Minecraft Server Optimization

Plugins are essential for enhancing your Minecraft server by introducing new features, commands, and customization options. Bukkit and Spigot are popular platforms that support plugins, allowing server administrators to transform their vanilla Minecraft server into a feature-rich environment. This guide will walk you through the steps for installing and managing plugins, along with explaining how to set up custom server scripts for starting and restarting your server on Linux. Choosing the Right Plugins for Your Server Before installing plugins, it’s crucial to select the right ones that match your server's needs. Here are some steps to guide you: Define the focus of your server: Whether it's survival, creative, minigames, or roleplay, your plugins should match the gameplay style. Find reliable plugins: Visit well-known repositories like SpigotMC and Bukkit’s plugin directories to find safe and well-maintained plugins. Consider performance: Be cautious with performance-heavy plugins, especially if you have limited server resources. Prerequisites for Installing Plugins Before installing plugins on your Minecraft 1.21 server, make sure the following prerequisites are met: Bukkit or Spigot server: Ensure your server is running a compatible Bukkit or Spigot version for Minecraft 1.21, as plugins are not supported on a vanilla server. Server access: You will need SSH access to remotely connect to your Linux server, and SFTP for uploading plugin files. Java 21 installed: Minecraft 1.21 requires Java 21 to run. Ensure that your server has Java 21 installed and properly configured. You can check your Java version with: java -version If you need to install or update Java, use the following command on Ubuntu: sudo apt install openjdk-21-jre Installing Plugins on a Bukkit/Spigot Server After selecting the right plugins, follow these steps to install them on your server: Connect to your server using SSH: ssh username@your_server_ip Navigate to the plugins directory: Move to the plugins directory in your Minecraft server’s root folder. cd /path/to/your/minecraft/server/plugins Download or upload the plugin .jar: You can upload the plugin .jar file via SFTP or use wget to download it directly to the server. For example, to install EssentialsX: wget https://path-to-plugin/EssentialsX.jar Create a start.sh script (if you don't have one already): The start.sh script will handle starting your server. Here’s a basic version: #!/bin/bashcd /path/to/your/minecraft/serverjava -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar spigot.jar nogui -Xms2G allocates 2 GB of minimum RAM. -Xmx4G allocates 4 GB of maximum RAM. nogui runs the server without the graphical interface. After saving the script, make it executable: chmod +x start.sh Start your server using the script: ./start.sh Restart нour Server with a restart.sh script. To make it easier to restart your server after plugin installation or updates, you can create a restart.sh script. Here’s a version that stops and restarts the server: #!/bin/bash cd /path/to/your/minecraft/server # Stop the server if it's running in a screen session screen -S minecraft -X stuff "stop$(echo -ne '\r')" # Wait a few seconds for the server to shut down sleep 10 # Start the server again java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar spigot.jar nogui This script sends the stop command to the server, waits for 10 seconds, and then starts the server again. Ensure the script has the necessary execute permissions: chmod +x restart.sh You can now restart your server with: ./restart.sh Verifying Plugin Compatibility and Version Before installing any plugin, always verify that it is compatible with your version of Bukkit or Spigot: Check plugin version: Ensure the plugin supports your Minecraft version. Verify the plugin’s .jar or plugin.yml file for supported versions. Unzip the plugin and inspect: unzip plugin.jarcat plugin.yml Review the plugin's documentation: Some plugins may have dependencies or specific configurations needed to function correctly. You can check your server version with the following command: /version Managing and Configuring Installed Plugins Once your plugins are installed, many will require configuration to suit your server's needs: Edit configuration files: Most plugins create a folder in the plugins directory with a config.yml or plugin.yml file. You can modify this file using a text editor like nano: nano /path/to/your/minecraft/server/plugins/pluginname/plugin.yml Reload the server or the plugin: After editing the configuration, restart your server using restart.sh or reload the plugin in-game using: /reload Check plugin status: To see which plugins are installed and running, use: /plugins This will display a list of active plugins in-game or via the server console. Common Plugin-Related Issues and Solutions Here are a few common problems and solutions related to plugins: Plugin not loading: Ensure the plugin is placed in the correct plugins folder and is compatible with your Minecraft version. Server crashes: Review the server.log for errors, as a plugin mismatch or missing dependency could be the cause. Incompatible plugins: Some plugins may conflict with others, especially those with overlapping functionalities (e.g., multiple permissions managers). Best Practices for Managing Plugins To keep your server running smoothly, follow these best practices: Limit the number of plugins: Only install plugins that are necessary. Too many plugins can slow down your server and cause lag. Regular backups: Always back up your server before adding or updating plugins to prevent data loss. cp -r /path/to/your/minecraft/server /path/to/backup/location Update plugins regularly: Keep your plugins up to date to maintain compatibility with newer Minecraft versions. Test new plugins locally: Before adding a plugin to your live server, test it on a local server to avoid disruptions. Popular Plugins to Enhance Your Server Here are some highly recommended plugins that can enhance your server: EssentialsX: A comprehensive plugin providing essential server commands. LuckPerms: A flexible and powerful permissions management plugin. WorldEdit: A tool for quickly building and editing large areas of blocks. Vault: A permissions and economy manager, often required by other plugins. Dynmap: Generates a live web map of your Minecraft world. Conclusion With this guide, you now have all the knowledge needed to install, manage, and configure plugins for your Minecraft server. By choosing the right plugins, verifying compatibility, and using custom scripts like start.sh and restart.sh, you can efficiently manage your server and provide an engaging experience for your players.

For administrators who specialize in Minecraft server hosting, security is not merely a feature—it's a priority. While Ubuntu 22.04 defaults to AppArmor for elementary security safeguards, a more sophisticated solution is often required to meet the heightened demands of Minecraft server hosts. This is where SELinux, an advanced security architecture developed by the NSA, comes into play. SELinux offers granular access controls, enabling precise management of user permissions—a crucial advantage for servers that cater to a diverse and active Minecraft community. This professional guide provides a structured approach for installing and configuring SELinux on Ubuntu 22.04, upgrading from the standard protections of AppArmor. Included is an in-depth exploration of SELinux's functionalities and benefits in the context of Minecraft server security. We extend our tutorial to cover protective strategies against an array of cybersecurity threats, ensuring that your server remains an impregnable fortress. Whether you are establishing a new Minecraft server, looking to optimize an existing one with the best Minecraft server hosting practices, or investigating free Minecraft server options, the integration of SELinux stands as a critical step toward a secure and controlled gaming environment. As we proceed, this guide will be your companion in achieving an elevated level of security for your Minecraft server, demonstrating how to host a Minecraft server that excels in both safety and performance. Prerequisites Before we start installing SELinux on Ubuntu 22.04, there are a few things you'll need: A server running Ubuntu 22.04: Ensure your server is updated to the latest version of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. Administrative access: You will need to have root access or a user account with sudo privileges to make system changes. Basic command line knowledge: Familiarity with using the Linux command line will be helpful as we'll be running several commands. Existing AppArmor setup: Since Ubuntu comes with AppArmor installed by default, you should be aware of its presence. We'll cover how to disable it to prevent conflicts with SELinux. Preparing Your Server Before installing SELinux on your Ubuntu 22.04 server, a foundational setup is necessary, especially critical for those hosting Minecraft servers where security and stability are paramount. Let’s streamline your server preparation: Step 1: Update Your System Begin by updating your server's package index and upgrading the installed packages to their latest versions. This step ensures compatibility and security. Run: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y Step 2: Disable AppArmor Ubuntu includes AppArmor by default. Disable it to prevent conflicts with SELinux: sudo systemctl stop apparmorsudo systemctl disable apparmor Step 3: Install Dependencies Install the packages required for SELinux: sudo apt install policycoreutils selinux-utils selinux-basics selinux-policy-default auditd -y  Now, with the prerequisites addressed, you have the necessary components installed, fortifying your server as you learn how to make a Minecraft server that's secure and reliable. Installing SELinux With the foundational setup complete, including the required SELinux packages, it’s time to activate and enforce SELinux policies to secure your Ubuntu system. Step 1: Activate SELinux Rather than a separate installation, SELinux is activated with the already installed packages using the following command: sudo selinux-activate This command sets up the necessary configurations to enable SELinux on your next system boot. Step 2: Configure SELinux to Enforcing Mode To fully enable SELinux and set it to enforcing mode, which is recommended for maximum security, you need to edit the SELinux configuration file. Use your preferred text editor to open the configuration file: sudo nano /etc/selinux/config In this file, ensure the SELINUX line is set as follows: SELINUX=enforcing This setting enforces the SELinux security policies, which means it will deny access based on the policy rules and log the denials. Step 3: Adjust SSH SELinux Policies Before rebooting, ensure SSH has the correct SELinux context to prevent connectivity issues. sudo restorecon -Rv /etc/ssh This command will reset the SELinux context for the SSH configuration files to their default values, which can help prevent connection issues after the reboot. Step 4: Reboot Your Server Apply the SELinux policies with a system reboot. sudo reboot After your server restarts, verify that SELinux is enforcing the policies and SSH is accessible: sudo sestatus ssh [your_username]@[your_server_ip] If after rebooting you cannot access the server via SSH, then as a troubleshooting step, you will need to: Inspect SELinux denials related to SSH: sudo ausearch -m avc -ts recent | grep ssh Generate and install a custom SELinux policy module if necessary: sudo audit2allow -M myssh -l -i /var/log/audit/audit.log sudo semodule -X 300 -i myssh.pp Revert SELinux to enforcing mode if it was set to permissive during troubleshooting: sudo setenforce 1  These troubleshooting steps should only be performed if there is an issue with SSH connectivity after enforcing SELinux. The standard installation and configuration process ends with the reboot and subsequent verification that SELinux is enforcing its policies correctly. Managing Server Plugins and Mods with SELinux After installing SELinux, it’s important to understand how to manage it to ensure your Minecraft server operates smoothly without compromising on security. Step 1: Understanding SELinux Policies SELinux operates using policies that define how software applications and users can access system resources. For a Minecraft server, you may need to adjust these policies to allow certain plugins and mods to function correctly. Step 2: Creating Custom Policy Modules If your server requires specific access controls for unique plugins or mods, you can create custom SELinux policy modules. Here's a simple example of how to allow a specific plugin that requires access to a new directory: Identify the Need: Suppose a Minecraft plugin needs to write to a directory not currently covered by SELinux policies. Generate a Policy Module: First, set SELinux to permissive mode temporarily to collect logs about denied actions: sudo setenforce 0 Run your Minecraft server and allow it to generate the necessary logs. After reproducing the issue, generate a custom policy module using the audit logs: sudo audit2allow -a -M myminecraftmod This command creates a policy module file named myminecraftmod.pp. Install the Policy Module: sudo semodule -i myminecraftmod.pp Re-enable enforcing mode: sudo setenforce 1 Step 3: Managing SELinux Booleans SELinux booleans offer a simpler way to adjust policies without creating new modules. For example, to allow your server to use network connections (if a mod requires external APIs), you might toggle a boolean: sudo setsebool -P httpd_can_network_connect 1 This command permanently sets the httpd_can_network_connect boolean to true, allowing network connections. Monitoring and Troubleshooting Proper maintenance of SELinux is vital for monitoring and troubleshooting, ensuring it does not inadvertently block legitimate operations on your server. Monitoring SELinux Logs SELinux logs play an essential role in understanding denied actions and addressing system issues. To inspect recent SELinux denials, use the command: sudo ausearch -m avc -ts recent This command pulls up the latest SELinux denials, which is instrumental in pinpointing and rectifying configuration problems. Troubleshooting Common Issues If a Minecraft plugin stops working after enabling SELinux, check the audit logs to understand why. Create and install custom modules as needed, or adjust booleans to resolve conflicts without compromising on security. Conclusion The implementation and management of SELinux on Ubuntu 22.04 can substantially strengthen the security framework of your Minecraft server. By implementing mandatory access controls, SELinux delivers a powerful layer of security that enhances the traditional permission-based models. This tutorial has directed you through each phase of SELinux setup, from installation to policy enforcement, and provided strategies for tailoring the system settings to suit the demands of your Minecraft server.

In this tutorial, we will describe how to set up a Minecraft Bedrock server on a Hostman cloud server. Choosing a Hostman Server for Hosting When it comes to deploying a Minecraft Bedrock server, Hostman emerges as an outstanding choice for a plethora of reasons. User-Friendly Interface: Hostman offers an intuitive and user-friendly dashboard, simplifying the setup process without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Streamlined Deployment: With pre-configured server templates and automated setup procedures, Hostman enables users to launch their Minecraft Bedrock server swiftly and effortlessly. High Performance: Hostman's infrastructure boasts optimized hardware and network resources, ensuring low-latency and lag-free gameplay experiences even during peak usage periods. Scalability: Whether it's a small private server or a large public one, Hostman's flexible hosting plans can easily scale to meet varying requirements. Security Measures: Hostman prioritizes data security with encrypted connections, regular updates, and proactive monitoring to safeguard servers against cyber threats. 24/7 Support: Users have access to dedicated technical support round-the-clock via live chat for prompt assistance whenever needed. Cost-Effective Solutions: With transparent pricing plans and no hidden fees, Hostman offers excellent value for money, accommodating different budgets and preferences. Creating an Account on Hostman To kick off the process, visit the official Hostman website. Sign up for a new account by providing essential details and create a strong password. Following this, check your email for a verification link, click on it, and swiftly log in to your Hostman account. Setting Up a Server First, you need to create your own cloud server where Minecraft will be hosted. Upon opening the Hostman control panel, click on Cloud servers and then click on Create.  Choose Ubuntu as the operating system, ensuring to select the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version for enhanced stability. Choose the package according to the server needs. Criteria for setting up server is share in table below. Criteria for setting up the server   Game panel 1 Game panel 2  Game panel 4 RAM  4GB  8 GB 16 GB vCPU 1 2 4 Player Slots Up to 25 Up to 90 150+ World Size Up to 15 GB  Up to 60 GB  150+ GB Mods  40 50+  50+ Once selections are finaled, click on Order for [amount in $/mo]. (Note: the amount will be different for different selected plans). Accessing Your server Step 1: Accessing Your Ubuntu Server Navigate to the new server created and select the Ubuntu server where the Minecraft server will be hosted. After clicking the server, start the server by the play button and scroll down and note the SSH command and root password for the Ubuntu server. Access the server through the web-based terminal provided by Hostman named as ‘console’ on dashboard or use preferred SSH client. For this tutorial accessing through SSH client is used Step 2: Update System Packages Use the following command to update system packages of Ubuntu: sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get upgrade Type y and hit Enter. After upgrade, a pop up screen will appear: Leave the settings as default and press Enter. Installing and Configuring the Server Now, install and configure the Minecraft Bedrock server on your HostMan Server instance. Download the latest version of the Minecraft Bedrock server software.  Go to the Downloads page. Scroll down and move cursor to the download for Linux section. Click on the check box to agree to terms and conditions. Right click the download button and copy path. This path will be used in wget command. Go to your Terminal, enter the wget command  and paste the link. Press Enter. wget https://minecraft.azureedge.net/bin-linux/bedrock-server-1.20.73.01.zip Unzip the downloaded file using: unzip bedrock-server-1.20.73.01.zip In your case, the name of the file to unzip can be different. Insert your filename carefully. Customize server settings such as world name, server port, and player capacity in the server.properties file. To access the servers.properties files use the following command: nano server.properties Install Plugins:  Visit a reputable Minecraft plugin repository or website to find the plugin you wish to install. To download the plugin directly in your server use the following command.  wget -O /root/minecraft_server/mods/plugin-name.jar "https://example.com/path/to/your/plugin/plugin-name.jar" The plugin must be downloaded in the /mods folder withing the /minecraft_server folder. Explanation: wget -O /root/minecraft_server/mods/plugin-name.jar: This is the location where file has to be downloaded and wget command is used to download. https://example.com/path/to/your/plugin-name.jar: This is a placeholder for the link. Replace it with the link where the plugin is available for download. Starting the Server and Connecting Players Once the server is set up and configured, start it and invite players to join your Minecraft Bedrock world. Execute the following command to launch the Minecraft Bedrock server: ./bedrock_server Share the server's IP address and port number with friends or community members who wish to join. Instruct players to open Minecraft Bedrock Edition, navigate to the "Play" menu, and select "Servers." Click on "Add Server" and input the server details, including IP address and port. Players can now join the server by selecting it from the server list in Minecraft Bedrock Edition. Server Management and Maintenance Regular maintenance ensures smooth gameplay experiences and prevents issues on your Minecraft Bedrock server. Update Server Software Regularly updating your Minecraft Bedrock server software is crucial to staying current with the latest features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes. Keeping your server software up-to-date ensures compatibility with the latest client versions and provides a better gaming experience for players. To update the server software: Download the latest version of the Minecraft Bedrock server software from the official website or through your hosting provider. Download updated version of bedrock server, following the Steps 1 and 2 from the Installing and Configuring section. Restart the server to apply the changes and ensure that players can connect with the latest client versions. You can restart from your Hostman dashboard or use the command: sudo systemctl reboot Monitor Performance Monitoring server performance metrics is essential for identifying potential issues and optimizing resource allocation. Regularly monitoring CPU usage, memory consumption, network traffic, and disk space utilization helps ensure that your server can handle the demands of player activity. Use server monitoring tools or built-in server metrics to track performance metrics and: Identify any bottlenecks or resource constraints that may impact server performance. Adjust server settings or upgrade hardware resources as needed to optimize performance. Keep an eye on player activity and server load to anticipate peak usage periods and scale resources accordingly. Commands like top, htop, or free can be used to monitor server performance metrics. For example, this command displays real-time information about CPU and memory usage: top This command shows memory usage in megabytes: free -hm Backup Data Regularly backing up world files and server configurations is essential for protecting against data loss and ensuring continuity in case of unexpected events such as hardware failures or software issues. Implement a backup strategy that includes: Scheduled backups of world files, player data, and server configurations to a secure location. Testing backups regularly to ensure data integrity and the ability to restore data when needed. Storing backups offsite or in a cloud-based storage solution for added redundancy and disaster recovery capability. To perform backups of world files and server configurations, you can use commands like cp or rsync. For example, this command copies the world directory to a backup location: cp -r /path/to/world /path/to/backup This command synchronizes the world directory with a backup location, deleting any files in the backup that are not present in the original directory. rsync -avz --delete /path/to/world /path/to/backup Automating the Backup Using Cron To automate the backup process, create a cron job to execute the backup commands at specified intervals. Here's how you can do it step by step: Open the cron table using the following command: crontab -e This will open the default text editor with the current user's cron table. Add cron jobs for scheduled backups. In the cron table editor, add lines for each backup command you want to automate. For example: # Backup world files using cp command0 0 * * * cp -r /path/to/world /path/to/backup# Backup world files using rsync command0 1 * * * rsync -avz --delete /path/to/world /path/to/backup These lines schedule the cp and rsync commands to run daily at midnight and 1 AM, respectively. Adjust the timing to fit your backup schedule. Save the changes to the cron table and exit the editor. The cron daemon will automatically reload the cron table to apply the changes. Verify that the cron jobs have been added correctly by listing the cron jobs using the following command: crontab -l Once the cron jobs are set up, cron will automatically execute the backup commands at the scheduled times. You can monitor the execution of the cron jobs and check the backup logs (if any) to ensure that the backups are performed successfully. By setting up cron jobs to run the backup commands at regular intervals, you can automate the backup process and ensure that your world files and server configurations are regularly backed up to a secure location. This helps protect against data loss and ensures continuity in case of unexpected events. Conclusion By following these step-by-step instructions, users can effortlessly set up and manage their own Minecraft Bedrock server using a Hostman server. Enjoy endless multiplayer adventures with friends and community members in the vast world of Minecraft Bedrock Edition.