diff --git a/modules/faq/faq.rss b/modules/faq/faq.rss index 80de111b..88f888c6 100755 --- a/modules/faq/faq.rss +++ b/modules/faq/faq.rss @@ -185,6 +185,267 @@ As always, if you need help just ask on Discord. + + What is the Game Monitor and how do I use it? + Game Monitor + + + The Game Monitor is your main control center for managing your game server. From here you can: + <br><br> + <strong>Server Status:</strong> View real-time information about your server including player count, map, and server status + <br> + <strong>Start/Stop/Restart:</strong> Control your server's power state with dedicated buttons + <br> + <strong>Update Server:</strong> Keep your game server files up to date with automatic or manual updates + <br> + <strong>View Logs:</strong> Monitor server logs to troubleshoot issues or track player activity + <br> + <strong>RCON Console:</strong> Send commands directly to your server if supported by the game + <br><br> + The monitor refreshes automatically to give you up-to-date information about your server's performance and status. + + + + + How do I start, stop, or restart my server? + Game Monitor + + + From the Game Monitor page: + <br><br> + <strong>Start:</strong> Click the "Start" button to launch your server. Wait for the status to show as "Online" + <br> + <strong>Stop:</strong> Click the "Stop" button to safely shut down your server + <br> + <strong>Restart:</strong> Click "Restart" to stop and start your server in one action + <br><br> + <strong>Important:</strong> Always use these controls rather than killing processes directly. This ensures proper shutdown and prevents data corruption. + <br><br> + If your server fails to start, check the server logs for error messages that can help identify configuration issues. + + + + + What is the Scheduler and how does it work? + Scheduler + + + The Scheduler is a cron-like system that allows you to automate server tasks at specific times or intervals. + <br><br> + <strong>What is Cron?</strong> Cron is a time-based job scheduler used in Unix-like systems (Linux). The panel's Scheduler brings this functionality to game server management. + <br><br> + <strong>Common uses:</strong> + <br>• Automatic server restarts (daily, weekly, etc.) + <br>• Scheduled server updates + <br>• Backup creation at regular intervals + <br>• Sending automated messages to players + <br>• Running custom scripts or commands + <br><br> + Access the Scheduler from the main menu to create, edit, or delete scheduled tasks for your servers. + + + + + How do I create scheduled tasks (for non-Linux users)? + Scheduler + + + The Scheduler uses cron syntax, which may be unfamiliar to Windows users. Here's a simple guide: + <br><br> + <strong>Cron Format:</strong> * * * * * (5 fields separated by spaces) + <br>Position 1: Minute (0-59) + <br>Position 2: Hour (0-23, where 0 = midnight) + <br>Position 3: Day of month (1-31) + <br>Position 4: Month (1-12) + <br>Position 5: Day of week (0-7, where 0 and 7 = Sunday) + <br><br> + <strong>Examples:</strong> + <br>• <code>0 6 * * *</code> - Every day at 6:00 AM + <br>• <code>0 0 * * 0</code> - Every Sunday at midnight + <br>• <code>*/30 * * * *</code> - Every 30 minutes + <br>• <code>0 4 * * 1</code> - Every Monday at 4:00 AM + <br><br> + <strong>Special characters:</strong> + <br>• <code>*</code> means "every" (every minute, hour, etc.) + <br>• <code>*/X</code> means "every X units" (*/15 = every 15 minutes) + <br>• <code>X,Y</code> means "at X and Y" (1,15 = 1st and 15th) + <br>• <code>X-Y</code> means "from X to Y" (9-17 = 9 AM to 5 PM) + + + + + Common Scheduler examples for game servers + Scheduler + + + Here are practical examples for common server management tasks: + <br><br> + <strong>Daily Restart at 6 AM:</strong> + <br>Schedule: <code>0 6 * * *</code> + <br>Action: Restart Server + <br><br> + <strong>Weekly Restart (Sunday 3 AM):</strong> + <br>Schedule: <code>0 3 * * 0</code> + <br>Action: Restart Server + <br><br> + <strong>Hourly Server Update Check:</strong> + <br>Schedule: <code>0 * * * *</code> + <br>Action: Update Server + <br><br> + <strong>Daily Backup at Midnight:</strong> + <br>Schedule: <code>0 0 * * *</code> + <br>Action: Create Backup + <br><br> + <strong>Maintenance Window (2 AM - 4 AM daily):</strong> + <br>Stop: <code>0 2 * * *</code> + <br>Start: <code>0 4 * * *</code> + <br><br> + Remember to consider your server's time zone and peak player hours when scheduling restarts or maintenance. + + + + + What is the Dashboard and what can I see there? + Dashboard + + + The Dashboard is your overview page that displays key information about all your servers and account: + <br><br> + <strong>Server Status Widgets:</strong> Quick view of all your servers' online/offline status + <br> + <strong>Resource Usage:</strong> CPU, memory, and disk usage for your servers + <br> + <strong>Player Activity:</strong> Current player counts across all your game servers + <br> + <strong>Recent Events:</strong> Server starts, stops, updates, and other activities + <br> + <strong>Quick Actions:</strong> Fast access to common tasks like starting/stopping servers + <br> + <strong>System Alerts:</strong> Important notifications about your servers or account + <br><br> + The Dashboard refreshes automatically and serves as your central command center for monitoring multiple game servers at a glance. + + + + + How do I manage server configuration files? + File Management + + + The panel provides several ways to edit your server configuration files: + <br><br> + <strong>Config Files Editor:</strong> Built-in editor for game-specific configuration files with syntax highlighting + <br> + <strong>File Manager:</strong> Browser-based file manager to upload, download, edit, and organize all server files + <br> + <strong>FTP Access:</strong> Use your favorite FTP client to manage files directly + <br><br> + <strong>Important Tips:</strong> + <br>• Always backup configuration files before making changes + <br>• Stop your server before editing critical config files + <br>• Some files are protected and cannot be modified for security reasons + <br>• Test configuration changes carefully - invalid configs can prevent server startup + <br>• Use the built-in editor when possible as it provides validation and syntax checking + + + + + How do I use the File Manager? + File Management + + + The File Manager is a web-based interface for managing your server files: + <br><br> + <strong>Navigation:</strong> Click folders to browse your server directory structure + <br> + <strong>Upload Files:</strong> Drag and drop files or use the upload button to add files to your server + <br> + <strong>Edit Files:</strong> Click on text files to open the built-in editor + <br> + <strong>Download Files:</strong> Right-click files to download them to your computer + <br> + <strong>Create Folders:</strong> Use the "New Folder" button to organize your files + <br> + <strong>Delete Files:</strong> Select files and click delete (be careful - this is permanent!) + <br> + <strong>Permissions:</strong> View and modify file permissions if your game requires specific settings + <br><br> + The File Manager supports most common file operations and is perfect for quick changes without needing a separate FTP client. + + + + + What backup and restore options are available? + Backup & Restore + + + The panel provides comprehensive backup and restore functionality: + <br><br> + <strong>Automatic Backups:</strong> Schedule regular backups of your server files and data + <br> + <strong>Manual Backups:</strong> Create instant backups before making major changes + <br> + <strong>Database Backups:</strong> Export MySQL databases associated with your game servers + <br> + <strong>Selective Restore:</strong> Restore specific files or folders rather than entire server + <br> + <strong>Download Backups:</strong> Download backup files to your local computer for safekeeping + <br><br> + <strong>Best Practices:</strong> + <br>• Always backup before major updates or configuration changes + <br>• Keep multiple backup versions (daily, weekly, monthly) + <br>• Test restore procedures periodically to ensure backups work + <br>• Store important backups offline for maximum protection + + + + + How do I manage server updates? + Server Management + + + The panel provides multiple update options for keeping your servers current: + <br><br> + <strong>Automatic Updates:</strong> Enable automatic Steam updates when new game versions are released + <br> + <strong>Manual Updates:</strong> Check for and apply updates on-demand from the Game Monitor + <br> + <strong>Scheduled Updates:</strong> Use the Scheduler to update servers during low-traffic periods + <br> + <strong>Validation:</strong> Verify and repair corrupted game files using Steam's validation system + <br> + <strong>Rollback:</strong> Restore previous game versions if needed (when backups are available) + <br><br> + <strong>Update Tips:</strong> + <br>• Monitor update logs for any errors during the process + <br>• Consider backing up before major game updates + <br>• Some updates may require server restart or configuration changes + <br>• Test servers after updates to ensure mods and plugins still work + + + + + How do I use RCON to manage my server? + Server Management + + + RCON (Remote Console) allows you to send commands directly to your game server: + <br><br> + <strong>Accessing RCON:</strong> Click the "Console" or "RCON" button in your Game Monitor + <br> + <strong>Authentication:</strong> RCON may require a password set in your server configuration + <br> + <strong>Common Commands:</strong> + <br>• <code>say [message]</code> - Send message to all players + <br>• <code>kick [player]</code> - Remove a player from the server + <br>• <code>ban [player]</code> - Permanently ban a player + <br>• <code>status</code> - Show server status and player list + <br>• <code>changelevel [map]</code> - Change to a different map + <br><br> + <strong>Note:</strong> Available commands vary by game. Not all games support RCON functionality. Check your specific game's documentation for supported commands. + + +