The Perfect NGINX Server - CentOS Edition

The Absolute Beginners CentOS Course to Setting Up Multiple Blazingly Fast WordPress Sites Using NGINX

4.85 (211 reviews)
Udemy
platform
English
language
Web Development
category
instructor
1,366
students
10.5 hours
content
Nov 2023
last update
$59.99
regular price

What you will learn

Setup, from scratch, a secured, hardened and optimized CentOS based Virtual Private Server

Purchase, from any host, an unmanaged VPS and have the knowledge to setup the VPS correctly and most importantly securely

Using NGINX, host and serve multiple WordPress sites on a single CentOS based server.

Install, secure and optimize NGINX, MariaDB and PHP

Install a WordPress site in a few seconds using the WordPress Command Line Interface

Secure and Optimize a WordPress site correctly

Install multiple WordPress sites on a single server

Install FREE Lets Encrypt SSL certificates and configure automatic renewal of the SSL certificates for all your sites hosted on the server

Create a site backup solution to backup your sites - plugin free

Description

The PERFECT NGINX SERVER - CENTOS EDITION

Course covers both CentOS 7 and Rocky Linux 8.x

This is a beginners course that assumes you have no knowledge configuring a CentOS server or NGINX.

NGINX is a high performance web server that is responsible for serving almost all of the most popular sites in the world. You can serve your WordPress sites using the same web server as the busiest sites in the world. NGINX can deliver your site(s) up to 70% faster than Apache.

CentOS is a free operating system derived entirely from the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) distribution. CentOS provides an enterprise class server operating system and is probably the most popular Linux distribution for servers. The main reason is stability. When you think of CentOS, think of stability and rock solid reliability with uptime measured in years rather than weeks.

I will teach you, step by step, to a point where you will have the skill, knowledge and confidence to host multiple secure and optimized WordPress sites on an unmanaged Virtual Private Server. You will need no support from your host. You will be your own system administrator and tech support agent.

Never used the command line before? Never edited a configuration file before? No problem, I will teach you and provide you with the knowledge you need. This course also includes a Linux Essential Skills Crash Course - learn the basics quickly and easily.

I cover all aspects, no matter if your are using Windows or MACOSX. We will download the software, I'll show you how to install and configure the software and most important how to use the software. Prior to each section, I'll explain what we are doing, why we are doing it and in plain easy to understand English. You wont find any long and boring PowerPoint presentations and minute after minute looking at me talking to the camera. Its us and the command line, nothing else. The command line is easy to use, just think of terminal as a very basic word processor. I'll be there guiding you step by step.

This course covers the entire spectrum of configuring a CentOS based NGINX server. We will cover everything from initial server configuration to installing NGINX, MariaDB and php7.4. We will configure, secure and optimize nginx, install, secure and optimize WordPress and end with installing Let's Encrypt SSL certificates and plugin free backups.

The most important aspect of any server is security. I don't just glance over this aspect, every configuration step you will take is geared towards security. Some of the security aspects included in the course are: SSH Keys, the firewall, fail2ban, changing "dangerous" default settings, NGINX "deny" directives and Security Enhanced Linux. These are just some of the steps we are going to use in securing your server and your sites. Installing a WordPress "security plugin" does not secure your server or your WordPress site. Some "security plugins" are a source of vulnerabilities themselves.

We will NOT disable SELinux ( Security Enhanced Linux ) to make security configuration easier, we will configure SELinux to work with our existing security configuration.

After security we need to look at site optimization. Speed is everything and with our optimization NGINX will deliver WordPress sites at blazingly fast speeds. We will use a varied approach to optimization - command line, "caching" directives, server side object and page caching. Only after optimizing the server will we look at WordPress caching plugins. A caching plugin is used to complement the server configuration, its not meant to be your first choice in optimization.

Performance: Redis Object Caching, FastCGI Caching, W3 Total Cache and how to correctly enable Cloudflare on your VPS.

Security: stop xmlrpc.php and the seemingly never ending wp-login.php attacks using Nginx Rate Limiting. Make use of nginx directives to block certain user agents, spam bots and common exploits. Nginx directives also aid in stopping certain sql and file injection attacks. Further protect your site by restricting from where assets can be fetched by the clients browser using a Content Security Policy.

By the end of this course, you will be ready to reap the benefits. There will be numerous new services you will be adding to your resume as a web developer. You will be able to charge for numerous new services -  site hosting, site optimization, ssl certificate installation and renewal, backups and even a monthly maintenance fee. This course will add a new recurring revenue stream - monthly recurring income - hosting your own sites using NGINX.

This course was not designed to be completed locally, on your pc or mac or using one of the many available "Virtual Machines". Oracle's VirtualBox is one example. The aim of the course is to instruct you on how to setup a secure/hardened hosting environment and then host multiple hardened WordPress sites on a commercially purchased VPS or dedicated server.

This course is not a lab experiment with no real-world application.

All that's left is for you to sign up for this course and start your wonderful journey as your very own system administrator running multiple NGINX powered WordPress sites on a CentOS based server.

Content

Course Introduction

Introduction
Software Required
2019 Update: Server Specifications and Web Hosts

Linux Essential Skills

Linux Essential Skills - Introduction
Linux Essential Skills - Terminal Prompt
Linux Essential Skills - Typing a Command
Linux Essential Skills - Navigating the File System
Linux Essential Skills - Configuration Files
Linux Essential Skills - Nano
Linux Essential Skills - Users
Linux Essential Skills - Ownership
Linux Essential Skills - Permissions
Linux Essential Skills - Packages and YUM

Initial Server Configuration and Security

First Server Login - ROOT User
First Server Login - NON ROOT User
SSH Key Authentication
SSH Key Authentication - Config File
The Firewall
Fail2Ban

Install, Secure and Optimize NGINX MariaDB and PHP

Install NGINX
Install and Secure MariaDB
Configure MariaDB
Further MariaDB Configuration
Install and Secure PHP 7.3
Configure Unix Socket

NGINX

Understanding NGINX Configuration Structure and Terminology - Part 1
Understanding NGINX Configuration Structure and Terminology - Part 2
Understanding NGINX Configuration Structure and Terminology - Part 3
Organizing, Securing and Optimizing NGINX - Part 1
Organizing, Securing and Optimizing NGINX - Part 2
Organizing, Securing and Optimizing NGINX - Part 3
Creating Site Directories
NGINX Server Blocks
MariaDB Login Reminder
Host Your First WordPress Site on the Server - Part 1
Host Your First WordPress Site on the Server - Part 2

Securing WordPress

Securing Your WordPress Site - Part 1
Securing Your WordPress Site - Part 2
Securing Your WordPress Site - Part 3
Securing Your WordPress Site - Part 4
2019 Update: Securing Your WordPress Site - Part 5
2019 Update: Secure xmlrpc.php & wp-login.php Using NGINX Rate Limiting

SSL Certificates

Let's Encrypt - Part 1
Let's Encrypt - Part 2
Let's Encrypt - Part 3
Let's Encrypt - Part 4
Let's Encrypt - Part 5
Let's Encrypt - Part 6
Implement HTTPS Everywhere Policy on your site(s)

Optimizing WordPress

Optimizing WordPress
2019 Update: Optimizing WordPress Using W3 Total Cache
2019 Update: Optimizing WordPress Using Object Caching - Redis
2019 Update: Configure Cloudflare on your VPS
2019 Update: NGINX FastCGI Caching

2019 Update: Content Security Policy

Create a Content Security Policy (CSP) for your WordPress Sites - Part 1
Create a Content Security Policy (CSP) for your WordPress Sites - Part 2

Additional Security Layer

NGINX and Fail2Ban

Adding Additional Sites - Serve Multiple WordPress Sites From Your Server

Introduction
1 - Configure DNS
2 - Create Site Directories
3 - Configure NGINX Server Blocks
4 - Install WordPress Site
5 - Secure WordPress
6 - Secure WP - NGINX Directives
7 - Install LE Cert
8 - Configure SSL Blocks NGINX
9 - Auto Renew SSL
10 - Implement HTTPS Everywhere Policy on your site(s)
11 - Optimize WordPress

Tasks

Tasks

Backup and Restore

Using a Password - Database Backups
1 - Backup the Databases
2 - Backup the Site Files
Using a Password - Restoring a Database
3 - Restore a Database
4 - Restore a Site Files
5 - Automating Backups

Moving a Site - Server to Server

Moving a Site - Server to Server

FileZilla

FileZilla - Introduction
FileZilla - MAC and Linux Users
FileZilla - Windows Users

Recommended Plugins

Recommended Plugins

WordPress Site Administration Using WPCLI

WordPress Site Administration Using WPCLI

CENTOS 8

CentOS 8 PDF Companion Guide

Course Conclusion

Course Conclusion

Screenshots

The Perfect NGINX Server - CentOS Edition - Screenshot_01The Perfect NGINX Server - CentOS Edition - Screenshot_02The Perfect NGINX Server - CentOS Edition - Screenshot_03The Perfect NGINX Server - CentOS Edition - Screenshot_04

Reviews

Aydin
October 20, 2023
I want to begin by expressing my appreciation for Andrew's series of courses. My primary goal in enrolling was to learn how to configure NGINX server and implement SSL using it as a reverse proxy. While the course itself isn't focused on NGINX's reverse proxy functionality, I found Andrew's guidance to be incredibly insightful. His explanations not only covered NGINX configurations but also delved into its structure, providing me with a deeper understanding of how NGINX servers should be properly configured. Unexpectedly, I ended up learning about permissions, aliases, and most importantly, SELinux, which expanded my knowledge beyond my initial objectives. One of the course's strengths lies in Andrew's dedication to keeping the content updated. However, this constant updating also poses a challenge. Old and updated course materials are intermixed, making it difficult to discern which version of the course a particular video belongs to. This inconsistency extends to details like website URLs and folder names, which change without notice. For instance, the course begins with the site wpcli.com but subtly shifts to a different URL later on. Additionally, there are discrepancies in folder names, such as 'includes' versus 'my_includes_folder', causing confusion. Another area of concern is the lack of communication regarding changes made in updated videos. In some instances, the same process is repeated across consecutive videos but with variations in folder names, caching plugins, and directives. These discrepancies, if not noticed, can lead to significant confusion. It would be immensely helpful if the author could acknowledge and explain such changes in the videos, aiding students in understanding the rationale behind them. Despite these challenges, I wholeheartedly recommend this course. The content is excellent, and the depth of knowledge I gained was invaluable. However, I strongly advise future students to pay meticulous attention to file names and changes in configurations. Any deviations, no matter how minor, might cause confusion due to the evolving nature of the course content. P.S. Just a friendly heads-up: make sure to follow the author's instructions down to the letter and don't stray too far from the path. Trust me, the author isn't a fan of improvisation! ?
Mau
June 4, 2023
Andrew is one of the best Teachers on Udemy. His courses, including this course is very structured, which is why everytime I finish one, I buy another one. At this moment, I got 3-4 of his courses. Plus he is very responsive and provides advice professionally. You don't really need another coach to learn the best management skills from when it comes to administering any Linux Distro. Thank you very much, Andrew! My knowledge in this course landed me a huge paying job in the web hosting industry with zero experience and working for only 1 day per month with a full time pay which is equivalent for a month of work.
BA-Tech
May 15, 2023
Great Informative course. The pace is wonderful with very clear explainations. Very recommended to follow. Thank you very much :-)
Dobri
May 13, 2023
Thank you very much. I was absolute beginner and so confused. I payed "experts" of other platforms to install,configure,secure,optimize a vps server for my wordpress webistes.And it was a tragedy,so much errors so much problems.Pay here pay there and finally i decide to learn everything that i need to be independent . Thank you Andrew for this course .I learn so much and i fix all errors and problems that i have before.Thank you again. God bless you.
Swen
December 25, 2021
I couldn't think of a better course in this area for myself. I come from the German-speaking area and my English is not at the highest level. I was surprised how clean Andrews English is and how he can explain it very clearly, even to a layperson. In addition, Andrew always answers questions very quickly. I can totally recommend this course and Andrew's courses in general. If you rely on security and a functioning web server, then don't wait.
Joao
September 23, 2021
Just like his other course on Ubuntu everything is well explained step by step without cutting any corners, and focusing on the things that matter. Can't wait for a Debian-based course!
Kilian
September 13, 2021
Andrew covers all the steps to deploy a WordPress site on CentOS, the videos are clear and precise, as are the explanations. Certainly the most complete and understandable course, thanks to Andrew for his work and help!
Bruno
December 4, 2020
Amazing! One of the best courses I've enrolled! A very well-structured course with lots of interesting and essential information. Delivers as promised, the tools, confidence and know-how for building a SECURE VPS covering all aspects up to the WordPress site(s). The teacher, Mr. Andrew, is very knowledgeable and professional and takes us step by step along this apparently difficult path, always explaining, demonstrating and supporting through all the lectures. Being very prompt in answering questions, he also makes suggestions or gives inputs when appropriate. Bottom line, if you want to have your site (or sites) up and running, like a professional IT would do it, for a fraction of the price, and in the process learn a ton of information, then this course is for you! Highly recommend it !!!
Ct
April 1, 2020
Very precise instruction. Seems to me step by step with no step missed. This is a master-class specifically for wordpress installation on CentOS, but it also covers enormous of ground optimization, security, SELinux. Having going through this course, it is as though I am sitting next to a master guiding me all the way. Thanks you very much Andrew.
Norm
November 16, 2018
Without a doubt Andrew is one of the best teachers I've ever encountered. His organizational and teaching skills are A plus! He has an exceptional ability to explain complicated and complex material. He is also prompt in answering any questions, never making you feel silly or stupid for asking anything. Thank you, Andrew Norm
Bruno
November 13, 2018
Gostei muito , apesar de não entender muito o inglês , a forma que o professor Andrew nos ensina com muita calma e explicação deu para entender o quanto e importante a segurança no nosso servidor linux para o nosso site , muito obrigado vou re-fazer o curso para entender melhor e praticar mais abraço
James
November 9, 2018
I bought Andrews first VPS course and consider it to be one of the best investments and courses I’ve purchased on Udemy. It really did allow me to offer quality hosting to my clients. Anyway, when this CentOS course came along, I thought I’d give it a try. I had the perfect site to try it on: a large Woocommerce store with decent traffic which needs good uptime and reliability. As CentOS is based on Redhat it’s meant to be more stable than Ubuntu with a longer support cycle. Which suits my sites situation. I was expecting this course just to be a rehash of Andrews first course with a few new bits added. It isn’t. He really does a great job of showing you how to build a 1st class server using the very best practices and latest standards like HTTP2, SElinux and other stuff. Additionally, he also shows you how to optimise your site using server side tech rather than relying on loads of Wordpress plugins for site speed. But the best thing is about Andrew’s course is his support. I had some problems when I was setting my VPS up. This wasn’t because of the course instructions. It was because I was using a crap web host and I was migrating a large site over to my new CentOS VPS. Anyway, every time I posted a question in the Q&A I received a response within an hour or two. With one bad problem on my production site, Andrew offered to login into my VPS and check my set up and config files. Without him doing this I’d have been stuck. His support really is A++. Again, my problems were happening because I was using a host which isn’t recommended in the course. And I was migrating and old, large e-commerce site over to the new VPS. Basically, I was veering away from the course instructions. If I’d have followed his lessons to the letter, I doubt I would have had any problems setting up my server. This is why I appreciated the support and help. I wasn’t following his instructions exactly and he still helped me. A lot of tutors would have told me to p**s off. Furthermore, he really does try to teach you how Linux works. Rather than just giving you a copy and pasting exercise. I feel I now have a better understanding of how to use non-Ubuntu based Linux. And I now have a fully working CentOS VPS and woocommerce store which is running really sweet. Hopefully, this will last years. If you’re wanting to build a 1st class VPS using the latest and greatest tech and CentOS then you won’t regret getting this course. You can easily build and host site which will perform just as well as many of these 'dedicated' expensive Wordpress hosts. But it will take effort and work on your part. CentOS isn't the easiest distro to deal with. But if you don't mind getting your hands dirty and learning new things you won't regret it.
Gregory
November 5, 2018
Andrews course are the best he explains things clearly and is very responsive to questions if you get stuck. I highly recommend this course.
John
October 30, 2018
I have studied a previous course of Andrew's and been mightily impressed by the clarity and thoroughness of his delivery and support to student questions.
Alessandro
October 26, 2018
This course is very good. Complete and functional. Years of experience explained in a easy way to follow for newbies. Andrew have done a great job. He's very patient, helpful, professional and experienced.

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1868612
udemy ID
8/21/2018
course created date
4/20/2020
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