the deployment and management of your web applications. By containerizing OpenResty, you can ensure a consistent environment across different stages of development, testing, and production. Here’s a basic OpenResty Docker example:

1. Dockerfile for OpenResty:
FROM openresty/openresty:alpine
COPY ./nginx.conf /usr/local/openresty/nginx/conf/nginx.conf
COPY ./app /usr/local/openresty/nginx/html
   
2. Docker Compose Configuration:
 version: '3'
 services:
  openresty:
    build: .
    ports:
      - "80:80"
    volumes:
      - ./nginx.conf:/usr/local/openresty/nginx/conf/nginx.conf
      - ./app:/usr/local/openresty/nginx/html

This setup allows you to build and run an OpenResty container, making it easy to deploy your web application consistently.

Cloudflare OpenResty

Integrating OpenResty with Cloudflare can enhance your web application's performance and security. Cloudflare provides a powerful CDN and security features that, when combined with OpenResty, offer a robust solution for handling web traffic. By placing Cloudflare in front of your OpenResty server, you can take advantage of Cloudflare's caching, DDoS protection, and SSL/TLS encryption.

OpenResty Edge

OpenResty Edge is a specialized version of OpenResty optimized for edge computing. It allows for faster processing of requests closer to the end-user, reducing latency and improving performance. OpenResty Edge is ideal for applications that require high-speed data processing and low-latency responses. By deploying OpenResty Edge in strategic locations, you can significantly enhance the user experience for geographically distributed users.

OpenResty Example

Here’s a simple OpenResty example configuration to get you started:

1. nginx.conf:
worker_processes  1;

events {
    worker_connections  1024;
}

http {
    server {
        listen       80;
        server_name  localhost;
        location / {
             default_type text/html;
             content_by_lua_block {
                  ngx.say("Hello, OpenResty!")
             }
        }
     }
}
   

2. Running OpenResty with Docker:

Create the application directory if you don't have one.
mkdir app
touch app/index.html
echo "Hello from NGINX" > ./app/index.html
  
Build the Docker image:
docker build -t my-openresty .
     
 Run the container:     
docker run -d -p 80:80 my-openresty
     
This example sets up a basic OpenResty server that responds with "Hello, OpenResty!" to HTTP requests. By leveraging Docker, Cloudflare, and edge computing, OpenResty can be a powerful tool for building and deploying high-performance web applications.


 


Is OpenResty safe ? 
OpenResty is secure, featuring advanced security mechanisms like SSL/TLS encryption.


 


Install OpenResty example application  with TryDirect


 


OpenResty example in docker container.  How to build your web app in Lua right in Nginx configuration files. 

OpenResty -  your superfast web app in Nginx

Using SSH to connect to a server from Visual Studio (VS) can be done using the built-in features of Visual Studio Code (VS Code) or Visual Studio. Here are instructions:

Install Remote Development Extension Pack 

Open Visual Studio Code.
Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of the window or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+X.
Search for "Remote Development" and install the Remote Development extension pack by Microsoft.

Open Remote-SSH After the extension is installed, press F1 to open the Command Palette.
Type Remote-SSH: Connect to Host... and select it.

Configure SSH Hosts
You will be prompted to configure your SSH hosts.
If you don’t have any configured, select Configure SSH Hosts... and then select a file (e.g., ~/.ssh/config).

Add SSH Host Add a new SSH host entry in the ~/.ssh/config file. It should look something like this

Host example
    HostName example.com
    User yourusername
    IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_rsa

 Replace "example" with your server IP or a domain name. Replace yourusername with root or trydirect (secondary user)

5.  Connect to SSH Host
     Press F1 to open the Command Palette again.
     Type Remote-SSH: Connect to Host... and select your configured host (e.g., myserver).
     A new VS Code window will open, connected to your remote server.

Open Connection Manager
Open Visual Studio.
Go to Tools > Options > Cross Platform > Connection Manager.

Add a New Connection
In the Connection Manager, click "Add".
Select SSH as the connection type.

Configure Connection
Enter the connection details:
Host name: The IP address or hostname of your server.
Port: The SSH port (default is 22).
User name: Your SSH username.
Authentication type: Choose either Password or Private Key.If using a private key, specify the path to your SSH key file.
Click "OK" to save the connection.

Connect to Server
In the Connection Manager, select your newly added connection.
Click "Connect".


SSH Keys: Ensure you have copied your SSH PEM file to the right directory. 

Remote Explorer in VS Code: Once connected in VS Code, you can use the Remote Explorer sidebar to manage files, open terminals, and work with your remote environment.


By following these steps, you should be able to use SSH to connect to a server from both Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio.

Using SSH to connect to a server from Visual Studio (VS) can be done using the built-in features of Visual Studio Code (VS Code) or Visual Studio. Here are instructions:

Visual Studio Code

Install Remote Development Extension Pack 
Open Visual Studio Code.
Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of the window or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+X.
Search for "Remote Development" and install the Remote Development extension pack by Microsoft.
Open Remote-SSH After the extension is installed, press F1 to open the Command Palette.
Type Remote-SSH: Connect to Host... and select it.
Configure SSH Hosts
You will be prompted to configure your SSH hosts.
If you don’t have any configured, select Configure SSH Hosts... and then select a file (e.g., ~/.ssh/config).
Add SSH Host Add a new SSH host entry in the ~/.ssh/config file. It should look something like this
Host example
    HostName example.com
    User yourusername
    IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_rsa
    
 Replace "example" with your server IP or a domain name. Replace yourusername with root or trydirect (secondary user)
Save the file.

5.  Connect to SSH Host
     Press F1 to open the Command Palette again.
     Type Remote-SSH: Connect to Host... and select your configured host (e.g., myserver).
     A new VS Code window will open, connected to your remote server.

Visual Studio
Open Connection Manager
Open Visual Studio.
Go to Tools > Options > Cross Platform > Connection Manager.
Add a New Connection
In the Connection Manager, click "Add".
Select SSH as the connection type.
Configure Connection
Enter the connection details:
Host name: The IP address or hostname of your server.
Port: The SSH port (default is 22).
User name: Your SSH username.
Authentication type: Choose either Password or Private Key.If using a private key, specify the path to your SSH key file.
Click "OK" to save the connection.
Connect to Server
In the Connection Manager, select your newly added connection.
Click "Connect".


Additional Tips
SSH Keys: Ensure you have copied your SSH PEM file to the right directory. 
Remote Explorer in VS Code: Once connected in VS Code, you can use the Remote Explorer sidebar to manage files, open terminals, and work with your remote environment.

By following these steps, you should be able to use SSH to connect to a server from both Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio.

How to connect your new server using SSH from Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS code) or Visual Studio.

SSH from Visual Studio Code (VS Code) or Visual Studio

When managing a server running Ubuntu It's essential to know how to check various aspects of your system, such as open ports and SSL certificates. Here’s a guide on how to perform these checks:

To check if a specific port is open on your Ubuntu server, you can use the `netstat` or `ss` command. For example, to check if port 80 is open, run:

These commands will display information about open ports and listening services.

If you need to check a particular open port, you can use the `nc` (netcat) command. To check if port 22 is open, use:

This will tell you if the port is open and accepting connections.

To get a list of all open ports on your Ubuntu server, use the `netstat` or `ss` commands without specifying a port:

These commands provide a comprehensive list of all open ports and their associated services.

Another useful tool to check ports on your Ubuntu server is `nmap`. Install `nmap` using:

This will scan and list all open TCP ports on your server.

To check the status and details of your Let's Encrypt certificate on Ubuntu, use the `openssl` command. For example, to check the certificate for a domain, run:

When managing a server running Ubuntu It's essential to know how to check various aspects of your system, such as open ports and SSL certificates. Here’s a guide on how to perform these checks:

Ubuntu Check If Port Is Open

To check if a specific port is open on your Ubuntu server, you can use the `netstat` or `ss` command. For example, to check if port 80 is open, run:

sudo netstat -tuln | grep :80

or

sudo ss -tuln | grep :80

These commands will display information about open ports and listening services.

Ubuntu Check Open Port

If you need to check a particular open port, you can use the `nc` (netcat) command. To check if port 22 is open, use:
nc -zv localhost 22

This will tell you if the port is open and accepting connections.

Ubuntu Check Open Ports

To get a list of all open ports on your Ubuntu server, use the `netstat` or `ss` commands without specifying a port:
sudo netstat -tuln
or
sudo ss -tuln

These commands provide a comprehensive list of all open ports and their associated services.

Ubuntu Check Ports

Another useful tool to check ports on your Ubuntu server is `nmap`. Install `nmap` using:
sudo apt-get install nmap

Then, to scan for open ports, use:
nmap -sT localhost

This will scan and list all open TCP ports on your server.

Ubuntu Check LetsEncrypt Certificate

To check the status and details of your Let's Encrypt certificate on Ubuntu, use the `openssl` command. For example, to check the certificate for a domain, run:
openssl s_client -connect yourdomain.com:443 -servername yourdomain.com

This command will provide details about the SSL certificate, including its validity period and issuer.
By using these commands and tools, you can effectively manage and troubleshoot your Ubuntu server, ensuring that your ports are correctly configured and your SSL certificates are valid.

Have a question ?  Join our community discord channel, get help and free consultation! 
Need a quick help from the Linux expert ?  

 


By using these commands and tools, you can effectively manage and troubleshoot your Ubuntu server, ensuring that your ports are correctly configured

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