If you’re looking to set up WHM/cPanel on AlmaLinux, a widely utilized web hosting control panel, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. WHM (Web Host Manager) admin panel is designed for managing multiple cPanel-based websites. Let’s delve into the installation process for WHM/cPanel on AlmaLinux. But first, let’s briefly understand what is.
Introduction and its Advantages
AlmaLinux serves as a free alternative to CentOS, offering reliability akin to CloudLinux. Released in March 2021, it stands as the latest and most stable operating system version. While CentOS 8 enjoyed popularity, Red Hat’s decision not to support it after December 31, 2021, led to its transition into CentOS 8 Stream.
Amidst this transition, cPanel also declared its non-support for the CentOS stream. This prompted the release of AlmaLinux 8, backed by support until 2029.
Benefits of Opting
1. Open Source Freedom:
Choose AlmaLinux and bypass the need for an RHEL license payment.
2. Continuous Support:
AlmaLinux promptly addresses bugs and releases timely updates.
3. WHM/cPanel Compatibility:
Paid control panels maintain compatibility and development on AlmaLinux, ensuring smooth operation.
4. Long-Term Support:
AlmaLinux 8.x remains supported until 2029, fostering long-term trust.
5. Virtualization Compatibility:
AlmaLinux integrates seamlessly with virtualization technologies like OpenVZ and KVM.
Prerequisites Installation
Ensure you have the following resources before initiating the AlmaLinux 8 installation:
- Valid static IP address
- Hostname
- Recommended 2 GB of RAM (1 GB is acceptable)
- At least 20 GB of free space on the hard drive
Note: Once installed, the control panel cannot be uninstalled directly. Removing it requires a complete AlmaLinux reinstallation.
Steps to Install WHM/cPanel on AlmaLinux 8
1. Update Existing Packages:
Begin by updating current packages to their latest versions using these commands:
===================
yum update
yum upgrade
===================
2. Install Perl and Curl:
cPanel relies on Perl, so install it, and additionally, install curl to obtain the cPanel installation script:
===================
yum install perl curl
===================
3. Download Installation Script:
Fetch the WHM cPanel installation script with these commands:
===================
cd /home
curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest
===================
4. Execute Installation Script:
Run the downloaded script using the following command:
===================
sh latest
===================
5. Access WHM:
To access WHM, enter “https://Server_IP:2087” in your browser’s address bar. Log in with the AlmaLinux root user credentials, accept terms, and conditions.
6. Obtain WHM/cPanel Trial License:
Click the login button to create a WHM account. After a 15-day free trial is issued, input your email address and hosting service’s naming server details.
7. WHM Dashboard:
Start hosting websites by creating cPanel accounts. If needed, the following directories hold crucial cPanel-related files accessible via command line on AlmaLinux 8:
-
- cPanel directories: /usr/local/cpanel
- Third-party tools: /usr/local/cpanel/3rdparty/
- Addon directories: /usr/local/cpanel/addons/
- Basic files and themes: /usr/local/cpanel/base/
- cPanel binaries: /usr/local/cpanel/bin/
- CGI files: /usr/local/cpanel/cgi-sys/
- Access and error event files: /usr/local/cpanel/logs/
- WHM files: /usr/local/cpanel/whostmgr/
- Apache configuration: /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf
- Exim mail server config: /etc/exim.conf
- Named configuration: /etc/named.conf
- ProFTP and Pureftpd config: /etc/proftpd.conf and /etc/pure-ftpd.conf
- cPanel user files: /var/cpanel/users/username
- cPanel config files: /var/cpanel/cpanel.config
- Network config files: /etc/sysconfig/network
- Addon and subdomain info: /etc/userdomains
- cPanel update files: /etc/cpupdate.conf
- Clamav config files: /etc/clamav.conf
- MySQL config files: /etc/my.cnf
- PHP.ini config files: /usr/local/lib/php.ini
Follow these steps to successfully install WHM/cPanel on AlmaLinux 8 and manage your web hosting efficiently.