# Getting Started Here we host many of our guides regarding VPS to Game Servers ## Frequently Asked Questions ## Can I purchase a domain here? You definitely can, navigate to our [register domain](https://cp.secured.gg/cart.php?a=add\&domain=register) page to get started! ## # Application DDoS Specific Filtering We have developed our own filtering for certain applications, which is supported by all our VPS & Game server plans. Our filtering works based on the server's destination port, which are: * 30120 (FiveM) * 27015 (SRCDS / Garry's Mod) * 25565 (Minecraft) * 9987 (TeamSpeak 3) Please use the above mentioned port numbers in order to benefit from our application DDoS specific protection. {% hint style="warning" %} **Looking to get a custom application protected?** [Contact us](https://cp.secured.gg/contact.php)! {% endhint %} # Getting started with your Game Control Panel Wondering how to use the game control panel? This is the guide for you. After ordering your game control panel, you are greeted with a wonderful email that asks you to setup your account. This email should take around 2-5 minutes depending on your email provider. ## Overview The Game Control Panel consists of 9 sub-tabs. (Console, File Manager, Databases, Schedules, Users, Backups, Network, Startup, Settings) Let's first give you a tour of each tab and the functionality. Tabs might be hidden and dependent on the permissions you have as a user.\ \*Server Owners have all permissions ## Console On the left sidebar, you can see numerous amounts of info. **Panel Name**: Knowledgebase Demo is the server name indicated on the panel (Don't confuse this for your actual server name). **Server Status** (Running, Starting, Stopped): This shows the current status of the server. **IP Allocation**: This is your current server IP address with the port attached to it (":" Seperates the IP Address from Port) **CPU Allocation**: This indicates how much CPU is being used at the time in percentage.\ \*Each physical core on the system is considered to be 100% (50% is half of 1 physical core). (i.e A 250% plan would be 2.5 physical cores) **RAM Allocation**: This indicates how much RAM is being used at the time in MB/GB. **Disk Usage**: This indicates the total amount of MB/GB used in storage. (Dependent on which plan you pick) **Server Control Buttons**: You can use these buttons to start, restart, or stop your server at any time. ![Server Controls](/files/-Ma2IUA-o-WEl20xZ-4U) **Console Window** The console window shows you the output of server errors, syntax and important messages. ![Console Command Handler](/files/-Ma2J2z5gvMeP6UfVmdV) {% hint style="info" %} You are also able to type in server commands in the "$ Type a command..." container. {% endhint %} **Console Metrics** Indicates basic metrics on the server performance. ![Metrics](/files/-Ma2J7Z6ZBVIS2tNLpqE) ## File Manager This tab contains all your server contents. You should be able to add, modify, and delete folders and files. Uploads on this tab is limited to 100 MB files. A suggested way to upload files is through **SFTP** which is detailed below. Each file (i.e alpine) is also labeled with the last modified date. ![Files in the File Manager](/files/-Ma2JPuIhhPaA-oLAEXj) ## Databases This is where you can create your server's database. (When creating a database please allow all connections from \`**%**\`, unless you know what you're doing) **Database Name**: Shown on the left. **Endpoint**: The database IP address and port {% hint style="info" %} ":" Seperates the IP Address from Port {% endhint %} **Connections From**: Indication as to where connections are allowed from. **Username:** The database username. **Eyeball**: More details regarding your database credentials (including your password) ![Database Credentials](/files/-Ma2JZrsoosUmo-1BLkj) ## Schedules Schedules follow the cron syntax. It can help with specific server tasks that you would like to run at a specific time. Wondering how to create cron jobs? Use [this](https://crontab.guru/) website. **Creating a new schedule** **Schedule Name**: The scheduler identifier (Used to distinguish between different schedules made) **Time**: You must indicate the specific time you'd like the schedule to run at ( \*/5 \* \* \*, would mean every 5 minutes) ![Scheduler](/files/-Ma2JgBlt4fEdxndcqDZ) **Editing your new schedule** Once created your schedule will now be active/inactive (depends on if you set it enabled or not) You should be able to click the schedule and add a "New Task" ![Backup Scheduler](/files/-Ma2JmSEBrWIgaBCW377) **Action**: You should be able to choose from three options, each one does a different action. (Send Command, Send Power Action, Create Backup) * Send Command: Sends a specific payload to the server console (Just as you would type it) * Send Power Action: Sends a signal to Start/Restart/Stop the server. * Create Backup: If you purchased backups with us, you can also create backups with your scheduler at a specific time. (Ignored file directories should be labeled with a "**/\***" after the directory name) **Time Offset**: If you create more than one task from an action, you can delay specific tasks created in the scheduler. (Useful if you want to start doing announcements before the Start/Restart/Stop power action) ## Users If you would like to add your colleagues to also have panel permissions, but don't want to give your panel credentials away (this is for you) You should be able to create a subuser, this creates a separate set of credentials for the specific email. (A setup email should be sent to them, unless they already have an account.) Once you enter in the user email there should be numerous amounts of permissions you can set for your new subuser. Think carefully about who you add as a subuser, as they will have partial/full access to the web control panel ## Backups If you'd like to backup your server manually at any time, this is where you do it. **Backup Name**: Specify any name for the backup **Ignored Files & Directories**: Specify any directories you'd like to ignore For example, in the picture below you can see the backup name is Knowledgebase. The ignored files/directories are server.cfg and everything inside of the directory/folder. {% hint style="info" %} Ignored file directories should be labeled with a "**/\***" after the directory name {% endhint %} ![Backup Prompt](https://cp.secured.gg/index.php?rp=/images/kb/13_backup.png) ## Network This tab shows the IP address allocations for your server. If you'd like a different port allocated, it will show up here too. You can switch your main server IP address to a secondary address if given to you. ## Startup The startup tab is very important, there are startup parameters that help the server start. Depending on the game server that you purchase, these parameters might be different. It is recommended to **fill** in the values here first before you can start your server. Parameters specified here override the server config file. (**Make sure the values are the same in the server config and in this tab**) ![Startup Parameters](/files/-Ma2KL2nMrxSIxFRxqVh) ## Settings This tab contains SFTP details, which node you are on, server identifier, and server functions. You can use Filezilla or WinSCP to connect to your server (**This is the recommended way to upload your files**) **SFTP Details**: This is the "Hostname" part of the login field. {% hint style="warning" %} Make sure your string is separated properly) (i.e, sftp\://\:\ {% endhint %} **Username**: This is the "Username" part of the login (Different for every subuser on the panel) **Password**: As shown in the red rectangle, your SFTP password is the same as the password you use to access the panel. ![Settings Page](/files/-Ma2KQdEQhc47RVwKtdM) **Debug** **Information**: Shows the specific node that you're on and your server identifier. **Change Server Name**: This is the server name shown on the panel (Not your actual server name on the specific game server list) **Reinstall Server**: This reinstalls the initial server contents, some files that you've added might be modified or deleted. # Getting Started with your Database Wondering how to connect to your database on our Game Control Panel? There are currently two ways at the moment. (Our web-based phpmyadmin or any Database Management Tool) We'll be using HeidiSQL as our Database Management Tool in this example. Refer to the correct tools below. ## phpMyAdmin Any database created on our network has a specific ip address assigned to it. (Unless you're using a VDS that has it's own local IP address) You can use our internal phpMyAdmin link located [here](https://mysqlcp.secured.gg). Once you've navigated to the website, please enter your username/password. If you are using our **Game Control Panel**, these credentials are located in your **Databases** tab. ## HeidiSQL HeidiSQL is another alternative method. It can be downloaded [here](https://www.heidisql.com/download.php). After you've installed HeidiSQL on your local PC, you will need to connect to the remote server on secured.gg. Firstly, you will be greeted with an empty main menu. To start a new connection, make sure you press the "New" button to add a new server. ![HeidiSQL Main Menu](/files/-Ma2OAvhyrgkeABchVE1) After pressing "new", the program will ask if you'd like to name your connection; go ahead and do so. (You can name it whatever you want) ![Databases](/files/-Ma2OMkcxCZcuBJ2VJDc) Once the connection has been named, let's move on to the actual connection details on the right side. There are five main important details you need to connect to the server (Hostname/IP, Username, Password, Port, and Database) ![Database Connection Details](/files/-Ma2OXNCjFTr2kFEKGS7) Navigate back to the [Game Control Panel](https://gp.secured.gg) and click the **Databases** tab Let's start inputting in the details based on the game control panel credentials. **Database Name**: Shown on the left. **Endpoint**: The database IP address and port (":" Separates the IP Address from Port) **Username**: The database username. **Password**: Located in the "eye". ![Database Connection Details](/files/-Ma2OcdTik3Xf9bJDhuW) Going back to HeidiSQL, it would look something like this. ![Database Connection Details](/files/-Ma2Olzf3Fq4jCS-pq8o) Once entering in all the credentials, we will press the "Save" Button to save our configuration. This will save the credentials to the Session Name that you specified earlier (Easier to connect back to next time, instead of entering in your credentials again) ![Database Connection Details (HeidiSQL)](/files/-Ma2OtHLcNBL8tJ7L7Ml) Done! Press open and you will be greeted with your database tables! # How to login to your Windows VPS You're probably wondering how to login to your RDP once you purchase your VPS. Once you purchase, you'll receive an email called **New Private Server Information**. In this email there will be important details regarding your service. ![VPS Credentials](/files/-Ma2PaJAHujyuTp3Ix9s) If you have purchased a VPS with the **Windows OS** option, logging in is no problem. {% tabs %} {% tab title="Step 1" %} On your local PC, please search for **Remote Desktop Connection** ![](/files/-Ma2PvYumns_t-12C7LI) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 2" %} You will be greeted with a window asking you to type in the "Computer" Hostname. In this case, it is your **IP**. (You can find this in the IP field of the email) ![](/files/-Ma2Q1Fr3xLKsmrjBf3Q) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 3" %} Once you hit "Connect", the prompt will further ask you to type in your credentials. Username: **Administrator** Password: **Provided to you in the email** ![](/files/-Ma2Q74qUehCwWN3r7Ua) All done! {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} # How to disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration In this article, we'll show you how to disable that setting so that you can start browsing the web. Upon opening internet explorer, you're initially greeted with a prompt telling you that there is a security setting hindering you to browse the web. {% tabs %} {% tab title="Step 1" %} In the **Search** button on the bottom left of your RDP, look up **Server Manager** ![](/files/-Ma2RN3Q7Z9bP0JkEicX) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 2" %} Navigate to **Local Server** ![](/files/-Ma2RR_kGjps1ph5pDbs) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 3" %} Click on **IE Enhanced Security Configuration** ![](/files/-Ma2RZ972f9_wR8cS8YK) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 4" %} Turn both **Administrators** and **Users** from On (Recommended) to **Off** ![](/files/-Ma2Re2UGYsCTdqYAW1X) Press **OK** to save your changes, then you're done! {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} # How to disable Windows Firewall This article will show you how to disable your Windows Firewall completely. Wondering why connections aren't working towards your Windows VPS? To start off, log into your Windows VPS {% tabs %} {% tab title="Step 1" %} In the **Search** icon (bottom left), type in **Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security** ![](/files/-Ma2RzpkSlRv4fX3kALg) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 2" %} Once you've opened this application, you will be greeted with your Firewall properties. Please click **Windows Defender Firewall Properties** ![](/files/-Ma2S1lpcnm6XrEO6WFO) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 3" %} In the **Domain Profile** tab, turn the Firewall state from On (recommended) to **Off** Additionally, turn the firewall staff for the **Private Profile** and **Public Profile** tabs to **Off** ![Domain Profile](/files/-Ma2S7yb0DKQYiF5Aj6K) ![Private Profile](/files/-Ma2SBPAXoPjHKTaeBRH) ![Public Profile](/files/-Ma2SErSzWwPa-ZBa3JM) Hit **Apply**, then you're all done! {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} # How to sync time on Windows If you're currently on a VPS and you need your time synced, this is the article for you! In order to sync time correctly, you must do some initial configuration:
To start off, please navigate and open **Windows Powershell** as **Administrator** ![](/files/-Ma2SZAShEEcCWI7GqYC) Once Windows Powershell is opened, please run these commands in order: ```aspnet Set-Service -Name W32Time -StartupType Automatic w32tm /config /manualpeerlist:"time.google.com" /syncfromflags:manual /reliable:yes /update net stop w32time net start w32time w32tm /resync ``` # How to set up a protected IP on Windows If you are running on a VPS, there is a chance you might want to protect yourself from application-specific DDoS attacks. We are offering a variety of DDoS filters for Virtual Private Servers, simply open a ticket asking for a DDoS-Protected IP for xx (e.g. FiveM). ($3/mo extra) Once our support agents reply, you will receive a few commands to run on your Virtual Private Server. Simply open up PowerShell as Administrator, and paste the commands in one by one. ## Protected IP Setup Example ``` netsh interface ip set address "Ethernet" static 45.144.246.3 255.255.255.224 45.144.246.1 ``` {% hint style="warning" %} You will be disconnected, simply reconnect to your VPS. {% endhint %} ``` netsh interface ip set dns "Ethernet" static 1.1.1.1 ``` ``` netsh int ipv4 add address "Ethernet" 45.144.246.34 255.255.255.224 skipassource=true gateway=45.144.246.33 ``` And that's it! You might need to configure your gameserver to use your protected IP address instead of your unprotected address. Please try to keep your unprotected IP as private as possible. ## FiveM Configuration Edit your server.cfg, and replace the following line: ``` endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120" ``` to: ``` endpoint_add_udp "YOUR-PROTECTED-IP:30120" ``` And add the following line: ``` sv_listingIpOverride "YOUR-PROTECTED-IP" ``` That's it! You're all set. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask in a ticket! # VPS Control Panel This article will assist in navigating through our VPS control panel. When you get an email from us labeled as **New Private Server Information**, you can login to a separate control panel to further modify your VPS. The credentials are below the provided **URL** in the email. ![](/files/-Ma2UHRkfAZzFeY5JRlY) Once navigated to the VPS control page, you can login with your credentials provided to you in the email. ## Control Panel Logging in, you'll be greeted with a welcoming control panel ![](/files/-Ma2UQIqklrFzYcIWU3m) There will be a list of Virtual Private Servers under your account. ## Sidebar On the left sidebar, you can see there are multiple options to manage your servers. * Tasks - Shows a history of Start/Stop/Restart/Reinstall actions done on all your machines * SSH Keys - If you have a private key and would like them stored for easier connectivity, keys can be added here (only applies to Linux Distributions) * Applications * Reverse DNS - rDNS entries can be applied here * My Profile - Basic Information of your account * Settings - Language, Timezone, and Bandwidth Threshold can be adjusted here * Account Password - Password changes occur here * API Credentials - If you would like to make use of the API for your own applications, API keys can be created here. ## VPS Information Navigating back to the **List VPS** page, you can press the forward arrow to expand details for your VPS ![](/files/-Ma2UaRtZxY3wWEqcaDH) In this section, you can see basic details and metrics about your VPS. ![](/files/-Ma2UeGrK0b09PKb-P9X) Additionally, there are 6 other tabs. * Graphs - Shows detailed information about Bandwidth usage. * Settings - Modify Hostname, Password, and VPS configuration * Applications - Pre-configured applications that can be executed once we offer them * Install - Reinstall your OS * Tasks and Logs - Shows a history of Start/Stop/Restart/Reinstall actions done for this specific machine * Rescue Mode - Messed up on your main partition and can't boot back in? Rescue mode provides the ability to boot a small Linux environment from another disk so that you can rescue your primary linux VPS or backup files that are present on it. # How to port forward on Windows This article will show you how to port forward any port on your Windows VPS. Wondering how to accept connections via a specific port? To start off, log into your Windows VPS {% tabs %} {% tab title="Step 1" %} In the **Search** icon (bottom left), type in **Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security** ![](/files/-Ma2VQ09pwZr4YlOxaWS) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 2" %} Once you've opened this application, you will be greeted with your Firewall rules. Please click **Inbound** **Rules** ![](/files/-Ma2VUDr6qXYiG-yupoL) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 3" %} In the **Actions** tab, please click on **New Rule...** ![](/files/-Ma2VXuUKWrQjKctGNjo) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 4" %} You will be prompted to create a specific rule, in this case we'll select **Port** ![](/files/-Ma2Vbf6O3pg7ThFswLR) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 5" %} The window will now prompt you to enter in your desired ports (separated by commas)\*. ![](/files/-Ma2Veuu9SOjt7O2hf0d) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 6" %} The window will ask you a few questions about allowing connection, in this example we'll **Allow the** **connection**. ![](/files/-Ma2Vi9PwCkiKr7f9mAS) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 7" %} Please select all domain profiles regarding the connection for the port (**Domain, Private, and Public**) ![](/files/-Ma2VmSzkOwDIVf2JcGa) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Step 8" %} Provide a name for the Inbound rule: {% hint style="info" %} Can be anything to help you remember what the rule name is. {% endhint %} ![](/files/-Ma2Vu2CIP18Di0ytkVU) Hit **Finish** and you're all done! {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} # Nameservers To change nameservers for your domain, the following needs to be done. Login to the [Client Area](https://cp.secured.gg/clientarea.php) and click on [Domains](https://cp.secured.gg/clientarea.php?action=domains). Select the desired domain you would like to edit: ![Domains](/files/-Ma5fRU6oCNYw6tuFint) Click the Nameservers button to edit: ![Nameservers Management](/files/-Ma5fyQXVUscvYXOVI-s) {% hint style="info" %} Nameservers are part of an extensive database called the Domain Name System (DNS), which acts as a directory for devices and the IP addresses attached to them. During the nameservers registration, the IP address is assigned to the nameservers. The unregistered nameservers do not have associated IP address and cannot work properly with some domains. For example, the Registry of .net domains checks whether the nameservers are registered and do not allow using unregistered nameservers. {% endhint %} You are able to select either **Use Default Nameservers** or **Use Custom Nameservers** ![](/files/-Ma5gEnpwnz0KTsF9K7Y) Once the details have been set, your **Nameservers** will be all set! {% hint style="info" %} If you change nameservers from Custom nameservers to our default ones or vice versa, the host records will not be added to the new nameservers automatically. Please **make sure** to save all the needed settings and set them up manually after the nameservers switch.\ \ Nameservers changes do not propagate instantly. Once your nameservers are changed, it may take up to 24 hours (more, in rare cases) for local ISPs to update their DNS caches so that everyone can see your website.\ \ You can always check your domain name using any Proxy server as Proxy servers do not store cache, thus you can see the non-cached information. {% endhint %} # DNS Management If you'd like to point certain IPs to records for your site/domain, this is the guide for you! Login to the [Client Area](https://cp.secured.gg/clientarea.php) and click on [Domains](https://cp.secured.gg/clientarea.php?action=domains). Select the desired domain you would like to edit: ![Domains](/files/-Ma5hBOdM-UB3VY-a1cT) Click the DNS Management button to edit: ![DNS Management](/files/-Ma5hSMcZrMyubPaKYL5) You will be able to add any type of Record Type for your domain. ![Managing DNS Entries](/files/-Ma5heAtC_8ZOIw442bh) ## Example Record First, you need to create a semi-secret hostname for the server itself, since you're probably running your Game server on a different IP address from your web server. On the Manage DNS Records screen: **Host:** Specify the subdomain in the Host field (e.g. play). **Record Type:** "A - Address record"\ (You can skip this step if you've already been provided a hostname from your Game Server/IP) **Address:** Specify the IP address of your Game Server/VPS in the Answer field. Click the "**Save Changes**" button to create the A record. You should now be able to connect to your Game server just by specifying your root domain in whichever game you are running!