Install and Configure Apache2 in Ubuntu 24

Apache2 Linux
codencorn
4 December 2024
0
6 minutes read

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to install and configure Apache2 on Ubuntu 24:

Step 1: Update the Package List

Before installing any new software, update the local package index to ensure you have the latest information about available packages:

Open a terminal (or connect to the server via SSH).
Run the following command:
```
sudo apt update
```
This updates the package list for the Ubuntu package manager (apt).

Step 2: Install Apache2

The apache2 package is available in Ubuntu’s default repositories. Use the apt command to install it:

Run the following command:
```
sudo apt install apache2 -y
```
The -y flag automatically confirms prompts during installation.
After installation, Apache2 should start automatically. Verify this in the next step.

Step 3: Verify Apache2 Service Status

To ensure Apache2 is running correctly:

Check the status of the Apache2 service:
```
sudo systemctl status apache2
```

Look for output like this:


apache2.service - The Apache HTTP Server 
Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/apache2.service; enabled; preset: enabled) 
Active: active (running) since [timestamp]

If it says active (running), the service is working.

If it’s not running, start it manually:
```
sudo systemctl start apache2
```

Step 4: Test Apache2 Installation

To confirm the installation:

Open a web browser on your machine or any device connected to the same network.
Go to the URL:
```
http://localhost/
```
Or use the server's IP address:
```
http://[your-server-ip]/
```
You should see the default Apache2 "It works!" page.
- To find your server’s IP address, use: ip addr show Look for an IP address under the inet section of the active network interface.

Step 5: Configure the Firewall (Optional but Recommended)

If you have a firewall enabled (like UFW), allow Apache traffic:

Allow basic HTTP traffic:
```
sudo ufw allow 'Apache'
```
If you’re hosting HTTPS traffic, allow that too:
```
sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'
```
Enable the firewall (if not already enabled):
```
sudo ufw enable
```
Check the firewall status:
```
sudo ufw status
```

Step 6: Enable Apache2 to Start on Boot

To ensure Apache2 starts automatically after a reboot:

Run the following command:
```
sudo systemctl enable apache2
```

Step 7: Customize Apache2 (Optional)

If you want to configure Apache further:

7.1. Set Up Virtual Hosts

Virtual hosts allow you to host multiple websites on a single server.

Create a configuration file for your site:

sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/your-site.conf

Add the following:

<VirtualHost *:80>
ServerName your-domain.com
ServerAlias www.your-domain.com
DocumentRoot /var/www/your-site
ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/error.log
CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

Enable the site:
```
sudo a2ensite your-site
```
Reload Apache:
```
sudo systemctl reload apache2
```

7.2. Enable/Disable Apache Modules

Apache comes with several modules for added functionality (e.g., mod_rewrite).

Enable a module:

sudo a2enmod rewrite
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Disable a module:

sudo a2dismod rewrite
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 8: Uninstall Apache2 (If Needed)

If you need to uninstall Apache2:

Stop the service:
```
sudo systemctl stop apache2
```
Uninstall Apache2:
```
sudo apt remove apache2 -y
```

Remove configuration files (optional):

sudo apt purge apache2 -y
sudo apt autoremove -y

This guide covers everything from basic installation to initial configuration. If you encounter issues, feel free to share the details!