How to install Bludit CMS with Apache on Ubuntu 24.04

Install Apache HTTP server on Ubuntu

You can install Apache HTTP server on Ubuntu 24.04 using the terminal to provide the web server foundation required for your Bludit CMS installation. Run the system update and package installation commands to download and set up Apache on your server so it can start serving web pages.

To get started, open your Ubuntu terminal and run the commands below to install the 💿 Apache web server.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2

Once Apache is installed, use the commands below to start, stop, and enable the Apache web server. This ensures it starts automatically when your server boots up.

sudo systemctl stop apache2
sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl enable apache2

Check if the Apache web server is running by opening your web browser and navigating to your server’s localhost or IP address.

http://localhost

The Apache2 Default Page shows when the Apache HTTP server installs correctly. The default web page (located at `/var/www/html/index.html`) confirms that Apache is active and ready to serve websites. This allows you to begin installing applications like Bludit CMS.

Additional help on installing Apache on Ubuntu is available through the link below.

How to install Apache on Ubuntu

Install PHP on Ubuntu Linux

You must install PHP along with the required modules on your Ubuntu Linux system so Bludit CMS can process dynamic web pages and execute scripts properly. Use the apt package manager to add the correct PHP version and Apache library needed for your website to load without errors.

Next, run the commands below to install the latest PHP version.

sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-intl php-mysql php-curl php-cli php-zip php-xml php-gd php-common php-mbstring php-xmlrpc php-bcmath php-json php-sqlite3 php-soap php-zip

For more details on installing PHP, check out this guide:

How to install PHP on Ubuntu Linux

Download Bludit files

You need to download the official Bludit CMS files from the project website and extract them into your web server directory before running the setup wizard. Grab the latest stable release link and use your terminal to fetch and unpack the archive directly onto your Ubuntu server.

To ensure you get the latest version, visit the download page for Bludit. Grab the download link, download the archived package to your computer, and extract it.

Navigate to the `/tmp/` directory and download the Bludit files. Move the contents into the document root folder for your Apache web server.

This allows the Apache web server to interact safely with the files, creating a secure environment for your Bludit installation.

cd /tmp/
wget https://www.bludit.com/releases/bludit-3-16-2.zip
sudo unzip bludit-*.zip -d /var/www/
sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/bludit

After completing all the preceding steps, continue configuring the Apache web server below to serve your Bludit content.

Run the commands below to create an Apache virtual host file specifically for Bludit.

sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/bludit.conf

<VirtualHost *:80>
  ServerName bludit.example.com
  ServerAlias www.bludit.example.com
  ServerAdmin admin@example.com
  DocumentRoot /var/www/bludit
    
  <Directory /var/www/bludit/>
       Options FollowSymlinks
       AllowOverride All
       Require all granted
  </Directory>

       ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/error.log
       CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

Save the file once you finish.

The commands you run next will activate the virtual host for your Bludit CMS installation. After activating the virtual host, restart the Apache web server, which is version 2.4.57 on Ubuntu 24.04. This restart ensures Apache recognizes the new virtual host and can serve your Bludit CMS website.

sudo a2ensite bludit.conf
sudo a2enmod rewrite
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Setup Let’s Encrypt SSL/TLS for Bludit

You can setup Let's Encrypt SSL/TLS for Bludit on Ubuntu to encrypt visitor traffic and secure your website with HTTPS using free security certificates. This final configuration step protects user data and ensures modern web browsers trust your newly installed content management system.

Please refer to the post below for additional resources on installing and creating Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates for Apache.

How to set up Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate for Apache on Ubuntu Linux

After restarting the Apache web server, open your browser and navigate to the server hostname or IP address you defined in the Apache server block.

http://bludit.example.com

A Bludit installation wizard page should appear. Select your preferred installation language and proceed.

Create an administrator account and continue with the setup.

Bludit should now be installed and ready to use.

That completes the installation.

Conclusion:

You have successfully installed Bludit CMS with Apache on Ubuntu. Here is a quick recap of why it is a strong choice for managing your website:

• Lightweight Solution: Bludit is a flat-file CMS that simplifies website management without needing a database.
• Easy Setup: The installation involves basic commands, making it accessible even for those with minimal technical experience.
• Flexibility: With native markdown support and a flexible CSS framework, Bludit offers various customization options to suit your needs.
• Secure Installation: Integrating Let’s Encrypt SSL/TLS ensures your site is secure, enhancing user trust.
• User-Friendly: The intuitive admin interface facilitates content management, allowing you to focus on your site's content rather than technical details.

Your Bludit CMS installation on Ubuntu 24.04 with Apache is now complete and running. You can begin creating content and managing your website using Bludit CMS.