cPanel stands as a widely utilized web hosting control panel, seamlessly integrated into Shared Hosting, Cloud Hosting, VPS hosting, Dedicated Servers, and more, owing to its user-friendly interface. Its prevalence is such that a majority of hosting providers include it in their service offerings. Notably, the WHM (Web Host Manager) admin panel facilitates the management of multiple cPanel-based websites. If you’re pondering over the installation process for Almalinux, this guide comprehensively details the installation of WHM/cPanel on Almalinux. But before we delve into the installation process, let’s familiarize ourselves with AlmaLinux.
Introducing AlmaLinux and Reasons to Opt for It AlmaLinux, introduced in March 2021, presents itself as a cost-free alternative to CloudLinux and CentOS. Serving as the latest and most stable version of this operating system lineage, it gained prominence following Red Hat’s decision to cease support for CentOS 8 post December 31, 2021, steering it towards CentOS 8 Stream. Concurrently, cPanel also announced its lack of support for the CentOS stream. As a solution, AlmaLinux 8 emerged, poised for support until 2029.
Advantages of AlmaLinux
- Open Source Freedom: Opting for AlmaLinux negates the need for an RHEL license, saving costs.
- Continuous Support: AlmaLinux promptly addresses bugs and issues, ensuring timely updates.
- WHM/cPanel Compatibility: Paid control panels seamlessly integrate and evolve with AlmaLinux. Existing AlmaLinux-compatible control panels function without a hitch, ensuring seamless operation.
- Extended Support: AlmaLinux 8.x receives support until 2029, fostering trust and dependability.
- Virtualization Harmony: AlmaLinux is compatible with virtualization technologies like OpenVZ and KVM.
Prerequisites for AlmaLinux 8 Installation
- Valid static IP address
- Hostname
- Recommended 2 GB of RAM (1 GB works as well)
- A minimum of 20 GB free hard drive space
- Note: Uninstalling the control panel after installation is not possible. To remove it, you would need to reinstall AlmaLinux.
Guidelines for Installing WHM/cPanel on AlmaLinux 8 Installation Process Overview: Initiate by updating the existing packages to their latest versions.
Step 1: Update system
Execute the following commands:
yum update
yum upgradeStep 2: Install Perl and Curl
Since cPanel is built using Perl, you must install Perl on AlmaLinux 8. Installing curl aids in downloading the cPanel installation script.
yum install perl curlStep 3: Download WHM cPanel Installation Script:
Retrieve the installation script to the main directory for automated setup.
cd /home
curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latestStep 4: Run cPanel Installation Script:
Launch the downloaded script using the following command.
sh latestAccess WHM:
Type “https://Server_IP:2087” into your browser’s address bar to reach WHM. Provide AlmaLinux root user credentials, accept terms, and conditions.
Obtain WHM/cPanel Trial License
:Click the login button to create a WHM service account. After receiving a 15-day trial, input email and hosting service naming server details.
WHM Dashboard:
To host a website, create a cPanel account. For command line access, certain directories are relevant:
- cPanel directories: /usr/local/cpanel
- Third-party tools: /usr/local/cpanel/3rdparty
- Add-ons: /usr/local/cpanel/addons
- Basic files & themes: /usr/local/cpanel/base
- cPanel binaries: /usr/local/cpanel/bin
- CGI files: /usr/local/cpanel/cgi-sys
- Access & Error logs: /usr/local/cpanel/logs
- WHM files: /usr/local/cpanel/whostmgr
- Apache config: /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf
- Exim mail server config: /etc/exim.conf
- Named config files: /etc/named.conf
- ProFTP & Pureftpd config: /etc/proftpd.conf and /etc/pure-ftpd.conf
- cPanel user files: /var/cpanel/users/username
- cPanel config (tweak settings): /var/cpanel/cpanel.config
- Network config files: /etc/sysconfig/network
- Add-ons & 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
This guide encapsulates the process of installing WHM/cPanel on AlmaLinux 8.
