How to Install Apache Web Server on Linux Cloud Server?

Apache is an open-source web server used widely for hosting websites and web applications. It's popular on the internet and supports platforms like Linux, Windows, and macOS. Installing Apache on a Linux-based cloud server is straightforward. Cloud servers offer flexibility and scalability, enabling easy management and deployment of computing resources.

Characteristics of the Apache web server

• Open-source: Apache is an open-source software product, and the users of the product can alter the source codes according to their requirements and even share it with others.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Apache is also cross-platform meaning it can work on different operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Macintosh operating systems making it appropriate for hosting services.
• Modular design: Apache is one of the most popular web servers, and it has a modular functionality meaning that one can add or even move functionalities called modules. These modules integrate various features into Apache, for example, the capability to support a wide variety of programming languages including PHP and Python, SSL/TLS encryption, caching and the like.
• Virtual hosting: Apache still supports Virtual Host, this afford different domain or different IP to be hosted in a single Server.
• Security: Apache also offers security through numerous functionalities such as Access Control, Authentication, and secure sockets layer and transport layer security support for web servers and applications to counter current threats.

Steps to Install Apache web server on Linux Cloud Server

To install the Apache web server I will be using a virtual machine based on ubuntu Linux distribution on Azure, but you can use this method on any kind of Linux machine.

Step 1: Open the cli of the machine that you have chosen, to deploy on.

Step 2: Update all the packages using the following command to further install apache web server.

sudo apt update

Step 3: Next enter the following command, to install the Apache Webserver.

sudo apt install apache2 

Next it will ask you to confirm then enter y to install.

Step 4: Check the installation and running status by entering

sudo systemctl status apache2

Advantages of using Apache Web Server

• Open-source and free: Apache is open source, eliminating licensing costs and making it accessible for individuals, small businesses, and NGOs.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Despite platform dependencies, Apache runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, and others, ensuring flexibility in deployment.
• Modular design: Apache's modular architecture allows easy installation and removal of modules, enhancing flexibility and customization for various applications like PHP, Python, and SSL Security.
• Stability and reliability: Apache is known for its stability and reliability, making it suitable for high-traffic websites and applications. Its enduring performance over years is proven in benchmark tests under high concurrent loads.

Disadvantages of using Apache Web Server

• Resource usage: Apache uses a process-based model, where each connection is handled in a separate process, leading to higher memory and CPU usage under heavy loads.
• Performance limitations: While generally stable, Apache may not perform as well as lightweight servers like Nginx in scenarios with numerous concurrent connections or static file serving.
• Monolithic architecture: Changes to Apache's configuration often require restarting the entire server process, potentially causing downtime or interruptions.
• Limited scalability: Apache may struggle to distribute heavy loads across multiple servers compared to more modern web servers designed for scalable architectures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, following these steps will enable you to set up an Apache web server on a Linux cloud server effortlessly, offering numerous advantages. By completing this guide, you'll have a fully operational Apache web server on your cloud instance, ensuring optimal performance and security for hosting websites or web applications. Apache's scalability and cloud servers' flexibility make it an ideal choice for hosting web content, whether for a small personal site or a large enterprise application.