Introduction
Greetings, fellow tech enthusiasts. If you’re reading this article, you probably already know the importance of having a reliable web server for your business or personal projects. Among the most popular web servers out there, Ubuntu Server 14.04 is a reliable option, as it is stable and secure. However, to create a dynamic website, you need a LAMP stack: Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. In this guide, we’ll explain how to install and configure LAMP stack on your Ubuntu server 14.04 step-by-step.
What is Ubuntu Server 14.04?
Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating system that is popular among developers due to its ease of use and robust security features. Ubuntu Server 14.04 is the long-term support version of the operating system released in April 2014 and supported for five years. It is a free and open-source operating system that can be used to create a web server, a mail server, or a file server, among others.
What is LAMP Stack?
LAMP stack is a combination of open-source software used to host dynamic websites and web applications. It consists of:
L |
A |
M |
P |
|---|---|---|---|
Linux |
Apache |
MySQL |
PHP |
In this guide, we will explain how to install and configure each of these components.
Ubuntu Server 14.04 LAMP Guide
Installing Ubuntu Server 14.04
The first step is to download and install Ubuntu Server 14.04 on your system. Ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware requirements of 1GB RAM and 25GB of storage space. After installation, you can log in and begin configuring your server.
Updating Ubuntu Server 14.04
Before installing any software, update your Ubuntu server to the latest version using the following command:
sudo apt-get update
You may also want to upgrade your system to the latest version using:
sudo apt-get upgrade
Now that we’ve updated our system, it’s time to install Apache.
Installing Apache
Apache is the most popular web server in use today. To install Apache, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install apache2
After installation, you can verify that Apache is running by opening your web browser and entering your server’s IP address. You should see the Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page.
Installing MySQL
MySQL is a popular database management system that is used with LAMP stack. To install MySQL, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install mysql-server
During the installation process, you will be prompted to set a password for the MySQL root user. Make sure to remember this password as you will need it later.
Installing PHP
PHP is a popular web programming language used to create dynamic web pages. To install PHP, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install php
You may also need to install some additional PHP modules. The most common ones are:
sudo apt-get install php-mysql php-curl php-gd php-intl php-json php-mbstring php-xml php-zip
Configuring Apache
Now that we have installed Apache, MySQL, and PHP, it’s time to configure Apache to use PHP. To do this, we need to install the libapache2-mod-php module using the following command:
sudo apt-get install libapache2-mod-php
Then, we need to restart Apache to apply the changes using:
sudo service apache2 restart
Creating a PHP Test File
To test that PHP is working correctly, we can create a PHP info file. Create a file named info.php in the /var/www/html directory using:
sudo nano /var/www/html/info.php
Then, add the following code:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
After saving and exiting the file, go to your web browser and enter your server’s IP address followed by /info.php. If everything is working correctly, you should see a page with detailed information about your PHP installation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ubuntu Server 14.04 LAMP Guide
Advantages of Ubuntu Server 14.04 LAMP Guide
Free and Open Source
Ubuntu Server 14.04 is a free and open-source operating system with no licensing fees. This means that you can use it for commercial or personal use without any limitations.
Stable and Secure
Ubuntu Server 14.04 is a stable and secure operating system that is built on Debian which is known for its stability and security. It is also regularly updated with security patches.
Easy to Use
Ubuntu Server 14.04 is easy to install and configure, even for those without much Linux experience. The LAMP stack can be installed quickly and with minimal effort.
Flexible
Ubuntu Server 14.04 is a flexible operating system that can be used to host different applications such as a web server, a mail server, or a file server. LAMP stack is also flexible and can be used to host different types of websites and applications.
Disadvantages of Ubuntu Server 14.04 LAMP Guide
Learning Curve
For those new to Linux, Ubuntu Server 14.04 can have a steep learning curve. However, there are many online resources available, such as forums and documentation, to help new users.
Compatibility Issues
Some third-party software may not be compatible with Ubuntu Server 14.04, which can be a challenge for those who rely on such software.
Limited Support
Ubuntu Server 14.04 is a long-term support release and is supported for five years. However, after that, support may be limited, which can be a concern for those who require long-term support.
Server Maintenance
Running a web server requires maintenance, such as applying security patches and updating software. This can be challenging for those who don’t have much server administration experience.
FAQs
1. How can I check if Apache is running?
You can check if Apache is running by opening your web browser and entering your server’s IP address. You should see the Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page.
2. How can I install PHP on Ubuntu Server 14.04?
To install PHP on Ubuntu Server 14.04, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install php
3. How can I install MySQL on Ubuntu Server 14.04?
To install MySQL on Ubuntu Server 14.04, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install mysql-server
4. How can I restart Apache?
You can restart Apache using the following command:
sudo service apache2 restart
5. How can I create a PHP info file?
To create a PHP info file, create a file named info.php in the /var/www/html directory using:
sudo nano /var/www/html/info.php
Then, add the following code:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
6. Is Ubuntu Server 14.04 free?
Yes, Ubuntu Server 14.04 is a free and open-source operating system with no licensing fees.
7. What is LAMP stack used for?
LAMP stack is used to host dynamic websites and web applications. It consists of Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
8. How can I install additional PHP modules?
You can install additional PHP modules using the following command:
sudo apt-get install php-mysql php-curl php-gd php-intl php-json php-mbstring php-xml php-zip
9. What is the minimum hardware requirement for Ubuntu Server 14.04?
The minimum hardware requirement for Ubuntu Server 14.04 is 1GB RAM and 25GB of storage space.
10. What is a web server?
A web server is a computer system that stores and delivers web pages to users upon request.
11. What is MySQL?
MySQL is a popular database management system that is used with LAMP stack.
12. What is Apache?
Apache is the most popular web server in use today.
13. What is PHP?
PHP is a popular web programming language used to create dynamic web pages.
Conclusion
By now, you should have installed and configured your Ubuntu Server 14.04 LAMP stack. This guide aimed to help you understand the basics of LAMP stack and how to set it up from scratch. Remember to keep your server up-to-date and properly maintained to ensure that it is secure and running smoothly. If you need further assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to seek help from online communities and forums. Finally, we hope that this guide was informative and that you found it useful. Thank you for reading.
Closing or Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. We are not responsible for any damage or loss that may result from following the instructions in this guide. Always make a backup of your data before making any changes to your server.