Using Git for Website Version Control on a Server

Whether you’re a solo developer, a freelancer, or managing a team, keeping your website’s code organized and safe is essential. That’s where Git comes in — and it can make your life a lot easier, especially when you’re hosting on a platform like Vicservers.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to use Git to manage your website directly on your server.

Why Use Git for Your Website?

Here are just a few reasons:

• Version Control: Keep track of every change made to your site.
• Easy Rollbacks: Broke something? Go back to a working version.
• Team Collaboration: Multiple developers? Git handles it like a champ.
• Deployment Simplified: Push from local to live with one command.

What You’ll Need

• A server (like one hosted with Vicservers) with SSH access.
• Git installed on both your local machine and the server.
• A basic website project (HTML/CSS/JS, PHP, etc.).
• Familiarity with the terminal/command line.

Step-by-Step: Deploy a Website Using Git

1. Install Git on Your Server

If it’s not already installed, SSH into your server and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git

(For CentOS: sudo yum install git)

2. Set Up a Bare Git Repository on the Server

SSH into your server and choose where to store your Git repository:

cd ~
mkdir website.git
cd website.git
git init --bare

This is a “bare” repo — it doesn’t contain files, just the Git history.

3. Configure the Post-Receive Hook

This hook will automatically deploy your website when you push to the repo.

cd ~/website.git/hooks
nano post-receive

Paste this:

#!/bin/bash
GIT_WORK_TREE=/var/www/html git checkout -f

Then:

chmod +x post-receive

Make sure /var/www/html is your actual web root directory.

4. Set Up the Local Repository

On your local machine:

cd your-website-folder
git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit"

Then add the remote pointing to your server:

git remote add live ssh-user@your-server-ip:~/website.git

5. Push to the Server

git push live master

That’s it! Your website files will deploy to /var/www/html.

Tips & Best Practices

• Use .gitignore to exclude files you don’t want on the server.
• Set up SSH keys to avoid entering your password every push.
• Back up your server periodically even with Git in place.
• Use Git branches for staging/production workflows.

Bonus: Secure Your Deployment

Don’t forget to:

• Use strong SSH keys for authentication.
• Lock down file permissions (www-data or your web server user should own the deployed files).
• Optionally, use a CI/CD tool later as your project grows.

Git + Vicservers = Smooth Deployment

At Vicservers, we support developers by offering fast, secure, and reliable servers that are Git-friendly out of the box. Combine Git with our server solutions and you’ve got a powerful setup for modern web development.

Happy coding — and even happier deploying!

Migrating a Website to a New Host – A Complete Guide

Changing web hosts can feel overwhelming — but with the right steps, you can migrate your website smoothly with zero downtime and no data loss. Whether you’re looking for better performance, improved support, or more scalable solutions, migrating to a new hosting provider like Vicservers can be one of the best decisions you make for your website.

Why Migrate to a New Host?

Before we get into the how, let’s look at why people migrate:

• Slow website performance and frequent downtimes
• Poor customer support from the existing host
• Better features or pricing at a new host
• Security concerns or limited scalability

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to consider moving.

Step-by-Step Website Migration Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right Hosting Provider

Do your research and choose a reliable host that fits your needs. At Vicservers, we offer:

• 99.9% uptime
• 24/7 expert support
• Easy migration tools
• Scalable hosting plans

Step 2: Back Up Your Website

Before doing anything else, back up all your website files and databases. This ensures you have a safety net in case anything goes wrong.

• Use tools like cPanel Backup, UpdraftPlus (for WordPress), or manual FTP/SFTP and phpMyAdmin backups.
• Store the backup on your local computer or cloud storage.

Step 3: Transfer Website Files to the New Host

Upload your files to the new hosting provider:

• Connect to your new server using FTP/SFTP or cPanel File Manager
• Upload all your website files to the public_html directory or the relevant folder

For WordPress sites, make sure you copy the wp-content, wp-includes, and wp-admin folders, plus the core files.

Step 4: Migrate Your Database

If your website uses a database (like MySQL), follow these steps:

1. Export your database from the old host using phpMyAdmin
2. Create a new database in your new host’s control panel
3. Import the database into the new server via phpMyAdmin
4. Update your website’s configuration file (e.g., wp-config.php for WordPress) with the new database credentials

Step 5: Update DNS Records

Now that your site is on the new host, it’s time to point your domain to the new server:

• Log into your domain registrar
• Update the nameservers to those provided by your new hosting provider
• DNS changes can take up to 24–48 hours to fully propagate

Tip: During propagation, avoid making updates to the site on either host.

Step 6: Test Everything Thoroughly

Before announcing your migration is complete, test your site for:

• Broken links and missing images
• Functionality of forms, plugins, and eCommerce carts
• Mobile responsiveness and page load speed

Use a temporary URL or modify your hosts file to preview the site on the new server without DNS changes.

Step 7: Cancel Your Old Hosting (After Backup)

Once you’ve confirmed everything is working and your DNS has fully propagated, you can cancel your old hosting plan. Make sure to:

• Take a final backup
• Save any emails, logs, or files you may still need

Bonus: Let Vicservers Handle It for You

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry — Vicservers offers free website migration for new customers. Our experts will handle the transfer process securely and quickly, so you can focus on running your business.

Final Thoughts

Website migration doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this guide (or letting Vicservers do the work for you), you can move your site with confidence, zero downtime, and no data loss.

Ready to migrate?
Contact our support team today for a free consultation or sign up and enjoy seamless migration with Vicservers, your trusted hosting partner.

How to Install and Configure phpMyAdmin on Your Server

Managing MySQL databases via the command line can be time-consuming and complex — especially for beginners. That’s where phpMyAdmin comes in. It provides a web-based interface to handle MySQL or MariaDB databases easily. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to install and configure phpMyAdmin on a Linux server (Ubuntu-based) using Vicservers hosting.

What is phpMyAdmin?

phpMyAdmin is an open-source PHP tool designed to handle the administration of MySQL/MariaDB over the web. You can use it to:

• Create, modify, and delete databases
• Execute SQL queries
• Manage users and permissions
• Import/export databases

It’s a must-have for developers, WordPress site owners, and web admins.

Prerequisites

To follow this guide, you’ll need:

• A Linux server (Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 preferred)
• Root or sudo access
• Apache or NGINX web server installed
• MySQL or MariaDB installed
• PHP and required extensions

Note: VicServers clients with cPanel can install phpMyAdmin through cPanel by default. This guide is for VPS or dedicated server users.

Step 1: Update Your Server

Start by updating your package list:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This ensures you have the latest security patches and dependencies.

Step 2: Install Apache, PHP, and MySQL (If Not Already Installed)

If you’re starting from scratch:

sudo apt install apache2 php php-mysql mysql-server unzip -y

Ensure Apache and MySQL are running:

sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl start mysql

Enable them on boot:

sudo systemctl enable apache2
sudo systemctl enable mysql

Step 3: Install phpMyAdmin

Install phpMyAdmin using the package manager:

sudo apt install phpmyadmin -y

During installation:

• Choose Apache2 as the web server
• Select Yes to configure a database for phpMyAdmin
• Set a password for the phpmyadmin user

If you don’t see the selection prompt, run:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure phpmyadmin

Step 4: Enable the phpMyAdmin Configuration

phpMyAdmin creates a configuration file at /etc/phpmyadmin/apache.conf. You need to include it in your Apache configuration.

Run:

sudo ln -s /etc/phpmyadmin/apache.conf /etc/apache2/conf-available/phpmyadmin.conf
sudo a2enconf phpmyadmin
sudo systemctl reload apache2

If using NGINX, you’ll need to manually configure it.

Step 5: Secure phpMyAdmin (Recommended)

1. Change the URL (Optional but Safer)

Attackers often target /phpmyadmin. To change it:

sudo mv /usr/share/phpmyadmin /usr/share/myadmin

Edit Apache conf:

sudo nano /etc/apache2/conf-available/phpmyadmin.conf

Update the Alias line:

Alias /myadmin /usr/share/myadmin

Then reload:

sudo systemctl reload apache2

2. Set Up Apache Authentication

Create a password file:

sudo htpasswd -c /etc/phpmyadmin/.htpasswd your_username

Add this to the phpMyAdmin config:

<Directory /usr/share/phpmyadmin>
    AuthType Basic
    AuthName "Restricted Access"
    AuthUserFile /etc/phpmyadmin/.htpasswd
    Require valid-user
</Directory>

Then restart Apache:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 6: Test phpMyAdmin

Open your browser and go to:

http://your-server-ip/phpmyadmin

Or, if you renamed it:

http://your-server-ip/myadmin

You should see the login page. Use your MySQL root user or any MySQL database user.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Install missing PHP extensions:

sudo apt install php-mbstring php-zip php-gd php-json php-curl -y
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Optional: Remove phpMyAdmin (If Needed)

To remove:

sudo apt purge phpmyadmin -y
sudo rm -rf /usr/share/phpmyadmin

 Conclusion

phpMyAdmin makes it incredibly easy to manage databases on your server without needing to master complex MySQL commands. With VicServers, you get full control over your environment — whether you’re running a WordPress blog, an eCommerce store, or custom apps.

If you’re not comfortable setting it up yourself, VicServers’ support team is always here to help. Just submit a ticket or chat with us live.

📞 Need Help?

🖥️ Visit VicServers.com
📧 Email: [email protected]

Vicservers — Trusted Hosting Solutions for Developers, Startups, and Businesses in Nigeria and beyond.

Using FileZilla to Transfer Files to Your Hosting Server

Whether you’re launching a new website, updating your current one, or moving files between systems, a reliable method for file transfer is essential. One of the most popular tools for this is FileZilla, a free, open-source FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use FileZilla to transfer files to your hosting server with Vicservers.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A hosting account with Vicservers
• Your FTP credentials (you can find them in your Vicservers cPanel)
• FileZilla installed on your computer (available for Windows, macOS, and Linux)
• Your website files ready for upload

Step 1: Download and Install FileZilla

1. Visit filezilla-project.org
2. Download FileZilla Client (not the Server version).
3. Install it following the setup instructions for your operating system.

Step 2: Get Your FTP Credentials from Vicservers

Login to your cPanel on Vicservers and find the FTP section.

You’ll need the following information:

• Host/Server: Usually ftp.yourdomain.com or your server IP
• Username: Your FTP account name
• Password: The one you set or generated
• Port: Usually 21 for FTP, or 22 for SFTP (recommended for secure transfer)

If you haven’t created an FTP account yet:

1. Go to FTP Accounts in cPanel.
2. Click Add FTP Account.
3. Set the username, domain, password, and directory access.
4. Click Create FTP Account.

Step 3: Connect to Your Server via FileZilla

1. Open FileZilla.
2. Go to the top bar and enter:
   • Host: ftp.yourdomain.com
   • Username: your FTP username
   • Password: your password
   • Port: 21 (or 22 for SFTP)
3. Click Quickconnect.

Tip: If you want to save your login details, use the Site Manager (File > Site Manager > New Site).

Step 4: Understanding the FileZilla Interface

Once connected, you’ll see two main panels:

• Left Side (Local Site): Files on your computer
• Right Side (Remote Site): Files on your hosting server

Browse both sides to find the source (your local files) and the destination (e.g. public_html on your server).

 Step 5: Upload Files to Your Hosting Server

1. Navigate to your website folder on the left panel.
2. On the right panel, go to public_html (this is your web root directory).
3. Select all files you want to upload (usually index.html, wp-content, etc.)
4. Drag and drop them from the left panel to the right.

✅ That’s it — FileZilla will begin transferring the files.

You can view the progress at the bottom of FileZilla:

• Queued files waiting to upload
• Failed transfers (retry them)
• Successful transfers

Step 6: Download Files from Server (Optional)

Need to back up or download files?

• Navigate to the directory on the right side (server).
• Drag files to the desired location on the left side (your computer).

This is especially useful for:

• Backing up your WordPress site
• Editing files locally
• Transferring content to another host

Step 7: File Management Tips

• public_html is the folder where all public web content should go.
• Upload index.html or index.php to show a homepage.
• Avoid deleting unknown files from the right panel unless you know their function.
• Use the refresh button if you don’t see recent changes.

Common Issues & Fixes

Bonus: Use SFTP for Secure Transfers

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) encrypts your connection, making it safer than plain FTP.

To use SFTP:

1. Use Port 22
2. Select SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol in FileZilla Site Manager

Vicservers supports SFTP on most hosting plans. Contact support if you’re unsure.

Why FileZilla Is Great for Vicservers Clients

• Easy to use, even for beginners
• Works perfectly with Vicservers FTP settings
• Great for manual uploads, backups, and editing
• Supports both FTP and secure SFTP connections
• Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux

When Should You Use FileZilla?

• When uploading large amounts of files
• When installing WordPress manually
• When troubleshooting your website
• For migrating sites between servers
• To manage website backups

✅ Final Checklist

Before disconnecting:

• ✔️ Verify that your site loads properly via your domain
• ✔️ Double-check file paths (e.g. /public_html/index.html)
• ✔️ Remove sensitive files (like .sql backups) after you’re done
• ✔️ Log out or disconnect FileZilla when finished

Need Help? Vicservers Has Your Back

Our support team is available 24/7 to assist with FTP setup, file transfers, and technical troubleshooting.

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.vicservers.com

Vicservers – Fast, secure, and beginner-friendly hosting solutions for Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

How to Deploy a WordPress Site from Localhost to Server

Creating your WordPress website on a local machine (localhost) is a smart and safe way to design, develop, and test before it goes live. But once everything looks good, the next big step is deployment — moving your WordPress site from localhost to a live server so the world can access it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to deploy a WordPress site from your local development environment (like XAMPP, WAMP, or LocalWP) to a live server using Vicservers’ hosting services.

 What You’ll Need:

• A working WordPress site on localhost
• A domain name (e.g. yoursite.com)
• A hosting plan (Vicservers offers reliable and affordable plans)
• Access to cPanel or FTP
• A database management tool (phpMyAdmin is common)

Step 1: Export the WordPress Files from Localhost

The first step is to collect all your website files from the local environment.

✅ If you’re using XAMPP/WAMP:

1. Navigate to the htdocs folder:
   • Windows: C:\xampp\htdocs\yourprojectfolder
2. Zip the entire WordPress folder.
3. This zip file includes:
   • All themes and plugins
   • The wp-content folder
   • WordPress core files

Step 2: Export the Database

Your website’s content, settings, and configurations are stored in the database.

To export your local database:

1. Open http://localhost/phpmyadmin
2. Select your WordPress database.
3. Click Export > choose Quick and format SQL.
4. Click Go to download the .sql file.

Step 3: Upload WordPress Files to the Server

Now, let’s move your zipped WordPress site to the live hosting environment.

Option 1: Upload via cPanel File Manager

1. Login to your VicServers cPanel
2. Go to File Manager > public_html (or a subdirectory)
3. Click Upload, and upload the zipped site folder
4. Once uploaded, Extract it within public_html
5. Ensure all extracted files (like wp-config.php, wp-content) are directly under public_html

Option 2: Upload via FTP (FileZilla)

1. Connect to your server using FTP credentials
2. Navigate to /public_html/
3. Upload all files from your local WordPress directory

Step 4: Create a New Database on Your Server

1. In cPanel, go to MySQL® Databases
2. Create a new database (e.g. wp_live_db)
3. Create a new MySQL user and assign it to the database
4. Note the:
   • Database name
   • Database user
   • Password

Step 5: Import the Local Database to the Server

1. Go to phpMyAdmin in cPanel
2. Select the new database you created
3. Click Import
4. Upload the .sql file you exported earlier from localhost
5. Click Go

If the import is successful, your database structure and content are now on the live server.

Step 6: Update wp-config.php File

Edit the wp-config.php file on your server to connect WordPress to the new database.

define('DB_NAME', 'your_new_db_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_db_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Save and close the file.

Step 7: Fix URLs in the Database

Your local site might have used http://localhost/sitename, but your live site will use something like https://yourdomain.com. You need to update all the URLs in the database.

Option 1: Use a Plugin (easiest)

• Install Better Search Replace or WP Migrate Lite
• Search for: http://localhost/sitename
• Replace with: https://yourdomain.com
• Run the replacement on the entire database (make a backup first!)

Option 2: Use SQL Query (advanced)

In phpMyAdmin, run:

UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = replace(option_value, 'http://localhost/sitename', 'https://yourdomain.com') WHERE option_name = 'home' OR option_name = 'siteurl';
UPDATE wp_posts SET guid = replace(guid, 'http://localhost/sitename','https://yourdomain.com');
UPDATE wp_posts SET post_content = replace(post_content, 'http://localhost/sitename', 'https://yourdomain.com');
UPDATE wp_postmeta SET meta_value = replace(meta_value,'http://localhost/sitename','https://yourdomain.com');

Step 8: Clean Up & Test

What to check:

• Homepage loads correctly
• All menus, images, and links work
• Contact forms, logins, and plugins are functional
• Make sure permalinks work. If not:
  1. Login to WordPress Admin
  2. Go to Settings > Permalinks
  3. Click Save Changes to flush rewrite rules

Step 9: Secure Your Site

Now that your site is live, security becomes crucial.

At Vicservers, you already get:

• Free SSL certificates
• Malware scans
• DDoS protection
• Regular backups

You should also:

• Use strong admin passwords
• Install security plugins like Wordfence
• Enable 2FA for admin accounts
• Keep themes/plugins updated

Optional: Set Up Email, Cron Jobs, and More

• Create custom email addresses (e.g. [email protected]) via cPanel
• Use cron jobs for scheduled tasks like backups
• Set up caching or install a CDN for performance

✅ Recap: Localhost to Live in 9 Steps

Final Thoughts

Deploying a WordPress site from localhost to server may seem intimidating at first, but with the right steps, it’s straightforward and rewarding. Vicservers provides all the tools and support you need — from cPanel to 24/7 technical assistance — so you can launch with confidence.

Need Hosting for Your WordPress Site?

✅ SSD-Powered Hosting
✅ Free SSL & Domain (on selected plans)
✅ One-Click WordPress Install
✅ Daily Backups
✅ Support from real people — not bots

👉 Get Started at Vicservers

Your step-by-step guide to taking your WordPress website live with Vicservers