How to set up an nginx web server in 3 easy steps
How to set up an Nginx Web Server in 3 easy steps
- Get a Server with Ubuntu
- Get a domain name
- Get WebCP.io web hosting control panel
In case you’re wondering how to set up an Nginx web server with PHP 7.2, mail, webmail, FTP, built-in optimisation and built-in security, you’re in luck. I’m going to show you exactly how it’s done. And it’s easier than you think.
1. Get a server:
What I use for SoftSmart is an Ex42 line from Hetzner Germany. Its a generous server with SSDs with Nvme, 64Gb Ram and unlimited traffic. They also offer cloud hosting at amazing prizes.
Order your server or cloud server (minimum 4 Gb Ram) and install Ubuntu 18.04 on it.
2. Get a domain name:
You’ll need a domain name for which I use NameCheap for anything that’s not a co.za. For co.za I use ZA Domains.
3. Get Web Hosting Control Panel Software
Head on over to WebCP.io and get a free license for their Web Hosting Control Panel. Installation is super simple. Essentially you SSH into your new Ubuntu server and type:
cd /tmp && wget https://api.webcp.io/downloads/2.0.0/setup/installer.sh && chmod 755 installer.sh && ./installer.sh && rm -fr /tmp/installer.sh
Follow a few prompts and you’re done!
You’ll now have a full-featured web server running Nginx and php7.2. It comes with a firewall, email management, etc etc and requires very very little server experience (the only server experience you need is being able to ssh in and type the one-liner above).
John McMurray is a freelance PHP developer. Experienced in PHP, Laravel and WordPress he can code anything you need.
Based in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape I am available for PHP, Laravel or WordPress freelance jobs in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth. I also often do remote PHP freelance work all over South Africa and the rest of the world.