Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to install Apache Web Server on CentOS. Apache is by far the most popular and widely used web server software in the world, boasting over 40% market share. CentOS is one of the most popular Linux operating systems, known for its stability, security, and reliability. Together, they form a powerful combination that millions of web administrators around the world rely on each day.
If you are starting with a fresh installation of CentOS or simply need to install a web server on an existing system, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started.
In this guide, we’ll cover the installation process for Apache Web Server on CentOS, including step-by-step instructions and screenshots. We’ll also explore the advantages and disadvantages of using Apache on CentOS, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.
What is Apache Web Server?
Apache is a free and open-source web server software that powers more than 40% of websites on the internet. It was first released in 1995 and has since become the most popular web server software in the world. Apache is known for its flexibility, security, and reliability, making it the go-to choice for many web administrators and developers.
What is CentOS?
CentOS is a free and open-source operating system based on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux distribution. It is known for its stability, security, and reliability, which makes it a popular choice for web servers. CentOS is often used for hosting websites, database servers, and other enterprise-level applications.
What are the advantages of using Apache Web Server on CentOS?
There are several advantages to using Apache Web Server on CentOS:
Advantages |
Description |
|---|---|
Open-source and free |
Apache is completely free and open-source, which means you can use, modify, and distribute the software without any licensing fees. |
Flexible and customizable |
Apache can be customized to fit the needs of your specific web application. It supports a wide range of modules and configurations, making it the most flexible web server software available. |
Highly secure |
Apache has a strong track record of security and is constantly updated to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. It also includes a range of security features to help keep your website safe. |
Stable and reliable |
Apache is known for its stability and reliability, which makes it the industry standard for web servers. It can handle high traffic volumes and is designed to keep your website running smoothly. |
What are the disadvantages of using Apache Web Server on CentOS?
While Apache Web Server has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
Disadvantages |
Description |
|---|---|
Can be resource-intensive |
Apache can consume a lot of system resources, especially when running on lower-end hardware. This can affect system performance and cause slower response times for your website. |
Requires more setup |
Compared to other web servers, Apache requires more setup and configuration to get up and running. This can be daunting for novice users who are not familiar with web server technology. |
Can be complex |
Apache has a lot of features, modules, and configurations, which can make it a bit overwhelming for some users. This complexity can be a barrier for those who are new to web server technology. |
Installing Apache Web Server on CentOS
Before we begin the installation process, make sure your CentOS system is up to date by running the following command:
yum updateYou’ll also need to have root access to your CentOS system. If you don’t have root access, you can switch to the root user by running the following command:
su -Step 1: Install Apache Web Server
The first step is to install the Apache Web Server software. You can do this by running the following command:
yum install httpdWait for the installation process to complete, then start the Apache service by running the following command:
systemctl start httpdYou can check the status of the Apache service by running:
systemctl status httpdIf the Apache service is running, you should see a message like this:
● httpd.service - The Apache HTTP ServerLoaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/httpd.service; enabled; vendor preset: disabled)Active: active (running) since XXX; XXs agoStep 2: Configure Firewall Settings
Next, you’ll need to configure your firewall settings to allow traffic to your Apache server. To do this, run the following commands:
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=httpfirewall-cmd --reloadThis will allow HTTP traffic to your server through the firewall. If you want to allow HTTPS traffic as well, run:
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=httpsfirewall-cmd --reloadStep 3: Configure Virtual Hosts
If you plan to host multiple websites on your Apache server, you’ll need to configure virtual hosts. Virtual hosts allow you to host multiple domains on a single server. To create a virtual host, create a new configuration file in the Apache configuration directory:
vi /etc/httpd/conf.d/example.com.confReplace “example.com” with your domain name. Add the following content to the file:
<VirtualHost *:80>ServerName example.comServerAlias www.example.comDocumentRoot /var/www/example.com<Directory /var/www/example.com>Options Indexes FollowSymLinks MultiViewsAllowOverride AllRequire all granted</Directory>ErrorLog /var/log/httpd/example.com_error.logCustomLog /var/log/httpd/example.com_access.log combined</VirtualHost>Save and close the file. Then, create the document root directory and set the appropriate permissions:
mkdir /var/www/example.comchmod -R 755 /var/www/example.comchown -R apache:apache /var/www/example.comFinally, restart the Apache service to apply the changes:
systemctl restart httpdStep 4: Test Your Apache Installation
To test your Apache installation, open a web browser and navigate to your server’s IP address or domain name. You should see the default Apache welcome page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest version of Apache Web Server?
The latest stable release of Apache Web Server is version 2.4.46, which was released on August 11, 2020.
How do I check the version of Apache Web Server?
You can check the version of Apache Web Server by running the following command:
httpd -vWhat is the default document root directory for Apache Web Server on CentOS?
The default document root directory for Apache Web Server on CentOS is /var/www/html.
How do I change the default document root directory for Apache Web Server?
To change the default document root directory, edit the Apache configuration file:
vi /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.confFind the “DocumentRoot” directive and change it to your desired directory:
DocumentRoot /path/to/your/directorySave and close the file, then restart the Apache service to apply the changes:
systemctl restart httpdWhat is the difference between Apache and NGINX?
Apache and NGINX are both popular web server software. Apache is known for its flexibility and customizable options while NGINX is known for its speed and performance. NGINX is often used as a reverse proxy to handle and distribute incoming traffic.
What is PHP?
PHP is a popular server-side scripting language used to build dynamic websites and web applications. It can be used with Apache Web Server to create powerful and interactive websites.
What is MySQL?
MySQL is a popular open-source relational database management system. It is commonly used with Apache Web Server and PHP to create dynamic websites and web applications.
What is SSL?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, which is a protocol that provides secure communication between a web browser and a web server. It is used to encrypt sensitive data (such as credit card numbers) and protect against eavesdropping and tampering.
What is a virtual host?
A virtual host is a method of hosting multiple domains on a single server. Each virtual host has its own document root directory and configuration settings.
What is mod_rewrite?
mod_rewrite is a module for Apache Web Server that allows you to rewrite URLs. This can be useful for search engine optimization (SEO) and creating user-friendly URLs.
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol and is used to transfer data between a web browser and a web server. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and provides an encrypted version of HTTP, which is used to protect sensitive data during transmission.
What is a .htaccess file?
A .htaccess file is a configuration file used by Apache Web Server to control directory-level settings. It can be used to set permissions, rewrite URLs, and configure other settings.
What is a CGI script?
A Common Gateway Interface (CGI) script is a program that runs on a web server and generates dynamic web content. CGI scripts are often used to create interactive web applications.
What is the difference between Apache and IIS?
IIS stands for Internet Information Services and is a web server software developed by Microsoft. It is designed to run on Windows operating systems and is often used with other Microsoft technologies, such as ASP.NET.
The main difference between Apache and IIS is the operating system they run on and the technologies they support. Apache is open-source and can run on a wide variety of platforms, while IIS is proprietary and only runs on Windows.
What is a server-side include?
A server-side include (SSI) is a method of inserting dynamic content into a web page using server-side scripting. SSI can be used to include the current date and time, insert file contents, and more.
What is a reverse proxy?
A reverse proxy is a server that sits between clients and servers and forwards client requests to the appropriate server. Reverse proxies can be used to distribute incoming traffic, improve performance, and provide additional security features.
What is a load balancer?
A load balancer is a device or software that distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers. Load balancers can help improve performance, increase reliability, and provide additional security features.
Conclusion
Installing Apache Web Server on CentOS is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some knowledge of Linux server administration. Apache is a powerful and flexible web server software that offers many advantages for hosting websites and web applications. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider, such as the potential for higher resource consumption and complexity.
In this guide, we’ve covered the installation process for Apache Web Server on CentOS, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using this software. We’ve also answered some frequently asked questions about Apache, CentOS, and web server technology in general. If you’re looking to set up a web server on CentOS, Apache is an excellent choice that offers flexibility, security, and reliability.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained herein. Your use of the information in this article is at your own risk.