How to install Bludit CMS with Apache on Ubuntu 24.04

Install Apache HTTP server on Ubuntu

Apache is the web server your Bludit CMS installation needs to run on Ubuntu 24.04. Installing Apache uses terminal commands. This guide walks you through setting up Apache, providing a solid foundation for your Bludit CMS.

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

Checking if the Apache web server is running can be done 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. This page, typically located at `/var/www/html/index.html`, confirms that Apache is now active and ready to serve websites. This allows you to begin installing applications like Bludit CMS.

Additional help on installing Apache on Ubuntu can be found through the link below.

How to install Apache on Ubuntu

Install PHP on Ubuntu Linux

Bludit CMS needs PHP to function, so installing it on your Ubuntu Linux system is a necessary step. This section covers the commands to install the latest PHP version along with the essential extensions Bludit requires. Getting PHP set up correctly is a key step for your Bludit CMS installation.

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

Before you can set up Bludit CMS, download its files to your Ubuntu system. This involves getting the latest version from the official Bludit website and then unpacking the downloaded package. We will guide you through downloading and extracting these important files for your Bludit CMS installation.

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

First, head over to the `/tmp/` directory and download the Bludit files. Then, you’ll move the contents into the Bludit folder that’s part of the Apache web server’s main directory (often called the document root).

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, you’ll 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>

Make sure to save the file once you’re done.

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

Securing your Bludit CMS website with HTTPS, using a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate on Ubuntu, is important for building trust. This section explains how to set up SSL/TLS for your Bludit site. Following these steps will help ensure your website is secure and trustworthy for visitors.

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 then proceed.

Create an administrator account and continue with the setup.

Bludit should now be installed and ready for you to use.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

So, you’ve successfully installed Bludit CMS with Apache on Ubuntu! Here’s a quick recap of why it’s a great 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.