Admin: Automated server configuration article

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Automated server configuration article

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=== AlmaLinux Server Configuration for MediaWiki ===

This article details configuring an AlmaLinux server for hosting a MediaWiki 1.40 installation. It’s geared towards newcomers to server administration and assumes a basic understanding of the command line. We will cover the initial server setup, required software installation, and basic security considerations.

== 1. Initial Server Setup ==

Before installing MediaWiki, a base AlmaLinux server installation is required. This guide assumes a minimal installation via the command line. Ensure your server has a static IP address configured. You can configure this via `nmtui` or manually edit network configuration files. It’s crucial to have root access or a user with `sudo` privileges.

First, update the system:

```bash
sudo dnf update -y
```

Next, set the hostname:

```bash
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname mediawiki.example.com
```

(Replace `mediawiki.example.com` with your desired hostname.)

== 2. Installing Required Software ==

MediaWiki relies on several components. We’ll install these using the `dnf` package manager. This includes a web server (Apache), a database server (MariaDB), PHP, and necessary PHP extensions.

=== 2.1. Apache Web Server ===

Apache will serve the MediaWiki files to users.

```bash
sudo dnf install httpd -y
sudo systemctl start httpd
sudo systemctl enable httpd
```

Configure the firewall to allow HTTP (port 80) and HTTPS (port 443) traffic:

```bash
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https
sudo firewall-cmd --reload
```

=== 2.2. MariaDB Database Server ===

MariaDB will store the MediaWiki data.

```bash
sudo dnf install mariadb-server mariadb -y
sudo systemctl start mariadb
sudo systemctl enable mariadb
```

Secure the MariaDB installation:

```bash
sudo mysql_secure_installation
```

Follow the prompts to set a root password, remove anonymous users, disallow remote root login, and remove the test database.

=== 2.3. PHP and Extensions ===

PHP is the scripting language MediaWiki is built upon. We need to install PHP and several required extensions.

```bash
sudo dnf install php php-mysqlnd php-gd php-mbstring php-xml php-zip php-intl php-bcmath php-curl -y
```

Restart Apache after installing PHP:

```bash
sudo systemctl restart httpd
```

== 3. PHP Configuration ==

Adjust the PHP configuration to optimize MediaWiki performance. Edit `/etc/php.ini` and adjust the following settings:

* `memory_limit = 256M` (or higher, depending on your wiki size)
* `upload_max_filesize = 100M` (or as needed)
* `post_max_size = 100M` (or as needed)
* `max_execution_time = 300`

Restart Apache after modifying `php.ini`:

```bash
sudo systemctl restart httpd
```

== 4. Server Specifications ==

Here's a table outlining recommended server specifications for different MediaWiki usage scenarios:

{| class="wikitable"
! Usage Scenario
! CPU
! RAM
! Storage
! Concurrent Users (approx.)
|-
| Small Wiki (Testing/Personal)
| 1 Core
| 2 GB
| 20 GB SSD
| 10
|-
| Medium Wiki (Community/Department)
| 2-4 Cores
| 4-8 GB
| 50-100 GB SSD
| 50-100
|-
| Large Wiki (High Traffic)
| 4+ Cores
| 8+ GB
| 100+ GB SSD
| 100+
|}

These are estimates; actual requirements vary based on content size, extensions, and traffic patterns.

== 5. Security Considerations ==

Securing your server is paramount. Consider the following:

* '''Firewall:''' Ensure the firewall is properly configured to only allow necessary traffic.
* '''Regular Updates:''' Keep the operating system and all software packages up to date.
* '''HTTPS:''' Implement HTTPS using Let's Encrypt or a similar certificate authority. See [[HTTPS Configuration]].
* '''Database Security:''' Use a strong MariaDB root password and restrict database access. See [[Database Security]].
* '''File Permissions:''' Set appropriate file permissions for MediaWiki files. See [[File Permissions]].
* '''User Accounts:''' Limit the number of users with root access.
* '''Regular Backups:''' Implement a regular backup strategy for both the database and the MediaWiki files. See [[Backup Strategy]].

== 6. AlmaLinux Version Information ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Component
! Version (as of Oct 26, 2023)
|-
| AlmaLinux OS
| 8.8
| Apache
| 2.4.37
| MariaDB
| 10.5.15
| PHP
| 7.4.33
|}

These versions may change with system updates. Use `dnf list installed` to view currently installed versions.

== 7. Useful AlmaLinux Commands ==

Here's a quick reference table of useful AlmaLinux commands:

{| class="wikitable"
! Command
! Description
|-
| `dnf update`
| Updates all packages.
|-
| `dnf install <package>`
| Installs a package.
|-
| `systemctl start <service>`
| Starts a service.
|-
| `systemctl stop <service>`
| Stops a service.
|-
| `systemctl restart <service>`
| Restarts a service.
|-
| `systemctl enable <service>`
| Enables a service to start on boot.
|-
| `firewall-cmd --list-all`
| Lists firewall rules.
|-
| `mysql -u root -p`
| Connects to the MariaDB database.
|}

== 8. Next Steps==

After completing these steps, you’re ready to download and install MediaWiki. Refer to the official [[MediaWiki Download]] page and the [[Installation Guide]] for detailed instructions. Don't forget to configure the `LocalSettings.php` file. See [[LocalSettings.php Configuration]] for more details. You may also want to explore [[Performance Tuning]] options to optimize your wiki. Also, consider [[Extension Installation]] to add features to your wiki.

[[Category:Server Hardware]]

== Intel-Based Server Configurations ==
{| class="wikitable"
! 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 ==
{| class="wikitable"
! 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
|
|}

== Order Your Dedicated Server ==
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⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️

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Admin: Automated server configuration article