cPanel is a widely used web hosting control panel that simplifies website and server management. Installing it on AlmaLinux 8, an emerging CentOS alternative, can seem daunting, but with the right steps, it's straightforward. This article will guide you through the process, ensuring you have a smooth installation experience.
Prerequisites
- A fresh installation of AlmaLinux 8.
- Root access or a user with sudo privileges.
- Minimum 2GB RAM (4GB or more recommended).
- At least 20GB of free disk space.
Step 1: System Update and Upgrade
First, ensure your system is up-to-date with the latest packages and security patches. This step is crucial for system stability and security.
sudo yum update && sudo yum upgrade -yStep 2: Install Apache HTTP Server
Apache is a popular web server software. cPanel requires it to function properly.
sudo yum install httpdsudo systemctl restart httpd
Step 3: Update DNF Package Manager
DNF is the next-generation package manager for AlmaLinux. Update it to ensure you have the latest version.
sudo dnf update -yStep 4: Install and Configure Firewalld
Firewalld is a firewall management tool. It's essential for managing network access and protecting your server.
sudo dnf install firewalld -ysudo systemctl start firewalldsudo systemctl enable firewalldsudo systemctl status firewalld
Next, add necessary ports to the firewall rules. cPanel and associated services require these ports to operate.
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=80/tcpsudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=443/tcpsudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=2087/tcpsudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=2083/tcpsudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=3306/tcpsudo systemctl restart firewalldStep 5: Set SELinux Context for Apache
Ensure Apache has the correct SELinux permissions to modify web content.
sudo chcon -Rt httpd_sys_rw_content_t /var/www
Step 6: Install PHP and Extensions
cPanel supports various PHP applications. Installing PHP and necessary extensions ensures compatibility.
sudo yum install phpsudo dnf install php php-opcache php-gd php-curl php-mysqlnd php-xml php-mbstring php-pecl-apcusudo systemctl enable --now php-fpmsudo service httpd restart
Step 7: Install Perl
Perl is required for running the cPanel installation script.
sudo yum install perl
Step 8: Download and Install cPanel
Finally, download and run the cPanel installation script.
curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest
sudo sh latest
Once the installation completes, you can access the cPanel & WHM interface through your web browser using your server's IP address followed by the port 2087 (for WHM) or 2083 (for cPanel). The installation process may take some time, so be patient.
