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How to Install Apache2 on Ubuntu Server

Apache2 is one of the most popular web servers used globally, known for its flexibility, security, and support for a wide range of operating systems, including Ubuntu. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Apache2 on an Ubuntu server, allowing you to host websites and web applications efficiently.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the installation process, ensure that you have:

  • An Ubuntu server (any version, but this guide is best suited for Ubuntu 20.04 or later).
  • Access to the server with sudo privileges.
  • A stable internet connection to download packages.

Update Your System

Before installing any new software, it’s good practice to update your system’s package index. Run the following command:

sudo apt update

To upgrade any outdated packages, you can run:

sudo apt upgrade





Install Apache2





Now that your system is updated, you can install Apache2 by running the following command:





sudo apt install apache2





During the installation process, you may be prompted to confirm the installation by typing Y and pressing Enter.





Adjust Firewall Settings





If you have a firewall enabled, you need to allow traffic on port 80 (HTTP) and port 443 (HTTPS) to access your web server. Use the following commands to allow these ports:





sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'





To verify the firewall status and see the allowed services, use:





sudo ufw status










Check Apache Status





After the installation is complete, check the status of the Apache service to ensure it is running:





sudo systemctl status apache2





If Apache is running, you should see output indicating that the service is active (running). If it’s not running, you can start it using:





sudo systemctl start apache2










Test Apache Installation





To confirm that Apache is working correctly, open a web browser and enter your server’s IP address. You can find your server’s IP address with the following command:





hostname -I





In your web browser, type the IP address (e.g., http://your_server_ip) and press Enter. If Apache is installed correctly, you should see the default Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page, indicating that the server is running.










Manage Apache Service





You can manage the Apache service using the following commands:





    

  • Stop Apache:
    • 






sudo systemctl stop apache2





    

  • Restart Apache:
    • 






sudo systemctl restart apache2





    

  • Reload Apache (for applying changes without restarting):
    • 






sudo systemctl reload apache2










Enable Apache to Start on Boot





To ensure that Apache starts automatically when the server boots, enable the service using the following command:





sudo systemctl enable apache2





Congratulations! You have successfully installed Apache2 on your Ubuntu server. You can now host websites, web applications, or use it for testing and development purposes. For further configurations, you may want to explore virtual hosts, SSL certificates, and various Apache modules to enhance your server’s capabilities