Effortlessly Manage Perl Modules with cPanel's Built-in CPAN Installer

Working with Perl scripts on your cPanel server often requires additional modules for specific functionalities. Thankfully, cPanel simplifies this process with its integrated CPAN (Comprehensive Perl Archive Network) installer script. Let's dive into how you can leverage this powerful tool to install, update, and even empower your users to manage Perl modules.

Meet the /scripts/perlinstaller

cPanel comes equipped with a handy script called /scripts/perlinstaller that makes interacting with CPAN a breeze. Whether you prefer the convenience of the WHM interface or the flexibility of the command line, cPanel's got you covered.

WHM Interface: User-Friendly Module Management

For those who prefer a visual approach, the WHM (WebHost Manager) interface provides a straightforward way to install Perl modules. Head over to WHM -> Software -> Install a Perl Module. Here you can:

• Search: Easily find the module you need using the search feature.
• Install: Click a button to install the selected module directly from CPAN.

This is a great option when you're not entirely sure of the exact module name or want to explore available modules.

Command-Line Installation: Quick and Efficient

If you're comfortable with the command line, the perlinstaller script offers a fast and efficient way to install modules. The syntax is simple:

/scripts/perlinstaller <module_name>

For example:

/scripts/perlinstaller MD5
/scripts/perlinstaller IO::Compress::Base

Force Reinstall or Update

Need to update or reinstall a module? Use the --force flag:

/scripts/perlinstaller --force MD5

Empowering Your Users (cPanel 11 and above)

cPanel 11 introduced a fantastic feature that allows your users to install Perl modules within their own home directories (/home/$user/perl). This means they don't need to bother you or have SSH access to get the modules they need.

To enable this self-service option:

1. Go to WHM -> Module Installers -> Perl Module [Manage].
2. Make sure you have compilers enabled for users in WHM -> Security Center -> Compilers Tweak.

Key Benefits

• Convenience: cPanel eliminates the need to manually download and install modules from CPAN.
• Flexibility: You can choose the interface or command line method that suits your preference.
• User Empowerment: Give your users the ability to manage their own Perl modules.

The cPanel CPAN installer streamlines the process of working with Perl modules on your server, making it easier to build and maintain dynamic web applications. So, the next time you need a specific Perl module, don't hesitate to use this powerful tool at your disposal!

Account DNS Check Plugin for cPanel/WHM: Simplifying Server Migration and Domain Cleanup

Managing a cPanel/WHM server often involves tasks like migrating accounts to new servers or cleaning up old, inactive domains. One of the most tedious aspects of these tasks is ensuring that all domains are pointing to the correct server IP address. This is where the Account DNS Check plugin comes to the rescue!

What is the Account DNS Check Plugin?

The Account DNS Check plugin is a handy tool designed specifically for cPanel/WHM administrators. It streamlines the process of verifying whether hosted domains resolve to the correct IP address of your server. This can be a lifesaver when:

• Migrating Servers: When moving accounts from one server to another, this plugin quickly identifies domains that still point to the old server, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Auditing Your Server: It helps you pinpoint domains that are no longer active or that might have mistakenly been pointed elsewhere, allowing you to free up resources.

Key Features

• Easy Domain Verification: The plugin automatically checks the DNS records for all domains hosted on your cPanel/WHM server.
• Clear Reporting: It generates a clear list of domains that are either resolving correctly or those that need attention.
• Multiple Usage Options: You can use the plugin directly within WHM's graphical interface or execute it from the command line, offering flexibility for different workflows.

Installation Instructions

1. SSH Access: Log into your server as the root user via SSH or the console.
2. Download and Install:
   Bash

   cd /home
   rm -f latest-accountdnscheck  # Remove old version (if exists)
   wget http://www.ndchost.com/cpanel-whm/plugins/accountdnscheck/download.php
   sh latest-accountdnscheck

How to Use the Plugin

Within WHM:

1. Log in to your WHM panel.
2. Go to Plugins and click on Account DNS Check.
3. The plugin will take a few minutes to process, depending on the number of domains you have. Once complete, you'll see a list of domains with their DNS status.

From the Command Line:

1. SSH into your server as the root user.
2. Run the following command:
   Bash

   /var/cpanel/accountdnscheck/scripts/cli_run.sh
   The results will be displayed in your terminal.

Why This Plugin Matters

• Saves Time: Manual DNS checks can be extremely time-consuming, especially on servers with a large number of domains.
• Reduces Errors: The plugin automates the process, minimizing the chance of human error.
• Improves Efficiency: It gives you a quick overview of your domain's DNS health, allowing you to take corrective action promptly.

The Account DNS Check plugin is an indispensable tool for any cPanel/WHM administrator. By simplifying a critical but often tedious task, it helps ensure smooth server migrations and a clean, well-organized server environment.

Resizing EBS Volumes for Your EC2 Instances: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running out of space on your Amazon EC2 instance? Don't worry, you're not alone. Thankfully, with Elastic Block Store (EBS) volumes, expanding your storage capacity is a straightforward process. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to seamlessly resize your EBS volumes and ensure your EC2 instance has ample room to grow.

Why Resize EBS Volumes?

EBS volumes provide persistent block storage for your EC2 instances. As your applications and data grow, you might find the initial storage allocation becoming insufficient. Resizing EBS volumes allows you to increase the storage capacity without the need to create a new instance or migrate data, minimizing downtime and disruption.

Steps to Resize Your EBS Volume:

1. Stop Your Instance: Navigate to the EC2 Instances console within the AWS Management Console and stop the instance whose EBS volume you want to resize. Note the availability zone of your instance – this is crucial for later steps. Also, make a note of the mount point of the volume (e.g., /dev/sdxx).

2. Create a Snapshot: Go to the EBS Volumes console and locate the volume attached to your stopped instance. Select the volume and choose the "Take Snapshot" option. This creates a point-in-time backup of your data.

3. Create a New Volume from the Snapshot: Find the newly created snapshot in the EBS Snapshots console. Select it and click "Create Volume." Specify the desired increased size for the new volume and ensure you select the same availability zone as your EC2 instance.

4. Detach and Attach Volumes:

   • Head back to the EBS Volumes console.
   • Select the old volume, choose "Actions," and then "Detach Volume."
   • Select the new volume, choose "Actions," and then "Attach Volume."
   • Choose your instance from the list.
   • In the "Device" field, ensure you enter the correct mount point you noted in step 1 (e.g., /dev/sdxx).

5. Start Your Instance: Restart your EC2 instance from the EC2 Instances console.

6. Extend the Filesystem:

   • Once the instance is running, SSH into it.
   • Run df -h to list partitions. You'll see the new volume, likely mounted at /dev/xvda1 (or similar). Note that the displayed size won't reflect the increased capacity yet.
   • Extend the filesystem to utilize the full volume size by running:
     Bash

     resize2fs /dev/xvda1 
     (Replace /dev/xvda1 if your volume has a different mount point.)

Important Tips:

• Snapshots Are Your Friends: Always take a snapshot before resizing volumes, ensuring you have a rollback point in case of unexpected issues.
• Choose the Right Volume Type: If your workload demands high performance, consider using Provisioned IOPS SSD (io1) or General Purpose SSD (gp3) volumes for optimal results.
• Monitor Storage Usage: Regularly monitor your EBS volume usage to ensure you have enough headroom and plan for future resizing.

By following these steps, you can effortlessly resize your EBS volumes and scale your EC2 instances to meet the demands of your growing applications and workloads.