Linux Distribution
- Linux Distribution Selection for MediaWiki 1.40
This article details the considerations for selecting a Linux distribution for hosting a MediaWiki 1.40 installation. Choosing the right distribution is crucial for performance, security, and maintainability. This guide is intended for newcomers to server administration.
Why Linux?
Linux is the overwhelmingly preferred operating system for running MediaWiki due to its stability, security, cost-effectiveness (many distributions are free), and extensive community support. It provides a robust platform for the required software stack: a web server (typically Apache or Nginx), a database server (MySQL/MariaDB or PostgreSQL), and the PHP scripting language.
Popular Distributions and Their Suitability
Several Linux distributions are well-suited for hosting MediaWiki. We'll examine some of the most common choices:
Debian
Debian is a highly stable and well-respected distribution known for its commitment to free software. It’s a good choice for those prioritizing long-term stability and a large package repository. However, its package versions can be older than other distributions.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Stability | Excellent – Debian is renowned for its stability. |
| Package Freshness | Moderate – Packages tend to be older but thoroughly tested. |
| Learning Curve | Moderate – Requires some familiarity with Linux system administration. |
| Community Support | Extensive – Large and active community. |
Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server is based on Debian but offers a more frequent release cycle and generally newer packages. It’s very popular and has excellent documentation, making it a good choice for beginners. Long Term Support (LTS) releases are particularly recommended for production environments. See Ubuntu Server installation for more information.
CentOS Stream / Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux
These distributions are all derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS Stream is a rolling-release preview of RHEL, while Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux aim to be direct replacements for the older CentOS Linux, providing stability and compatibility. They are often favored in enterprise environments.
| Distribution | Base | Release Cycle | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| CentOS Stream | RHEL | Rolling | Moderate – More frequent updates mean potential for instability. |
| Rocky Linux | RHEL | Periodic (similar to RHEL) | High – Designed for long-term stability. |
| AlmaLinux | RHEL | Periodic (similar to RHEL) | High – Designed for long-term stability. |
Fedora Server
Fedora Server is a community-driven distribution focused on providing the latest software packages. While it's a great platform for testing and development, its rapid release cycle makes it less suitable for production MediaWiki installations unless you are comfortable with frequent upgrades.
Recommended System Specifications
The following table outlines recommended specifications for a MediaWiki server. These are estimates and will vary depending on the size and traffic of your wiki. Refer to the MediaWiki installation guide for more detailed requirements.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended | High Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2 Cores | 4+ Cores | 8+ Cores |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4+ GB | 8+ GB |
| Storage | 20 GB SSD | 50 GB SSD | 100+ GB SSD |
| Network | 100 Mbps | 1 Gbps | 10+ Gbps |
Database Server Considerations
The choice of database server significantly impacts performance.
- MySQL/MariaDB: A popular and well-supported option. MariaDB is often preferred due to being fully open-source.
- PostgreSQL: Offers advanced features and is known for its data integrity. Often preferred for very large or complex wikis.
The database server should ideally be on a separate physical or virtual machine for optimal performance, especially for high-traffic wikis. See Database setup for more details.
Security Considerations
Regardless of the distribution chosen, security is paramount.
- Keep your system and all software packages up to date using the distribution's package manager.
- Configure a firewall (e.g., iptables or firewalld) to restrict access to necessary ports only.
- Implement regular backups of your wiki data, including the database and files directory. See Backup and restore.
- Use strong passwords for all user accounts.
- Consider using HTTPS to encrypt communication between the server and users.
Conclusion
Selecting the right Linux distribution is a critical step in setting up a successful MediaWiki installation. Ubuntu Server, Debian, Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are all viable options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Carefully consider your needs and technical expertise when making your decision. Regularly consult the MediaWiki server requirements page for the latest recommendations.
Main Page
Installation guide
Configuration
Security
Performance tuning
Apache
Nginx
MySQL
MariaDB
PostgreSQL
PHP
Database setup
Backup and restore
Ubuntu Server installation
MediaWiki server requirements
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.* ⚠️