How to Install Netdata on AlmaLinux: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Netdata is a powerful, open-source monitoring tool designed to provide real-time performance insights for systems, applications, and networks. Its lightweight design and user-friendly dashboard make it a favorite among administrators who want granular, live data visualization. AlmaLinux, a community-driven RHEL fork, is increasingly popular for enterprise-level workloads, making it an ideal operating system to pair with Netdata for monitoring.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing Netdata on AlmaLinux. Whether you’re managing a single server or multiple nodes, this tutorial will help you get started efficiently.

Prerequisites for Installing Netdata

Before you begin, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• A running AlmaLinux system: This guide is based on AlmaLinux 8 but should work for similar versions.
• Sudo privileges: Administrative rights are necessary to install packages and make system-level changes.
• Basic knowledge of the command line: Familiarity with terminal commands will help you navigate the installation process.
• Internet connection: Netdata requires online repositories to download its components.

Optional: If your system has strict firewall rules, ensure that necessary ports (default: 19999) are open.

Step 1: Update AlmaLinux System

Updating your system ensures you have the latest security patches and repository information. Use the following commands to update your AlmaLinux server:

sudo dnf update -y
sudo dnf upgrade -y

Once the update is complete, reboot the system if necessary:

sudo reboot

Step 2: Install Necessary Dependencies

Netdata relies on certain libraries and tools to function correctly. Install these dependencies using the following command:

sudo dnf install -y epel-release curl wget git tar gcc make

The epel-release package enables access to additional repositories, which is essential for fetching dependencies not included in the default AlmaLinux repos.

Step 3: Install Netdata Using the Official Installation Script

Netdata provides an official installation script that simplifies the setup process. Follow these steps to install Netdata:

1. Download and run the installation script:

   bash <(curl -Ss https://my-netdata.io/kickstart.sh)
   

2. During the installation, the script will:

   • Install required packages.
   • Set up the Netdata daemon.
   • Create configuration files and directories.

3. Confirm successful installation by checking the output for a message like: Netdata is successfully installed.

Step 4: Start and Enable Netdata

After installation, the Netdata service should start automatically. To verify its status:

sudo systemctl status netdata

To ensure it starts automatically after a system reboot, enable the service:

sudo systemctl enable netdata

Step 5: Access the Netdata Dashboard

The default port for Netdata is 19999. To access the dashboard:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to:

   http://<your-server-ip>:19999
   

2. Replace <your-server-ip> with your AlmaLinux server’s IP address. If you’re accessing it locally, use http://127.0.0.1:19999.

3. The dashboard should display real-time monitoring metrics, including CPU, memory, disk usage, and network statistics.

Step 6: Configure Firewall Rules (if applicable)

If your server uses a firewall, ensure port 19999 is open to allow access to the Netdata dashboard:

1. Check the current firewall status:

   sudo firewall-cmd --state
   

2. Add a rule to allow traffic on port 19999:

   sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=19999/tcp
   

3. Reload the firewall to apply the changes:

   sudo firewall-cmd --reload
   

Now, retry accessing the dashboard using your browser.

Step 7: Secure the Netdata Installation

Netdata’s default setup allows unrestricted access to its dashboard, which might not be ideal in a production environment. Consider these security measures:

1. Restrict IP Access: Use firewall rules or web server proxies (like NGINX or Apache) to restrict access to specific IP ranges.

2. Set Up Authentication:

   • Edit the Netdata configuration file:

     sudo nano /etc/netdata/netdata.conf
     

   • Add or modify the [global] section to include basic authentication or limit access by IP.

3. Enable HTTPS: Use a reverse proxy to serve the dashboard over HTTPS for encrypted communication.

Step 8: Customize Netdata Configuration (Optional)

For advanced users, Netdata offers extensive customization options:

1. Edit the Main Configuration File:

   sudo nano /etc/netdata/netdata.conf
   

2. Configure Alarms and Notifications:

   • Navigate to /etc/netdata/health.d/ to customize alarm settings.
   • Integrate Netdata with third-party notification systems like Slack, email, or PagerDuty.

3. Monitor Remote Nodes: Install Netdata on additional systems and configure them to report to a centralized master node for unified monitoring.

Step 9: Regular Maintenance and Updates

Netdata is actively developed, with frequent updates to improve functionality and security. Keep your installation updated using the same script or by pulling the latest changes from the Netdata GitHub repository.

To update Netdata:

bash <(curl -Ss https://my-netdata.io/kickstart.sh) --update

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Dashboard Not Loading:

   • Check if the service is running:

     sudo systemctl restart netdata
     

   • Verify firewall settings.

2. Installation Errors:

   • Ensure all dependencies are installed and try running the installation script again.

3. Metrics Missing:

   • Check the configuration file for typos or misconfigured plugins.

Conclusion

Netdata is a feature-rich, intuitive monitoring solution that pairs seamlessly with AlmaLinux. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly set up and start using Netdata to gain valuable insights into your system’s performance.

Whether you’re managing a single server or monitoring a network of machines, Netdata’s flexibility and ease of use make it an indispensable tool for administrators. Explore its advanced features and customize it to suit your environment for optimal performance monitoring.

Good luck with your installation! Let me know if you need help with further configurations or enhancements.