How to install osCommerce with Apache on Ubuntu 24.04
You install osCommerce with Apache on Ubuntu 24.04 by configuring your web server and database.
osCommerce is an open-source e-commerce platform that helps you build and manage online stores, handling everything from products to payments.
This guide walks you through setting up osCommerce on Ubuntu 24.04, using Apache as your web server. Apache 2.4.58 is a common and reliable choice for this configuration.
Follow these steps to get a powerful e-commerce environment running for your online business.
Install Apache and MariaDB using `apt install apache2 mariadb-server`. Create a database for osCommerce using `CREATE DATABASE oscdb` and a user. Install PHP with `apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-intl php-mysql php-curl`.
Install Apache HTTP server on Ubuntu
You need to install the Apache web server on Ubuntu to run osCommerce. Apache helps your server handle website requests so people can visit your online store. Open the Ubuntu terminal and run a command to get Apache installed and ready.
To do that, open the Ubuntu terminal and run the commands below to install the Apache web server.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2
Once Apache is installed, the commands below can start, stop, and enable the Apache web server to start automatically when your server boots up.
sudo systemctl stop apache2
sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl enable apache2
You can test that the Apache web server is running by opening your web browser and browsing to the server’s localhost or IP address.
http://localhost
When you see the Apache2 Default Page, it means the Apache HTTP server is successfully installed.
Additional help on installing Apache on Ubuntu is in the link below.
Install the MariaDB database server on Ubuntu
osCommerce needs a database to store important information like products and customer orders. MariaDB is a good choice for this on Ubuntu. You’ll open the Ubuntu terminal and run commands to install the MariaDB database server so your store has a place to keep its data.
To install and use the MariaDB database server, use the instructions below.
Open the Ubuntu terminal and run the commands below to install the MariaDB database server.
sudo apt update sudo apt install mariadb-server
Once the MariaDB database server is installed, use the commands below to stop, start, and enable the MariaDB server to start automatically when the server boots.
sudo systemctl stop mariadb sudo systemctl start mariadb sudo systemctl enable mariadb
Run the following commands to validate and test if the MariaDB database server is installed successfully.
sudo mariadb
Once you run the commands above, it will log you onto the MariaDB console and display a message similar to the one below.
Welcome to the MariaDB monitor. Commands end with ; or g. Your MariaDB connection id is 32 Server version: 10.11.2-MariaDB-1 Ubuntu 23.04 Copyright (c) 2000, 2018, Oracle, MariaDB Corporation Ab and others. Type 'help;' or 'h' for help. Type 'c' to clear the current input statement. MariaDB [(none)]>
The message tells you that the server is installed successfully.
Additional help on installing MariaDB.
- How to install MariaDB on Ubuntu Linux
- MariaDB without password prompt
Create an osCommerce database
After setting up MariaDB, you must create a database for osCommerce to hold your product listings and customer accounts. We’ll name this database ‘oscdb’ and create a user called ‘oscdbuser’ to manage it. This ensures osCommerce has a secure place to store all its vital information.
As part of the setup, we will create an oscdb database and a user account called oscdbuser.
Finally, we’ll grant the oscdbuser full access to the oscdb database.
All the database steps above can be done using the commands below:
But first, log on to the MariaDB database server:
sudo mariadb
Then run the commands below to complete the steps:
CREATE DATABASE oscdb CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_general_ci;
CREATE USER oscdbuser@localhost IDENTIFIED BY 'type_your_password_here';
GRANT ALL ON oscdb.* TO oscdbuser@localhost WITH GRANT OPTION;
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
exit
Ensure to replace ‘type_your_password_here ‘with your password.
Install PHP on Ubuntu Linux
osCommerce needs PHP, a programming language, to work correctly. You must install PHP and its required parts on your Ubuntu 24.04 system. Run commands in the terminal to install the latest PHP version and the modules osCommerce needs to function.
Then, 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
Additional help on installing PHP
Download osCommerce files
To get osCommerce onto your Ubuntu server, you need to download its latest software files. It’s best to check the official osCommerce download page to make sure you get the most current version. Then, you’ll move these files to the correct folder on your server.
To always install the latest version, check the download page for osCommerce. If a new version is available, replace the version number in the link below.
The final step is to change the permissions. This will allow the Apache web server to interact safely with the files, ensuring a secure environment for your osCommerce installation.
cd ~/Downloads
sudo unzip osc_*.zip -d /var/www/oscommerce
sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/oscommerce
sudo apt install git
cd /var/www/oscommerce
sudo git clone https://github.com/osCommerce/osCommerce-V4.git ./
sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/oscommerce
Once you have completed all the above steps, continue configuring the Apache web server below to serve the osCommerce content.
Run the commands below to create an Apache virtual host file for osCommerce.
sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/oscommerce.conf
Then, copy and paste the content block below into the Apache server block.
<VirtualHost *:80>
ServerName osc.example.com
ServerAlias www.osc.example.com
ServerAdmin admin@example.com
DocumentRoot /var/www/oscommerce
<Directory /var/www/oscommerce/>
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.
Enabling the Apache virtual host for osCommerce requires running specific commands to make the website accessible. After running these commands, you will restart the Apache server, which is a web server program, to apply the new settings and make the osCommerce site live.
sudo a2ensite oscommerce.conf
sudo a2enmod rewrite
sudo systemctl restart apache2
Setup Let’s Encrypt SSL/TLS for osCommerce
Securing your osCommerce store with a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt is important. This protects your customers’ data with HTTPS and builds trust. You can find detailed instructions in other guides on how to install and create Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates for Apache on Ubuntu.
Please read 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
Once you have restarted the Apache web server, open your browser and browse to the server hostname or IP address defined in the Apache server block.
http://osc.example.com/install/
An osCommerce installation wizard page should appear. Accept and continue the installation.
Ensure all requirements are met and proceed.
Next, enter the database name, account, and password you created above, then click “INSTALL DATABASE.”
Next, complete the company details and click the Update database button.
Next, create an admin account.
Finally, click the complete installation button to complete the installation wizard.
Log on to the admin portal to start configuring the site.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
Installing osCommerce with Apache on Ubuntu 24.04 provides a solid framework for building and managing online stores. This guide covered the essential steps for a successful setup.
- Comprehensive Setup: Successfully set up Apache, MariaDB, and PHP, forming a solid foundation for osCommerce.
- Database Management: Created a dedicated database and user for osCommerce to manage data securely.
- File Configuration: Downloaded and configured osCommerce files, ensuring appropriate permissions for optimal performance.
- Virtual Host Configuration: Established an Apache virtual host to serve osCommerce efficiently, enhancing user experience.
- Security Enhancement: Recommended the implementation of SSL/TLS for secure transactions, fostering trust with customers.
- User-Friendly Interface: Accessed the osCommerce installation wizard for a smooth setup process.
- Admin Access: Provided steps to log in to the admin portal, enabling further site customization and management.
With these steps completed, you can launch your online store successfully!
What is osCommerce?
osCommerce is an open source eCommerce platform. It gives businesses everything they need to sell online: a product catalogue, shopping cart, checkout flow, and order management. Because it is open source, the code is free to use, modify, and extend.
Does Ubuntu have a software store?
The Web store shows the same content as the Software Center application, with a download button that opens the application if running Ubuntu or a link to download the Ubuntu operating system installer if running a different operating system.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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