How To Install Webuzo on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Webuzo stands as a powerful, user-friendly control panel designed to simplify web hosting management on Linux servers. This comprehensive guide walks you through installing Webuzo on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, the latest long-term support release of Ubuntu. Whether you’re a seasoned system administrator or new to server management, this tutorial will help you set up Webuzo efficiently, enabling you to manage websites, applications, and server resources with ease.

Table of Contents

What is Webuzo?

Webuzo is a feature-rich web hosting control panel that streamlines server management and application deployment processes. Developed as a solution for simplifying complex server administration tasks, Webuzo offers both single-user and multi-user (v4) versions to accommodate various hosting scenarios.

At its core, Webuzo provides a centralized management interface for your web server, allowing you to:

Deploy web applications with one-click installation
Manage domains and subdomains
Configure and optimize web servers
Administer databases
Handle email services
Manage FTP accounts

Unlike traditional control panels that often come with hefty licensing fees, Webuzo offers an affordable alternative without compromising on essential features. The control panel excels at providing a balance between functionality and user-friendliness, making server management accessible even to those without extensive technical backgrounds.

Webuzo’s architecture is designed to work seamlessly with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, leveraging the stability and security features of this long-term support release. The integration ensures compatibility with the latest software packages while maintaining reliable performance.

System Requirements

Before beginning the installation process, ensure your system meets the necessary requirements to run Webuzo efficiently on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Hardware Requirements

Webuzo requires modest hardware resources to operate effectively:

RAM: Minimum of 1GB, though 2GB or more is recommended for optimal performance
Disk Space: At least 5GB of free disk space, with 10GB recommended for better functionality
CPU: A modern processor with at least 1 core (multiple cores will enhance performance)

Software Prerequisites

Your server should have:

A fresh installation of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS without any existing web services
Basic packages including wget, tar, and other utilities
Properly configured networking with a static IP address

Network Requirements

Several ports must be open on your server for Webuzo to function correctly:

Control panel ports: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Standard service ports: 21 (FTP), 22 (SSH), 25 (SMTP), 53 (DNS)
Web service ports: 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS)
Email ports: 110 (POP3), 143 (IMAP), 465 (SMTPS), 587 (Submission), 993 (IMAPS), 995 (POP3S)
Database port: 3306 (MySQL)

System Configuration

Ensure that SELinux is disabled on your system, as it can interfere with Webuzo’s functionality. Additionally, verify that your server has a properly configured hostname that resolves to its IP address.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Proper preparation is essential for a smooth Webuzo installation. Follow these steps to prepare your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS server.

Updating Your Ubuntu System

Begin by ensuring your system is fully updated:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

This ensures that you have the latest packages and security updates before installing Webuzo.

Removing Conflicting Software

Webuzo requires a clean system without pre-existing web services. If you have any of the following installed, they should be removed:

# Remove Apache if installed
sudo apt remove apache2 apache2-utils -y

# Remove Nginx if installed
sudo apt remove nginx -y

# Remove PHP if installed
sudo apt remove php* -y

# Remove MySQL/MariaDB if installed
sudo apt remove mysql* mariadb* -y

These commands will remove any existing web servers, PHP installations, and database servers that might conflict with Webuzo.

Setting Proper Hostname Configuration

Configure your server’s hostname to ensure it’s properly recognized:

# Set the hostname
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname your-server-name

# Edit the hosts file
sudo nano /etc/hosts

Add the following line to your hosts file, replacing the IP and hostname with your server’s details:

your-server-ip your-server-name

Security Considerations

Before installation, consider implementing basic security measures:

Update your root password if you haven’t already done so
Configure a basic firewall with ufw:

sudo apt install ufw
sudo ufw allow ssh
sudo ufw allow 2002:2005/tcp
sudo ufw allow http
sudo ufw allow https
sudo ufw enable

This creates a foundation for secure server operation while allowing Webuzo’s required ports.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

With your system prepared, you can now proceed with the Webuzo installation on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Accessing Your Server via SSH

Begin by connecting to your server using SSH:

ssh username@your-server-ip

Replace “username” with your actual username (often “root”) and “your-server-ip” with your server’s IP address.

Downloading the Webuzo Installer

Once connected, download the Webuzo installer script:

wget -N https://files.webuzo.com/install.sh

This command downloads the latest version of the Webuzo installation script.

Setting Installation Script Permissions

Make the installer executable:

chmod 0755 install.sh

This command grants execute permissions to the installation script.

Running the Installation Command

Now, run the basic installation command:

./install.sh

This will start the default installation process, which includes the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), DNS server (Bind), and FTP server (Pure-FTPd) along with Webuzo itself.

During installation, you can monitor the progress by checking the installation logs:

tail -f /root/webuzo-install.log

The entire installation process may take 15-30 minutes, depending on your server’s performance and internet connection speed.

Verifying the Installation

After the installation completes, you’ll see a success message similar to:

Congratulations, Webuzo has been successfully installed
You can now configure Softaculous Webuzo at the following URL:
https://your-server-ip:2005/

This confirms that Webuzo has been installed successfully.

Installation Options and Customization

Webuzo offers flexibility in installation options, allowing you to customize your setup according to your specific needs.

Default Installation Packages

When installing Webuzo without any customization parameters, the default installation includes:

Apache 2.4 (web server)
MySQL 8.0 (database server)
PHP 7.3 (scripting language)
Pure-FTPd (FTP server)
Bind (DNS server)
Exim (mail transfer agent)
Dovecot (mail delivery agent)
Git (version control system)
Web Disk (file manager)

This default setup provides a comprehensive environment for most web hosting needs.

Installing with No Applications

If you prefer to start with a clean slate and manually install applications later, use:

./install.sh --install=none

This installs only the Webuzo control panel without any additional applications. You can later add applications through the Webuzo admin panel.

Selecting Specific Applications to Install

For a more customized installation, you can specify which applications to install:

./install.sh --apache --mysql --php73

This allows you to build your environment with precisely the components you need. The available options include various web servers, database systems, and programming languages.

LAMP vs. LEMP Stack Installation

Webuzo supports both LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) and LEMP (Linux, Nginx, MySQL, PHP) stack installations:

For LAMP stack (default):

./install.sh

For LEMP stack:

./install.sh --nginx --mysql --php73

The LEMP stack can offer performance advantages for certain types of websites, particularly those with high traffic volumes.

Post-Installation Configuration

After successfully installing Webuzo, it’s essential to complete the initial configuration to ensure your server operates optimally.

Accessing the Webuzo Admin Panel

You can access the Webuzo admin panel through your web browser using one of the following URLs:

For HTTP access: http://your-server-ip:2004
For HTTPS access: https://your-server-ip:2005

When prompted for login credentials, use the root username and password of your server for the initial login.

Initial Login and Setup Wizard

Upon your first login, Webuzo presents a setup wizard that guides you through the essential configuration steps:

Set up your administrator account details
Configure your server’s hostname and networking information
Set primary and secondary nameservers for domain management
Verify email delivery settings

Install Webuzo on Ubuntu 24.04

This wizard helps ensure that basic settings are properly configured before you start using the control panel.

Configuring Server IP and Hostname

Verify that your server’s IP address and hostname are correctly configured in Webuzo. Navigate to:

Admin Panel > Server Settings > General Settings

Here, confirm that:

The server IP matches your actual server IP address
The hostname is correctly set to your server’s fully qualified domain name
The time zone settings are appropriate for your location

Setting Up Nameservers

For proper domain management, configure your nameservers:

Go to Admin Panel > DNS Functions > Nameserver Settings
Enter your primary nameserver (e.g., ns1.yourdomain.com)
Enter your secondary nameserver (e.g., ns2.yourdomain.com)
Ensure these nameservers are correctly pointed to your server’s IP address

Properly configured nameservers are essential for domain management and DNS resolution.

Setting Up Users and Access Control

Effective user management is crucial for maintaining security and organizing your hosting environment.

Creating the Administrator Account

While you initially logged in using the root credentials, it’s recommended to create a dedicated administrator account:

Navigate to Admin Panel > User Management > Add User
Create a username and strong password
Assign administrator privileges to this account
Enable email notifications for this user
Save the new administrator account

Using a dedicated administrator account enhances security by limiting direct root access to the control panel.

Adding Shared Hosting Users

For hosting multiple websites or providing hosting services to clients, create individual user accounts:

Go to Admin Panel > User Management > Add User
Specify a username and password for the new user
Set appropriate resource limits (disk space, bandwidth, etc.)
Assign specific permissions based on the user’s requirements
Complete the user creation process

Each user will receive their own login credentials and isolated environment for their websites and applications.

User Permissions and Limitations

Webuzo allows fine-grained control over user permissions:

Resource Quotas: Limit disk space, bandwidth, and database usage
Feature Access: Control which features each user can access
Domain Limitations: Restrict the number of domains a user can manage
Application Permissions: Specify which applications users can install

These controls help maintain server stability while providing appropriate access levels to each user.

Installing and Managing Web Servers

Web servers form the foundation of your hosting environment. Webuzo simplifies their installation and management.

Apache Configuration and Management

If you chose to install Apache during the initial setup, you can manage it through:

Go to Admin Panel > Apps > Installed Apps
Locate Apache in the list and click Manage

From the management interface, you can:

Configure Apache settings
Manage virtual hosts
Enable or disable modules
Set up SSL certificates
Monitor server status

Apache provides excellent compatibility with various applications and CMS platforms.

Nginx Installation and Setup

If you prefer Nginx or want to add it alongside Apache:

Navigate to Admin Panel > Apps > Install an App
Search for “Nginx” and click on it
Click the Install button to begin installation

Once installed, you can configure Nginx through its management interface, optimizing it for performance and security.

Web Server Optimization

For optimal performance, consider these optimization steps:

Enable caching mechanisms
Configure appropriate resource limits
Implement compression for faster content delivery
Fine-tune worker processes and connections
Set up proper logging and monitoring

These optimizations help ensure your web server delivers content efficiently while maintaining stability.

Database Management

Databases store and organize website and application data. Webuzo provides tools for comprehensive database management.

Setting Up MySQL/MariaDB

If MySQL was installed during the initial setup, you can manage it through:

Go to Admin Panel > Apps > Installed Apps
Find MySQL in the list and click Manage

In the management interface, you can:

Adjust configuration settings
Monitor database performance
Manage storage engines
Configure backups

For optimal database performance, consider adjusting buffer sizes, connection limits, and query caching settings based on your server’s available resources.

Creating and Managing Databases

To create a new database:

Navigate to Admin Panel > Database > MySQL > Create Database
Enter a database name
Set character encoding (UTF-8 recommended)
Create a database user and assign permissions
Complete the database creation process

This creates a new database ready for use with your websites and applications.

PhpMyAdmin Integration

PhpMyAdmin provides a user-friendly interface for database management:

Go to Admin Panel > Apps > Install an App
Search for “PhpMyAdmin” and install it

Once installed, you can access PhpMyAdmin through the Webuzo interface for comprehensive database administration.

PHP Configuration and Management

PHP powers many popular websites and applications. Webuzo allows you to manage multiple PHP versions simultaneously.

Installing Multiple PHP Versions

To install additional PHP versions:

Navigate to Admin Panel > Apps > Install an App
Search for “PHP” and select the desired version
Click Install to begin the installation process

Webuzo supports multiple PHP versions concurrently, allowing different websites to use different PHP versions as needed.

PHP Version Selection Per Website

To assign a specific PHP version to a website:

Go to Admin Panel > Manage Domains
Select the domain you want to configure
In the domain settings, choose the PHP version
Save the changes

This flexibility ensures compatibility with various applications that might require specific PHP versions.

PHP Module Management

Manage PHP extensions and modules through:

Navigate to Admin Panel > Apps > Installed Apps
Find your PHP installation and click Manage
Under the Extensions tab, enable or disable modules as needed

Common modules you might need include:

mysqli (for MySQL database connectivity)
gd (for image processing)
curl (for remote connections)
zip (for file compression)
mbstring (for multi-byte string handling)

Domain and DNS Management

Effective domain management is essential for hosting multiple websites on your server.

Adding Domains to Webuzo

To add a new domain:

Navigate to Admin Panel > Manage Domains > Add Domain
Enter the domain name (e.g., example.com)
Configure domain settings (document root, PHP version, etc.)
Enable SSL if needed
Complete the domain addition process

This creates the necessary virtual host configurations and directory structures for your domain.

DNS Zone Configuration

For domains using your server’s nameservers:

Go to Admin Panel > DNS Functions > DNS Zone Manager
Select the domain to configure
Add or modify DNS records as needed

Common DNS records include:

A records (linking domain names to IP addresses)
CNAME records (creating domain aliases)
MX records (directing email delivery)
TXT records (for verification and SPF)

Properly configured DNS ensures that your domains resolve correctly and services function as expected.

Email Server Configuration

A properly configured email server allows you to send and receive emails through your domain names.

Setting Up Exim and Dovecot

If you installed the default applications, Exim (SMTP server) and Dovecot (IMAP/POP3 server) are already installed. Configure them through:

Navigate to Admin Panel > Apps > Installed Apps
Find Exim and Dovecot in the list and click Manage for each

Basic configuration includes:

Setting hostname and domain settings
Configuring authentication methods
Setting size limits for messages
Enabling spam protection

Email Account Creation

To create email accounts for your domains:

Go to Admin Panel > Email Functions > Email Accounts
Select the domain for the email account
Create a new email account with username and password
Set appropriate quotas and settings
Complete the account creation process

These accounts can be accessed through webmail or configured in email clients.

FTP Management

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) provides a convenient way to upload and manage website files.

Pure-FTPd Configuration

The default Webuzo installation includes Pure-FTPd. To configure it:

Navigate to Admin Panel > Apps > Installed Apps
Find Pure-FTPd in the list and click Manage

Important settings include:

Connection limits
Passive port range
Security settings
Bandwidth throttling

Creating FTP Accounts

To create FTP accounts for file management:

Go to Admin Panel > FTP Functions > FTP Accounts
Create a new FTP account with username and password
Set the appropriate directory permissions
Define bandwidth and connection limits if needed
Complete the account creation process

FTP accounts allow secure file transfers between your local computer and the server.

SSL Certificate Implementation

Secure your websites with SSL certificates for encrypted connections.

Free SSL Certificates with Let’s Encrypt

To install a free SSL certificate:

Navigate to Admin Panel > Security Functions > SSL Certificates
Select “Let’s Encrypt” as the certificate provider
Choose the domain for the certificate
Complete the certificate request process

Let’s Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days and can be automatically renewed.

Commercial SSL Installation

For commercial SSL certificates:

Go to Admin Panel > Security Functions > SSL Certificates
Select “Upload SSL Certificate”
Enter the certificate, private key, and CA bundle information
Complete the installation process

Once installed, configure your websites to use HTTPS for secure connections.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Webuzo. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Webuzo Control Panel on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you to check the official Webuzo website.

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