Quick Setup: Installing WordPress on Ubuntu 22.04

Latest installation guide for Ubuntu 22.04

Introduction

1. WordPress: The Web’s Beloved Platform 🌍

WordPress, the world’s most popular content management system, powers over 43% of all websites. It’s a versatile platform that lets you create blogs, online stores, and more, without any coding knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or an aspiring entrepreneur, WordPress has got you covered!

Installing WordPress on Ubuntu 22.04 is a breeze, and we’ll guide you through it step by step. Let’s dive right in and unleash the power of WordPress on your Ubuntu system!

© Photographer Christina Morillo

Prerequisites

2. Ensuring You Have a Working Ubuntu 22.04 System

Before embarking on this WordPress installation journey, it’s crucial to ensure your Ubuntu 22.04 system is up and running like a well-oiled machine. Think of it as the foundation upon which your WordPress fortress will stand tall. If the foundation is shaky, the whole structure could come tumbling down. So, let’s make sure your Ubuntu system is as solid as a rock!

To verify its health, open up your terminal and type in the following command:

lsb_release -a

This command will display information about your Ubuntu system, including its version. If you see “Ubuntu 22.04” proudly displayed, you’re good to go! Your system is ready to embrace the WordPress magic. But if you encounter any hiccups along the way, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from the Ubuntu community or consult the official documentation. They’re like the wise wizards of the Linux world, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Installing LAMP Stack 🔧

3. Installing Apache, MySQL, and PHP

To run WordPress, we need a LAMP stack, which includes Apache (web server), MySQL (database), and PHP (programming language). Let’s set it up:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2 mysql-server php php-mysql

Apache handles web requests, MySQL stores data, and PHP makes WordPress tick. It’s like a trio of superheroes, each playing a crucial role in the WordPress ecosystem.

4. Creating Database for WordPress 🌐

4.1 Why Database?

WordPress stores all its data, including posts, pages, comments, and user information, in a database. It’s like a filing cabinet for your website’s content. Without a database, WordPress would be just a blank canvas.

4.2 Creating Database and User

To create a database for WordPress, follow these steps:

1. Log in to MySQL using the command: mysql -u root -p
2. Create a new database: CREATE DATABASE wordpress;
3. Create a new user: CREATE USER 'wordpressuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
4. Grant the user permission to the database: GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON wordpress.* TO 'wordpressuser'@'localhost';
5. Flush privileges: FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

That’s it! You’ve successfully created a database and user for WordPress. Now, you’re ready to upload the WordPress files and configure your website.

FIVE. DOWNLOADING WORDPRESS 🌐

“Ready to dive into the WordPress world? Let’s get the official files!”

Head over to WordPress.org, the official home of WordPress. Once there, click the “Download WordPress” button. You’ll grab the latest and greatest version, ensuring your site’s up-to-date with all the bells and whistles.

5.1. UNZIP THE DOWNLOAD 📦

After downloading, you’ll have a zipped file named “wordpress.zip.” Unzip it using a tool like 7-Zip or the built-in unzip command in your terminal. This will create a folder named “wordpress.”

6. Uploading WordPress Files ⚡

Now, it’s time to get WordPress onto your server! You can use either an FTP client like FileZilla or the command line to upload the WordPress files. Just make sure to upload them to the directory you created in Section 5.

Once you’ve uploaded the files, you’ll need to set the correct file permissions and ownership. This ensures that WordPress can access and modify the files as needed. Typically, you’ll want to set the file permissions to 755 and the directory permissions to 750.

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/wordpress
sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/html/wordpress

And there you have it! Your WordPress files are now safely uploaded and ready for the next step. 🤘

7. Configuring WordPress: The Gateway to Your Site’s Identity 🔑

Once your WordPress files are uploaded, it’s time to give your site its own unique personality! The WordPress installation wizard will guide you through this exciting step. Just follow the prompts and choose a site title that reflects your brand or purpose. Next, create a username and password that will serve as the keys to your WordPress kingdom. Remember, these credentials are like the secret code to your online fortress, so keep them safe!

Finalizing Installation 🤝

With the wizard’s magic touch, your WordPress installation is almost complete! Just click “Install WordPress” and watch as the gears turn. It’s like watching a tiny robot chef whip up a delicious website in no time.

Logging In 🔑

Once the installation is done, you’ll be greeted with a login screen. Enter the username and password you set up earlier, and voila! You’re in the WordPress dashboard – the control center of your website. It’s like stepping into a virtual cockpit, ready to take your website to new heights.

Securing WordPress 🛡️

WordPress security is crucial to safeguard your website from potential threats. Here are some key measures to ensure your site’s safety:

• Keep WordPress Updated: Regularly update WordPress, plugins, and themes to patch any security vulnerabilities.
• Use Strong Passwords: Create strong passwords for your WordPress account and database user to prevent unauthorized access.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA to require a second form of authentication when logging in.
• Install Security Plugins: Utilize reputable security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to monitor your site for suspicious activity and block potential threats.
• Limit Login Attempts: Implement a plugin to limit the number of login attempts to prevent brute-force attacks.
• Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF): Consider using a WAF to filter out malicious traffic and protect your site from common attacks.
• Regularly Back Up Your Site: Create regular backups of your WordPress site, including the database, to ensure you have a recovery point in case of any security breaches or data loss.

Conclusion

🎉 Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully installed WordPress on Ubuntu 22.04. Now, you’re ready to unleash your creativity and build a stunning website.

Additional Resources

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to seek help from the WordPress community or explore these resources:

• WordPress Codex
• WordPress Support Forum
• Ubuntu Documentation

Remember, the journey of building an amazing website doesn’t end here. Keep learning, experimenting, and growing your skills to create a truly exceptional online presence. 🌍

David Damstra

Business Leader and Business Developer, Project Manager and Full Stack Developer & Designer Creative Director, Brand Guardian, Minister of Company Culture Co-Author of Professional WordPress. Currently in Third Edition. Seasoned web developer using practical technology to rapidly create standards compliant dynamic websites. Experienced with web development, software development and systems and network management and consulting.