How To Install Apache Web Server On Ubuntu VPS

Apache is one of the most widely used web servers for:

• websites
• web applications
• business platforms
• hosting environments
• enterprise infrastructure

It is reliable,
flexible,
powerful,
and supports a wide range of modules and configurations.

In this guide,
you will learn how to install Apache Web Server on an Ubuntu VPS server step-by-step.

Why Use Apache?

Apache is popular because it provides:

• high compatibility
• flexible configuration
• module support
• strong stability
• extensive documentation
• wide CMS compatibility

Apache is commonly used for:

• WordPress hosting
• Laravel applications
• PHP websites
• business hosting
• enterprise web infrastructure

Prerequisites

Before starting,
ensure you have:

• Ubuntu VPS server
• root or sudo access
• SSH access enabled
• stable internet connection

Recommended operating system:

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

Step 1 — Connect To Your VPS Server

Connect to your VPS using SSH.

Command:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Example:

ssh root@192.168.1.10

Step 2 — Update Server Packages

Update existing server packages.

Command:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

This improves:

• server security
• package compatibility
• system stability

Step 3 — Install Apache Web Server

Install Apache using the Ubuntu package manager.

Command:

apt install apache2 -y

Apache will automatically download and install.

Step 4 — Start Apache Service

Start Apache service.

Command:

systemctl start apache2

Enable Apache to start automatically on boot.

Command:

systemctl enable apache2

Step 5 — Verify Apache Status

Check Apache service status.

Command:

systemctl status apache2

If successful,
you should see:

active (running)

Step 6 — Configure Firewall

Allow Apache traffic through firewall.

If UFW firewall is enabled:

ufw allow 'Apache Full'

Reload firewall:

ufw reload

This enables:

• HTTP traffic on port 80
• HTTPS traffic on port 443

Step 7 — Test Apache Installation

Open your browser and visit:

http://your-server-ip

You should see the default Apache welcome page.

This confirms Apache is installed successfully.

Important Apache Commands

Start Apache

systemctl start apache2

Stop Apache

systemctl stop apache2

Restart Apache

systemctl restart apache2

Reload Apache

systemctl reload apache2

Check Apache Status

systemctl status apache2

Apache Configuration Files

Main Apache configuration file:

/etc/apache2/apache2.conf

Website configuration directory:

/etc/apache2/sites-available/

Enabled websites directory:

/etc/apache2/sites-enabled/

How To Create A Virtual Host

Create a new virtual host file.

Example:

/etc/apache2/sites-available/example.com.conf

Basic configuration example:

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerName example.com
    DocumentRoot /var/www/example.com
</VirtualHost>

Enable virtual host:

a2ensite example.com.conf

Restart Apache:

systemctl restart apache2

Enable Useful Apache Modules

Enable rewrite module:

a2enmod rewrite

Restart Apache:

systemctl restart apache2

How To Install SSL Certificate

Install SSL module:

a2enmod ssl

Restart Apache:

systemctl restart apache2

You can also use:

• Let’s Encrypt
• AutoSSL

for free SSL certificates.

Common Apache Errors

Port 80 Already In Use

Another web server like NGINX may already be running.

Stop NGINX:

systemctl stop nginx

Apache Configuration Error

Test Apache configuration:

apachectl configtest

Fix syntax errors before restarting Apache.

Why Businesses Use Apache

Businesses choose Apache because it offers:

• strong compatibility
• enterprise stability
• flexible configurations
• module ecosystem
• CMS compatibility
• large community support

Apache remains one of the most trusted web servers worldwide.

Why Choose DJ Technologies VPS Hosting

DJ Technologies Linux VPS hosting provides:

• NVMe SSD infrastructure
• enterprise virtualization
• premium low latency network
• scalable cloud resources
• advanced security
• optimized VPS environments
• 24×7 technical support

Our VPS infrastructure is optimized for:

• Apache hosting
• WordPress websites
• business applications
• enterprise hosting
• scalable web infrastructure

Final Thoughts

Apache is one of the most reliable and flexible web servers for Linux VPS hosting.

Its:

• stability
• compatibility
• flexibility
• enterprise reliability

make it ideal for:

• websites
• business hosting
• web applications
• SaaS platforms
• scalable server infrastructure.