The Nxeon Blog
Guides for people who run their own servers.
Straight-talking tutorials and comparisons on VPS hosting, game servers, Linux and security. No fluff, just what actually works. 346 guides from the team that runs the servers.
Search results
145 guides for “dedicated” · Clear search
How to Set Up a Firewall for a Game Server
Game servers need specific ports open and everything else shut. Configure UFW to expose only your game's ports, protect RCON, and cut attack surface.

How to Tune Linux Performance for a Busy Server
When traffic climbs, defaults hold you back. Tune file limits, network buffers, sysctl parameters and services to squeeze more out of your VPS.

How to Create a Non-Root Sudo User on a VPS
Working as root all the time is dangerous. Create a dedicated sudo user, give it your SSH key, and adopt least-privilege as your default way of working.

How to Manage Secrets and Environment Variables on a VPS
Hardcoded API keys and passwords in code are a breach waiting to happen. Learn to store secrets in env files, systemd, and vaults — the right way.

How to Monitor a Linux VPS (htop, netdata and more)
You can't fix what you can't see. Learn the essential Linux monitoring tools — from quick htop checks to a full netdata dashboard with alerts.

How to Set Up Automated Backups on a VPS
A backup you never tested isn't a backup. Build an automated, offsite, restorable backup routine for files and databases with rsync, cron and the 3-2-1 rule.

How to Secure a MySQL Database
An exposed or default-configured database is a breach waiting to happen. Lock down MySQL/MariaDB: bind to localhost, strong users, least privilege and TLS.

How to Add Two-Factor Authentication to SSH
Add a time-based one-time code on top of your SSH key for defence in depth. Set up Google Authenticator PAM without locking yourself out.

How to Disable Root Login on a VPS
The root account is every attacker's first guess. Learn to create a sudo user and disable direct root login over SSH — safely, without locking yourself out.

How to Harden SSH on a Linux VPS
A practical, copy-paste guide to locking down the SSH daemon on your VPS — the single most important service to secure on a public server.

How to Run Any SteamCMD Game Server on a Linux VPS
Learn the one workflow behind every Steam dedicated server: install SteamCMD, log in anonymously, install by App ID, open ports, and run it as a systemd service.

How to Set Up a Vintage Story Server
Host a Vintage Story server the developer's way (no SteamCMD): download the server package, install .NET, open port 42420, configure the world, and run it as a service.
Deploy your first server in under a minute.
Creating an account is free and takes no card details. Every guide here runs on a Nxeon VPS or game server.