Apache2 Server

Installing and configuring an Apache2 web server on Ubuntu to serve content from the /var/www/ directory (the default web root).

1. Update System Packages

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Install Apache2

sudo apt install apache2 -y

Apache will automatically start after installation.

3. Verify Apache2 is Running

sudo systemctl status apache2

You should see active (running). If not, start it:

sudo systemctl start apache2

4. Allow HTTP Through Firewall (Optional but Recommended)

If you're using UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall):

sudo ufw allow 'Apache'
sudo ufw enable

To check the status:

sudo ufw status

5. Check Apache Default Page in Browser

Open a browser on the same machine or from another PC on the same network:

http://<server-ip>

You should see the "Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page."

To find your server’s IP address:

ip a

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Option 1: Open Nautilus with Root Permissions

1. Open Terminal.

2. Run:

sudo nautilus /var/www/

3. A new Nautilus window with root access will open.

4. Now you can drag and drop or create files and folders inside /var/www/.

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Option 2: Use a Custom Directory (Safer)

If you want to avoid using root access frequently, it’s safer to:

1. Create a folder inside your home directory:

mkdir ~/myweb

2. Move your files there via Nautilus normally.

3. Then change Apache’s default web root to this new folder (optional).

4. Edit Apache's default site configuration:

sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/000-default.conf

5. Modify the DocumentRoot line:

DocumentRoot /home/yourusername/myweb

sudo systemctl restart apache2

4. Visit http://localhost to see your custom content.

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Apache Folder Structure Basics

Folder	Purpose
/var/www/	Default document root
/etc/apache2/sites-available/	Virtual host config files
/etc/apache2/apache2.conf	Main config file
/etc/apache2/ports.conf	Port settings
/var/log/apache2/	Apache logs