Step-by-Step Guide to Installing aaPanel on Ubuntu Server

How to install aaPanel on Ubuntu Linux server

"Welcome to this guide where we'll explore an efficient alternative to WHM's CPanel - the aaPanel - tailored for Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 Linux servers. Our focus is to streamline the management of web servers, PHP, and MySQL databases through a user-friendly web interface, which paves the way for effortless and effective website hosting.

Navigating the realm of server administration often presents its challenges, predominantly when reliant on command-line operations. This is where a variety of solutions, including free, open-source, and premium options, come into play. While WHM's CPanel stands as a widely recognized paid service, those in search of a cost-free control panel might find aaPanel for Linux a compelling choice. Its appeal lies not only in its gratis nature but also in its intuitive design, simplifying the intricacies of server management. This makes it an ideal tool for both beginners and seasoned professionals in efficiently overseeing web server operations.

This guide will lead you through the installation steps for aaPanel on an Ubuntu Linux setup. The process is straightforward, requiring just a fundamental grasp of Linux command-line operations."

On the Page:

What is aaPanel?

Prerequisites

Step-by-Step Installation of aaPanel on Ubuntu

Step 1: Update your Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 Server

Step 2: Download and Execute the Installation Script

Step 3: Access aaPanel Web Interface

Step 4: Log In to aaPanel

Step 5: Follow the Installation Wizard

How to install OpenLiteSpeed on aaPanel

Uninstallation of aaPanel

Is aaPanel free or paid?

What are the requirements for aaPanel?

What is the default port for aaPanel?

How do I log into aaPanel?

What is aaPanel?

aaPanel stands out as a versatile, open-source control panel for web hosting, compatible with several web server technologies including Apache, Nginx, and OpenLiteSpeed (accessible via an app). Its adaptability makes it suitable for a diverse array of web hosting requirements. The primary advantage of aaPanel is its user-friendly web interface, which enables users to efficiently handle a variety of server-related operations. Tasks such as swiftly establishing websites, administering databases, and configuring PHP become more streamlined, all achievable without in-depth knowledge of command-line operations

Prerequisites

What do we need to perform the installation of aaPanel on Ubuntu, here is the list that must be in place before following this tutorial:

1. Ubuntu Server 20.04 or 22.04: We need a clean minimal Ubuntu server without any prior installed hosting control panel.
2. Root or Sudo Access: The user or Admin who is planning to install the packages must have root access or sudo privileges on the Ubuntu server.
3. A Domain Name: It is not a must to have a domain but later if you are planning to host some website using aaPanel, you should have a domain name configured and pointed to your server’s IP address.

Step-by-Step Installation of aaPanel on Ubuntu

Follow these steps to install aaPanel on your Ubuntu server:

Step 1: Update your Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 Server

Although you might have already performed this step, it's advisable to execute a system update command before installing any new package. This practice ensures that your system is not only equipped with the latest packages but also updated with information about new ones from the system repositories.

So, in your command terminal, execute the given command:

#sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

 

Install Wget:

#sudo apt install wget

Step 2: Download and Execute the Installation Script

aaPanel provides a convenient installation script that will automate the whole installation process unlike installing each service manually. This not only saves time but is user-friendly, especially for new users. So, in your command terminal just execute the given command:

#wget -O install.sh http://www.aapanel.com/script/install-ubuntu_6.0_en.sh && sudo bash install.sh aapanel

Note: you can check out the script for other Linux systems from the official website.

As you run the script, it will ask for your permission to install aaPanel in the web directory /www, press the Y key, and then Enter to continue the process.

If you are not using SSL already or some WAF service like CloudFlare and want to enable SSL in aaPanel then again type “Y” and hit the Enter key.

Step 3: Access aaPanel Web Interface

After the installation is completed, on the terminal screen you will see the IP Addresses that can be used to access the Dashboard of aaPanel. Just open your local browser that can access the server IP address and enter that along with port number “:7800“. For example, if your server’s IP address is “10.0.2.15,” you would enter “http://10.0.2.15:7800” in your browser’s address bar.

Also, the default Admin username and password for aaPanel login will be there on the terminal.

Step 4: Log In to aaPanel

Upon completing the installation script, aaPanel will prompt you to log in using the provided username and password. After logging in, you are all set to begin utilizing aaPanel for the management of your web server and hosting services.

Step 5: Follow the Installation Wizard

"Accessing the backend of aaPanel triggers an installation wizard, designed to set up LAMP or LNMP based on your specific needs. Simply click the 'One Click' button to initiate. The wizard will then present a range of configuration choices, including selecting a web server (options include Apache, Nginx, or OpenLiteSpeed), determining the PHP version, and choosing a database (such as MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL). Carefully follow the on-screen instructions to complete your selections."

How to install OpenLiteSpeed on aaPanel

For those interested in setting up OpenLiteSpeed as the web server within the aaPanel control panel, the following instructions will guide you through the process:

• First, uninstall your existing web server – Apache or Nginx.
• Go to the App Store, and click on the Installed filter button.
• Click uninstall for Apache or Nginx whatever you have already installed.

• Now, select the ALL filter option and search for “openLiteSpeed“.
• As this web server appears in the search results, click on the “Install” option.

Uninstallation of aaPanel

Should you decide to uninstall aaPanel from your Ubuntu server in the future, begin by halting the server service. Following this, you'll need to remove the directory containing all the files associated with this open-source control panel. The necessary command for these actions is as follows:

#sudo bt stop &&sudo update-rc.d -f bt remove &&sudo rm -f /etc/init.d/bt &&sudo rm -rf /www/server/panel

FAQs:

Is aaPanel free or paid?

aaPanel is free & open source but also offers paid services with some premium plugins to enable various features on the control panel such as Nginx/Apache WAF, Mobile Phone APP, System hardening, and Website statistics.

What are the requirements for aaPanel?

1. Operating System:
• aaPanel is designed to run Linux distributions. so, it supports Ubuntu, CentOS (or similar other RHEL such as Almalinux), and Debian.
2. Hardware Requirements:
• CPU: A modern multi-core processor (e.g., dual-core or quad-core) is recommended for optimal performance.
• RAM: At least 768M or 1 GB of RAM is the minimum requirement to install aaPanel but if you are planning to set up multiple websites then for better performance consider having more RAM, such as 2 GB or more.
• Storage: aapnel itself requires 100MB to install but to install other services and store website databases, files, and other data you need more. A minimum of 10 GB is typically recommended, but the actual requirement depends on your usage.

What is the default port for aaPanel?

The default port used by aaPanel is “7800” which is needed to access the backend login and dashboard.

How do I log into aaPanel?

After finishing the aaPanel installation, the system will generate a login URL, username, and password for backend access. Simply input this URL into your web browser and log in with the provided credentials..