A LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP) is a popular open-source web server environment used to host websites and applications. This guide will walk you through installing and configuring a LAMP stack on your Linux VPS (Ubuntu or Debian).
📌 Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
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A VPS with Ubuntu or Debian installed.
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Root or sudo user access.
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An SSH client (like PuTTY for Windows or Terminal for macOS/Linux).
1️⃣ Update Your VPS
Before installing any software, update your package list to ensure you have the latest versions.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
2️⃣ Install Apache Web Server
Apache is the most widely used web server.
Step 1: Install Apache
sudo apt install apache2 -y
Step 2: Start and Enable Apache
sudo systemctl start apache2 sudo systemctl enable apache2
Step 3: Allow Web Traffic Through the Firewall
sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'
Step 4: Verify Apache is Running
Open your browser and enter your VPS IP address (http://your-vps-ip).
You should see the Apache default page.
3️⃣ Install MySQL Database Server
MySQL is used to store website data and manage databases.
Step 1: Install MySQL
sudo apt install mysql-server -y
Step 2: Secure MySQL Installation
Run the MySQL security script to improve security settings:
sudo mysql_secure_installation
Follow the prompts:
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Set a strong root password.
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Remove anonymous users.
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Disable remote root login.
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Remove test database.
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Reload privilege tables.
Step 3: Verify MySQL Installation
sudo systemctl status mysql
4️⃣ Install PHP
PHP is a scripting language used to run dynamic web applications.
Step 1: Install PHP
sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql -y
Step 2: Check Installed PHP Version
php -v
5️⃣ Configure Apache to Use PHP
By default, Apache serves index.html first. You need to prioritize PHP files.
Step 1: Edit Apache Configuration
sudo nano /etc/apache2/mods-enabled/dir.conf
Find the following line:
DirectoryIndex index.html index.cgi index.pl index.php index.xhtml index.htm
Move index.php to the front:
DirectoryIndex index.php index.html index.cgi index.pl index.xhtml index.htm
Step 2: Restart Apache
sudo systemctl restart apache2
6️⃣ Test Your LAMP Stack
To verify that PHP is working correctly, create a test file.
Step 1: Create a PHP Info Page
sudo nano /var/www/html/info.php
Add the following content:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
Step 2: Save and Exit
Press Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter to save.
Step 3: Open in a Browser
Visit http://your-vps-ip/info.php in your browser.
You should see a PHP information page.
7️⃣ Secure Your Apache and MySQL Installation
To enhance security, follow these best practices.
Step 1: Disable Directory Listing
Edit the default Apache configuration:
sudo nano /etc/apache2/apache2.conf
Find:
<Directory /var/www/> Options Indexes FollowSymLinks AllowOverride None Require all granted </Directory>
Change Indexes to -Indexes:
<Directory /var/www/> Options -Indexes FollowSymLinks AllowOverride None Require all granted </Directory>
Save and restart Apache:
sudo systemctl restart apache2
Step 2: Set Up a Firewall for MySQL
By default, MySQL listens on port 3306. If you are not running remote databases, block external access:
sudo ufw deny 3306
Step 3: Remove the Test PHP Info File
Once you've verified PHP is working, delete the test file:
sudo rm /var/www/html/info.php
8️⃣ Final Verification
To confirm everything is working, you can:
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Restart all services:
sudo systemctl restart apache2 mysql -
Check their status:
sudo systemctl status apache2 mysql -
Upload a sample PHP website to
/var/www/html/and test.
🎉 Conclusion
You have successfully installed and configured a LAMP stack on your Linux VPS! You are now ready to host websites, WordPress, or other web applications. 🚀
For any further assistance, contact VolticHost Support.