Host Website on Ubuntu Server 18.04

Hello Dev! In today’s digital age, having a website is a crucial aspect for any business or individual looking to establish an online presence. However, hosting a website requires a server to store the website files and make them accessible to visitors. In this journal article, we will guide you on how to host your website on an Ubuntu Server 18.04. Let’s get started!

What is Ubuntu Server 18.04?

Ubuntu Server 18.04 is a free and open-source Linux-based operating system that is designed for servers. It is widely used for hosting websites, cloud services, and databases due to its stability, security, and ease of use. Ubuntu Server 18.04 comes with a wide range of pre-installed software and tools, making it an ideal choice for hosting websites.

Advantages of using Ubuntu Server 18.04 for website hosting

There are several advantages of using Ubuntu Server 18.04 for website hosting:

Step-by-Step Guide for Hosting Your Website on Ubuntu Server 18.04

1. Set up an Ubuntu Server 18.04

The first step is to set up an Ubuntu Server 18.04. You can do this by downloading the ISO file from the official Ubuntu website and creating a bootable USB drive. Once you have the USB drive, you can plug it into your server and follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu Server 18.04.

2. Install Apache Web Server

Apache is a popular open-source web server that is widely used for hosting websites. To install Apache on your Ubuntu Server 18.04, you can run the following command:

sudo apt install apache2

This will install Apache and all of its necessary dependencies.

3. Set up a Virtual Host

A virtual host allows you to host multiple websites on a single server. To set up a virtual host, you need to create a new Apache configuration file for each website. You can do this by creating a new file in the /etc/apache2/sites-available/ directory. For example, if you want to host a website called “example.com,” you can create a new file called example.com.conf with the following contents:

<VirtualHost *:80>ServerAdmin webmaster@example.comServerName example.comServerAlias www.example.comDocumentRoot /var/www/example.com/htmlErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/error.logCustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/access.log combined</VirtualHost>

Replace “example.com” with your website’s domain name and “webmaster@example.com” with your email address.

4. Set up DNS Records

DNS records are used to map a domain name to an IP address. To set up DNS records, you need to log in to your domain registrar’s website and add a new “A record” that points to your server’s IP address. It may take up to 24 hours for the DNS changes to propagate.

5. Upload Your Website Files

Once you have set up your virtual host and DNS records, you can upload your website files to the server. You can do this using FTP or SCP.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server?

Ubuntu Desktop is designed for personal use, while Ubuntu Server is designed for server applications. Ubuntu Server does not come with a graphical user interface, while Ubuntu Desktop does.

2. What is Apache Web Server?

Apache Web Server is a popular open-source web server that is widely used for hosting websites.

3. What is a virtual host?

A virtual host allows you to host multiple websites on a single server.

4. How do I set up DNS records?

You can set up DNS records by logging in to your domain registrar’s website and adding a new “A record” that points to your server’s IP address.

5. How do I upload my website files?

You can upload your website files to the server using FTP or SCP.

Conclusion

Hosting your website on an Ubuntu Server 18.04 is a great way to establish an online presence for your business or personal brand. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up your own web server and host your website with ease. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to consult the Ubuntu community or seek professional help.