Get Your Ubuntu 16.04 Server Ready for LAMP
If you are looking to set up your own web server, then Ubuntu 16.04 is an excellent choice. With its easy-to-use interface and vast repository of software, you can easily configure your server to host your website, e-commerce store, or even a blog. But, before we dive right into the installation process for LAMP, there are a few things you need to do first to get your Ubuntu 16.04 server ready.
Step 1: Update Your Ubuntu 16.04 Server
The first thing you need to do is update your Ubuntu 16.04 server. To do this, open up your terminal and run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt update |
Updates the list of available packages and their versions. |
sudo apt upgrade |
Upgrades the existing packages to their latest available version. |
Step 2: Install the Required Dependencies
Next, you need to install the required dependencies for LAMP. Run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install apache2 mysql-server php libapache2-mod-php |
Installs Apache, MySQL, PHP, and the PHP module for Apache. |
Step 3: Secure Your Server
It is important to secure your server, especially if you are planning to host sensitive information. The following command will install the Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) and allow incoming traffic only on ports 80 and 443:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install ufw |
Installs the UFW firewall. |
sudo ufw allow 80/tcp |
Allows HTTP traffic. |
sudo ufw allow 443/tcp |
Allows HTTPS traffic. |
sudo ufw enable |
Turns on the firewall. |
How to Install LAMP on Ubuntu 16.04 Server
Now that we have got your Ubuntu 16.04 server ready for LAMP, let’s move ahead and install LAMP on your server.
Step 1: Install Apache
To install Apache, run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install apache2 |
Installs the Apache server. |
Step 2: Install MySQL
To install MySQL, run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install mysql-server |
Installs the MySQL server. |
Step 3: Secure MySQL
It is important to secure your MySQL installation by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo mysql_secure_installation |
Secures the MySQL installation. |
Step 4: Install PHP
To install PHP, run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php |
Installs PHP and the PHP module for Apache. |
Step 5: Verify the Installation
To verify the LAMP installation, create a test PHP file by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo nano /var/www/html/info.php |
Creates a new file named ‘info.php’ in the ‘/var/www/html’ directory. |
<?php phpinfo(); ?> |
Enter this code into the file and then save and close it. |
Now, open your web browser and type in your server’s IP address followed by “/info.php”. If everything is set up correctly, you should see a webpage displaying your PHP information.
Advantages and Disadvantages of LAMP on Ubuntu 16.04 Server
Advantages of LAMP
Let’s start with the advantages:
1. Cost-Effective
One of the biggest advantages of LAMP is that it is free and open-source. This means that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on licensing fees, making it a cost-effective option for small business owners and individuals.
2. Easy to Use
With its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation, LAMP is easy to use and can be installed and configured quickly, even for beginners.
3. Customizable
LAMP is highly customizable as it is open-source, allowing you to modify the source code as per your needs and requirements.
4. Community Support
The LAMP community is large and active, providing a wealth of resources, documentation, and support to users.
Disadvantages of LAMP
Now, let’s look at the disadvantages of LAMP:
1. Security Vulnerabilities
Since LAMP is open-source, it is vulnerable to security breaches, which means you need to be vigilant about security updates and patches.
2. Requires Expertise
While LAMP is easy to use, it still requires some technical expertise to configure and maintain, making it challenging for those without a technical background.
3. No Support
As with any open-source software, LAMP does not come with any official customer support, which means you need to rely on the community for assistance.
FAQs About Ubuntu 16.04 Server Install LAMP
1. What is LAMP?
LAMP stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. It is an open-source software stack used for building and hosting web applications.
2. Is LAMP free?
Yes, LAMP is free and open-source software.
3. What is the minimum server configuration required for installing LAMP?
The minimum server configuration required for installing LAMP is 1 CPU core, 1GB of RAM, and 10GB of disk space.
4. How do I access my LAMP server remotely?
You can access your LAMP server remotely using SSH (Secure Shell), which provides a secure encrypted connection to your server.
5. Can I install LAMP on other Linux distributions?
Yes, you can install LAMP on other Linux distributions such as CentOS and Debian.
6. How do I create a database in MySQL?
To create a database in MySQL, log in to MySQL using the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
mysql -u root -p |
Logs in to MySQL with the root user. |
Then, create a new database by running the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
CREATE DATABASE database_name; |
Creates a new database with the specified name. |
7. How do I install additional PHP modules?
To install additional PHP modules, run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install php-module-name |
Installs the specified PHP module. |
8. How do I restart Apache?
To restart Apache, run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo systemctl restart apache2 |
Restarts the Apache server. |
9. Can I install LAMP on a virtual machine?
Yes, you can install LAMP on a virtual machine such as VirtualBox or VMware.
10. How do I backup my LAMP server?
To back up your LAMP server, you can use tools such as rsync, tar, or mysqldump.
11. Can I use LAMP to host multiple websites?
Yes, you can use LAMP to host multiple websites by creating virtual hosts in Apache.
12. How do I configure PHP settings?
To configure PHP settings, edit the ‘php.ini’ file located in the ‘/etc/php/’ directory.
13. Can I use LAMP on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, you can use LAMP on a Raspberry Pi by using a Linux distribution such as Raspbian.
Conclusion
You have learned how to install LAMP on your Ubuntu 16.04 server in easy-to-follow steps. The advantages and disadvantages of LAMP have also been highlighted, which will help you make an informed decision. Remember, while LAMP is an excellent choice for hosting web applications, it requires regular maintenance and security updates to keep your server secure. Now, take action, install LAMP on your Ubuntu 16.04 server, and start hosting your website.
Closing Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. The author and publisher are not liable for any damages or losses in connection with the use of this information. Always consult with a qualified IT professional before making any changes to your server or network infrastructure.