CentOS Starting Apache Server – The Complete Guide

Introduction

Greetings everyone! In today’s digital world, online presence has become a necessity. Apache server is one of the most popular web servers available and is widely used among developers. CentOS is a Linux distribution that has been designed to provide a stable environment for users. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of starting an Apache server on CentOS. You can create a website for your personal or business use and start serving your audience with exceptional quality. Let’s get started!

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure that you have the following things ready:

Prerequisites	Details
CentOS installation	Ensure that you have a CentOS installed on your system.
Root Access	You should have root access to your system.
Internet Connection	You should have a stable internet connection to download the necessary packages.
Static IP	You should have a static IP address for your server.

Step-by-step guide

Starting Apache Server

Let’s start by installing the Apache server on CentOS.

Step 1: Update the system

Before we begin, let’s update our system to ensure that we have the latest packages.

sudo yum update

Step 2: Install Apache server

Next, we need to install the Apache server. Run the following command:

sudo yum install httpd

Step 3: Start the Apache service

The Apache server has been installed. Now, we need to start the service. Run the following command:

sudo systemctl start httpd

The Apache server is now running, and you can check the status by running the following command:

sudo systemctl status httpd

Step 4: Configure Firewall

To allow external requests, we need to configure the firewall. Run the following command:

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http

After that, reload the firewall by running the following command:

sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Step 5: Enable Apache to start at boot

We want Apache to start automatically whenever we boot our system. To do that, run the following command:

sudo systemctl enable httpd

Step 6: Accessing Apache server from browser

The Apache server is now installed and running. To check if it’s working correctly, open your browser and enter your server’s IP address in the address bar. If you see a page displaying “Apache 2 Test Page”, congratulations! You have successfully started the Apache server on CentOS.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

1. Open-source

Apache server is an open-source software, and you can use it without any licensing fees. You can modify the source code according to your requirements and contribute to the community.

2. Stable and reliable

Apache server is a stable and reliable web server. It has been around for a long time and is widely used in the industry, making it a trusted and proven platform.

3. High-performance

Apache server has high-performance capabilities that can handle a large number of requests at once, making it ideal for serving dynamic content.

4. User-friendly

Apache server is user-friendly and easy to use. It has a simple installation process and comprehensive documentation.

Disadvantages

1. Configuration

Apache server requires some configuration to optimize it for your needs. This process may be time-consuming and complex, especially for beginners.

2. Security

The security of Apache server depends on the configuration and implementation. If you don’t take the necessary precautions, the server can be vulnerable to attacks.

3. Resource-intensive

Apache server can consume a large amount of system resources, such as RAM and CPU, especially when handling a large number of requests.

4. Limited support

The support for Apache server may be limited compared to other web servers. However, the community is continually working to improve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I know if Apache server is installed?

To check if Apache server is installed, run the following command:

httpd -v

Q2. How do I stop the Apache server?

To stop the Apache server, run the following command:

sudo systemctl stop httpd

Q3. How do I restart the Apache server?

To restart the Apache server, run the following command:

sudo systemctl restart httpd

Q4. How do I enable SSL on Apache server?

To enable SSL on Apache server, you need to install and configure an SSL certificate. You can find detailed instructions in the Apache documentation.

Q5. Can I run multiple websites on the same Apache server?

Yes, you can run multiple websites on the same Apache server. You need to configure virtual hosts to direct traffic to the respective websites.

Q6. How do I check the Apache server configuration?

To check the Apache server configuration, run the following command:

sudo apachectl configtest

Q7. How do I view the Apache server logs?

To view the Apache server logs, run the following command:

sudo tail -f /var/log/httpd/access_log

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting an Apache server on CentOS is a relatively simple and straightforward process. With a few commands, you can have a fully functional web server running in no time. Apache server has many benefits, including being open-source, stable, reliable, and user-friendly. However, it is not without its drawbacks, such as being resource-intensive and requiring configuration. We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of starting an Apache server on CentOS.

Take Action! Start your journey with Apache server and CentOS today!

Closing Disclaimer

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not provide any guarantee or warranty regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided herein. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any loss or damage in connection with the use of this article.

Video:centos starting apache server