Getting Started: Monitor Your First Server in 60 Seconds

This guide walks you through setting up Server Scout from scratch. By the end, you'll have your first Linux server reporting metrics to your dashboard.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Head to app.serverscout.ie/login.html#signup and create a free account. You get 3 months free — no credit card required.

Step 2: Add a Server

Once you're logged in, click the "Add Server" button in your dashboard. Give your server a friendly name (e.g., "web-prod-01" or "my-vps").

You'll receive a unique installation command that looks like this:

curl -sS https://app.serverscout.ie/install.sh | bash -s -- YOUR_API_KEY

Step 3: Run the Installer

SSH into your server and paste the installation command. The installer will:

1. Download the monitoring agent script
2. Create a systemd service
3. Configure your API key
4. Start the agent

The whole process takes about 10 seconds. You'll see output like:

[Server Scout] Installing agent...
[Server Scout] Creating service...
[Server Scout] Starting agent...
[Server Scout] Done! Your server will appear in the dashboard within 60 seconds.

Step 4: Check Your Dashboard

Go back to your Server Scout dashboard. Within 60 seconds, your server will appear with live metrics:

• CPU usage: Current utilisation and load averages
• Memory: Used, available, and total RAM
• Disk: Usage for each mounted filesystem
• Network: Bytes in/out
• Services: Status of monitored systemd services

What Gets Monitored

By default, Server Scout monitors:

• CPU usage and load averages
• Memory and swap usage
• Disk usage for all mounted filesystems
• Network interface traffic
• System uptime
• Operating system and kernel version

Setting Up Alerts

Navigate to the Alerts section in your dashboard to configure notifications. You can set thresholds for:

• CPU usage (e.g., alert when above 90%)
• Memory usage (e.g., alert when above 85%)
• Disk usage (e.g., alert when above 90%)
• Server offline detection

Alerts are sent via email to your account address.

Adding More Servers

Repeat steps 2-3 for each server you want to monitor. Your first 5 servers are included in the base price of €5/month. Additional servers are just €1/month each.

Next Steps

• Explore plugins: Write custom bash scripts to monitor application-specific metrics
• Invite team members: Add other users to your account from the Settings page
• Configure services: Choose which systemd services to monitor on each server

Have questions? Email us at hello@serverscout.ie — we're happy to help.