When it comes to setting up a VPS, which approach do you find more convincing?
1️⃣ Using a control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.) to automate tasks, even though it comes with extra resource costs.
2️⃣ Manual control with CLI (SSH, custom scripts) to maximize performance and save resources, but requiring more time investment.
What’s your choice and why? I lean towards... but I’m interested in your experiences!
What do you prefer for managing your VPS?
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It depends on the context, but in my case, I always go with manual control via CLI and custom scripts. Not for resource savings (though that’s a plus), but for absolute flexibility and proactive security. Control panels like cPanel or Plesk can automate things like backups or updates, but you’re adding another layer of complexity and potential vulnerabilities that you’ll have to keep updated. Plus, panels often include services you don’t need, wasting RAM/CPU without real value.
That said, I get that not everyone has the time to deal with manual setup from scratch. If you’re a part-time sysadmin or don’t script at the level you’d like, a panel can be a "necessary evil" that prevents major human errors. But if you’re serious about security and optimization (like on a critical or high-traffic server), CLI and custom scripts are unbeatable. You can even automate critical tasks with systemd or cron without relying on a monolithic piece of software that will limit you later.
One extra tip: if you go the manual route, document *everything*. A script without comments or a forgotten config in `/etc/nginx/conf.d/` can become your worst nightmare months later when you have to remember why something worked that way. Automation isn’t just about saving time—it’s about avoiding headaches in the long run.