Installing Apache Server on Ubuntu 14.04

Get Your Server Up and Running in No Time

Welcome to our guide on how to install Apache server on Ubuntu 14.04. Whether you’re a seasoned web developer or just starting out, having a reliable web server is crucial to the success of any website or web application. Apache is one of the most popular open-source web servers available, and it’s the go-to choice for many developers worldwide. In this article, we will explain how to install, configure, and manage Apache on Ubuntu 14.04.

What is Apache Server?

Apache is a free and open-source web server software that powers millions of websites worldwide. It’s the most popular web server software on the planet and is used by a wide range of businesses, organizations, and individuals. Apache is known for its stability, flexibility, and security, making it an ideal choice for hosting websites and web applications.

Advantages of Using Apache Server on Ubuntu 14.04

1. Stability: Apache is known for its stability and reliability. Its modular architecture allows for easy customization and scalability, making it an ideal choice for large-scale websites and web applications.

2. Flexibility: Apache can be configured to run on a wide range of platforms, including Linux, Windows, macOS, and Unix. It supports multiple programming languages, including PHP, Perl, Python, and Ruby, among others.

3. Security: Apache is known for its robust security features, including support for SSL/TLS encryption, password protection, and IP blocking, among others.

4. Speed: Apache is optimized for speed and can handle a large number of requests simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic websites and web applications.

5. Open-source: Apache is free and open-source software, meaning it’s available to anyone to use, modify, and distribute.

Disadvantages of Using Apache Server on Ubuntu 14.04

1. Complexity: Apache can be complex to configure and manage, especially for novice users. It requires a good understanding of web server technologies and protocols, which may be a steep learning curve for some users.

2. Resource-intensive: Apache can be resource-intensive, especially when running on low-powered hardware or virtual machines.

3. Vulnerabilities: Like any software, Apache is not immune to security vulnerabilities. The server must be configured and managed correctly to minimize the risk.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install Apache Server on Ubuntu 14.04

Before we start, let’s make sure our Ubuntu 14.04 server is up-to-date. Open a terminal and enter the following command:

Step 1: Install Apache

To install Apache on Ubuntu 14.04, enter the following command:

This command will install Apache on your server.

Step 2: Configure Firewall

By default, Ubuntu 14.04 comes with a firewall called ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall). We need to allow incoming traffic on port 80 (HTTP) and port 443 (HTTPS). Enter the following commands:

This will allow incoming traffic on ports 80 and 443.

Step 3: Test Apache Installation

To test the Apache installation, open a web browser and enter your server’s IP address in the address bar. You should see the default Apache page, confirming that Apache is up and running.

Step 4: Configure Virtual Hosts

Virtual Hosts allow you to host multiple websites on a single server. To create a virtual host, follow these steps:

1. Create a new directory for your website:

2. Create a new configuration file for your virtual host:

Replace example.com with your website’s domain name.

3. Add the following content to the configuration file:

<VirtualHost *:80>
     <ServerName example.com>
     <ServerAlias www.example.com>
     <DocumentRoot /var/www/example.com/html>
     <ErrorLog /var/www/example.com/log/error.log>
     <CustomLog /var/www/example.com/log/access.log combined>
</VirtualHost>

This configuration file sets up your virtual host, specifying the domain name, document root, and log files.

4. Enable the virtual host:

Reload Apache:

You can now add your website’s content to /var/www/example.com/html.

Step 5: Secure Your Apache Installation

Apache is a popular target for hackers, so it’s important to secure your installation. Here are some tips:

• Keep Apache up-to-date with the latest security patches
• Use SSL/TLS encryption with HTTPS
• Limit the number of modules loaded by Apache
• Set strong passwords for Apache users
• Disable directory listing
• Block IP addresses that make suspicious requests

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I start Apache on Ubuntu 14.04?

To start the Apache service, enter the following command:

2. How do I stop Apache on Ubuntu 14.04?

To stop the Apache service, enter the following command:

3. How do I restart Apache on Ubuntu 14.04?

To restart the Apache service, enter the following command:

4. How do I check the status of Apache on Ubuntu 14.04?

To check the status of the Apache service, enter the following command:

5. How do I enable SSL/TLS encryption with Apache on Ubuntu 14.04?

To enable SSL/TLS encryption with Apache, follow these steps:

1. Install the SSL module:

2. Generate a self-signed SSL certificate:

Follow the prompts to enter the certificate details.

3. Edit your virtual host configuration file:

Add the following lines to your configuration file:

SSLEngine on
     SSLCertificateFile /etc/ssl/certs/apache-selfsigned.crt
     SSLCertificateKeyFile /etc/ssl/private/apache-selfsigned.key

4. Reload Apache:

Your virtual host is now accessible through HTTPS.

6. How do I install PHP with Apache on Ubuntu 14.04?

To install PHP with Apache, enter the following command:

This will install PHP and the Apache PHP module.

7. How do I set up a password-protected directory with Apache on Ubuntu 14.04?

This can be achieved by creating an .htaccess file in the directory you wish to protect, with the following content:

AuthType Basic
     AuthName "Restricted Content"
     AuthUserFile /path/to/password/file
     Require valid-user

Replace /path/to/password/file with the path to your password file. Create the password file using the htpasswd command:

Follow the prompts to enter the password for the user.

Reload Apache:

Your directory is now password-protected.

8. How do I enable gzip compression with Apache on Ubuntu 14.04?

To enable gzip compression, add the following lines to your virtual host configuration file:

mod_gzip_on yes
     mod_gzip_item_include file \\.(html?|txt|css|js|php|pl)$
     mod_gzip_item_deflate on
     mod_gzip_item_include mime ^text/.*


Reload Apache:

Apache will now compress the content it serves, reducing the amount of data transferred and speeding up your website.

9. How do I set up a reverse proxy with Apache on Ubuntu 14.04?

To set up a reverse proxy with Apache, follow these steps:

1. Install the mod_proxy module:

These modules allow Apache to act as a reverse proxy.

2. Create a new virtual host for the site you want to proxy:

Follow the same steps as creating a regular virtual host configuration file, but add the following lines:

ProxyPass / http://192.168.1.100/
     ProxyPassReverse / http://192.168.1.100/

Replace http://192.168.1.100/ with the URL of the site you want to proxy.

3. Configure your DNS:

Set up a DNS record for your reverse proxy virtual host, pointing to your server’s IP address.

4. Reload Apache:

Your reverse proxy is now set up.

10. How do I limit the number of connections to my Apache server on Ubuntu

Video:Installing Apache Server on Ubuntu 14.04