apache, mysql + php

[fkzdiceman]

Hello everyone,

I'm fairly new to LINUX so please excuse my ignorance. I have a box that I am going to install apache, mysql, php and modssl on, but everything I have read seems to recommend using the source instead of rpm. I don't have a problem with this, but it just seems like it would be more of a pain if I have to do upgrades. Can anyone give me the details of the easiest way to have a box configured the way you want it, that is also easy to maintain, update etc...

Thanks!

matt

[ieatlint]

Stable versions of apache, mysql and php are almost entirely bug-free.
While new versions may be released, the new versions offer more functionality and not necessarily security (erhm, unless that is the new feature).
So unless you need something that the new version offers, you won't ever really need to upgrade. Many sites accross the web use old version of Apache. fedoraforum.org uses 1.3.29; ibm.com uses 1.3.26. fedoraforum.org also uses PHP 4.3.3.

This isn't Windows... old versions work fine, and are often more trusted because they're proven to not contain volitile security vulnerabilities.

The only maintainance you'll need is for the actual website content...


If you're new to linux, and your looking to get it working; use the rpms. Using RedHat's setup will be simpler and overall more trustworthy. If you're looking to learn a bit more about linux, or need something in a newer version than the rpm's provide... then play with the source. It's not too complicated.
PHP's install instructions include compiling and installing apache to work with PHP.

[Jman]

The key here is easy to maintain and upgrade. It is a lot easier to use a rpm based package system updated by yum or apt. And this way you get every bug fix in the built versions, without compiling yourself. I never got the hang of building everything.

I'm guessing people compiling want to make some major changes or optomizations. Sometimes you can't find a rpm built for Fedora, or with some special hack.

You can still make changes, like add a custom apache module, with rpm. I recommend it over compiling.

[Ug]

Moved to Servers

[cineburk]

I'm not sure about modssl, but I would highly recommend checking out the XAMPP installation package by Apachefriends. It was very quick and painless, and I've been very happy with how it works together. It seems to kept up to date fairly well.

It might be a start. You can also get a custom Webmin install, in addition to the custom XAMPP admin program (which includes PHPmyadmin all ready to go as well.)

The info from their site:

The distribution for Linux system (tested for SuSE, RedHat, Mandrake and Debian) contains: Apache, MySQL, PHP & PEAR, Perl, ProFTPD, phpMyAdmin, OpenSSL, GD, Freetype2, libjpeg, libpng, gdbm, zlib, expat, Sablotron, libxml, Ming, Webalizer, pdf class, ncurses, mod_perl, FreeTDS, gettext, mcrypt, mhash, Turck MMCache, SQLite and IMAP C-Client.

http://www.apachefriends.org/en/index.html

It's pretty easy to install; just follow their directions. The Webmin install is in "Add Ons". It installs Webmin in German, but you can change it to English in the config options after it's up and running.

[ilja]

Originally posted by cineburk
I'm not sure about modssl, but I would highly recommend checking out the XAMPP installation package by Apachefriends. It was very quick and painless, and I've been very happy with how it works together. It seems to kept up to date fairly well.

It might be a start. You can also get a custom Webmin install, in addition to the custom XAMPP admin program (which includes PHPmyadmin all ready to go as well.)

The info from their site:



http://www.apachefriends.org/en/index.html

It's pretty easy to install; just follow their directions. The Webmin install is in "Add Ons". It installs Webmin in German, but you can change it to English in the config options after it's up and running.

Yes XAMPP is a great thing, but as it is said on the HP of XAMPP it is meant as a enviroment for developers. It is made that way, that you can make all things not regarding some security barriers. Of course there is an option to make it "safe", but I don't know why, I am sceptical about it. And
fkzdiceman didn't mention why he wants to build a server. For a test-server at home XAMPP is a very great solution yes, but I would never put a XAMPP server on the internet. (maybe I have paranoia )

[achillis]

It's easy to set up apache+php, but I don't know how to set up php+mysql until now. I tried to use rpm packages and I also installed php-mysql rpm packages. I just got errors like 'unable to connect mysql...' msg. Anyway I will try to compile source code later.

[maleficent]

You have started mysql haven't you? (Just checking, no offence meant)

/sbin/service mysql start

Also, remember to open port 3306 if you want to access mysql from another box.