Linux Distributions
Linux Distributions for MediaWiki Servers
This article details suitable Linux distributions for running a MediaWiki 1.40 installation. Choosing the right distribution is crucial for performance, security, and maintainability. This guide is aimed at newcomers to server administration and provides a technical overview to help you make an informed decision. We will cover several popular choices, outlining their strengths and weaknesses in the context of a MediaWiki server. Before proceeding, ensure you understand basic Server Administration concepts.
Understanding the Requirements
MediaWiki, while relatively lightweight, benefits from a stable and well-maintained operating system. The core requirements include:
- PHP: Version 7.4 or greater (MediaWiki 1.40 officially supports up to PHP 8.2)
- Web Server: Apache or Nginx are the most commonly used.
- Database: MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, or SQLite (MySQL/MariaDB is generally preferred for larger installations).
- Sufficient Resources: RAM and CPU will vary based on traffic and wiki size, but a minimum of 2GB RAM and 2 CPU cores is recommended for a small to medium-sized wiki.
- Keep Your System Updated: Regularly update your distribution and all installed software.
- Configure a Firewall: Use a firewall (e.g., `ufw` on Ubuntu, `firewalld` on CentOS/Rocky/Alma) to restrict access to your server. See Server Security Best Practices.
- Secure Your Database: Set strong passwords and restrict database access.
- Enable HTTPS: Use SSL/TLS to encrypt traffic between your server and users. Consider using Let's Encrypt for free SSL certificates.
- Regular Backups: Implement a regular backup strategy to protect your data. See MediaWiki Backup and Restore.
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Popular Linux Distributions
Several distributions are well-suited for hosting MediaWiki. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular options.
Debian
Debian is a highly stable and widely used distribution. Its extensive package repository and strong community support make it an excellent choice for servers. Debian prioritizes stability over having the newest software versions, which can be beneficial for a production environment like a MediaWiki server. See Debian Package Management for more details.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Stability | Very High |
| Package Management | APT (Advanced Package Tool) |
| Release Cycle | Relatively Slow (focus on long-term support) |
| Community Support | Excellent |
| Learning Curve | Moderate |
Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server is based on Debian and offers a more frequent release cycle with newer software packages. It's known for its ease of use and extensive documentation. While not as rock-solid as Debian, it strikes a good balance between stability and up-to-date software. Consider reading about Ubuntu Server Setup for a quick start.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Stability | Good |
| Package Management | APT |
| Release Cycle | Faster than Debian (Long Term Support options available) |
| Community Support | Excellent |
| Learning Curve | Easier than Debian |
CentOS Stream / Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux
These distributions are all derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and prioritize stability and compatibility. CentOS Stream is a rolling-release preview of RHEL, while Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are community-driven alternatives to the original CentOS Linux. They are often preferred in enterprise environments. See Red Hat Enterprise Linux Alternatives for a comparison.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Stability | High |
| Package Management | YUM/DNF |
| Release Cycle | Slow (based on RHEL releases) |
| Community Support | Good |
| Learning Curve | Moderate to High |
Detailed System Requirements & Examples
The following table provides a more specific breakdown of resource requirements based on wiki size. These are *estimates* and will vary depending on your specific configuration and usage patterns. Refer to MediaWiki Performance Tuning for advanced optimization techniques.
| Wiki Size | Estimated RAM | Estimated CPU Cores | Recommended Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (Under 10,000 pages) | 2 GB | 2 | 20 GB |
| Medium (10,000 - 100,000 pages) | 4-8 GB | 4 | 50-100 GB |
| Large (Over 100,000 pages) | 8+ GB | 4+ | 100+ GB |
Software Installation and Configuration
Once you've chosen a distribution, you'll need to install the necessary software. Here's a brief overview of the steps involved (details vary by distribution):
1. Update the Package List: `apt update` (Debian/Ubuntu) or `dnf update` (CentOS/Rocky/Alma). 2. Install Web Server: `apt install apache2` or `apt install nginx` (Debian/Ubuntu) or `dnf install httpd` or `dnf install nginx` (CentOS/Rocky/Alma). 3. Install Database Server: `apt install mariadb-server` (Debian/Ubuntu) or `dnf install mariadb-server` (CentOS/Rocky/Alma). 4. Install PHP and Required Extensions: Use your distribution's package manager to install PHP and extensions like `php-mysql`, `php-gd`, `php-xml`, etc. (See PHP Configuration for MediaWiki for details). 5. Download and Extract MediaWiki: Download the latest stable release from the MediaWiki Download Page. 6. Configure MediaWiki: Follow the on-screen instructions in the MediaWiki installation wizard.
Security Considerations
Security is paramount when running a public-facing server. Remember to:
Main Page Help:Contents Manual:Configuration Extension:Semantic MediaWiki Special:Search Help:Linking Help:Formatting Talk:Main Page Project:Administrators' notice board MediaWiki
Intel-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-6700K/7700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 512 GB | CPU Benchmark: 8046 |
| Core i7-8700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2x1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 13124 |
| Core i9-9900K Server | 128 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 49969 |
| Core i9-13900 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i9-13900 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Workstation | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2 NVMe SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4000 |
AMD-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3600 Server | 64 GB RAM, 2x480 GB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 17849 |
| Ryzen 7 7700 Server | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2x1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 35224 |
| Ryzen 9 5950X Server | 128 GB RAM, 2x4 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 46045 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X Server | 128 GB DDR5 ECC, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 63561 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/1TB) | 128 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/2TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/4TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/1TB) | 256 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/4TB) | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 9454P Server | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe |
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⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️