Operating System Installation
- Operating System Installation
This article provides a detailed guide to installing the operating system for a MediaWiki server. Proper OS installation is the foundation of a stable and secure wiki environment. We will cover preparation, the installation process, and initial post-installation configuration. This guide assumes a basic understanding of server hardware and networking.
1. Preparation
Before beginning the OS installation, gather the necessary resources. This includes the OS installation media (ISO image or physical disc), server hardware documentation, and network configuration details (IP address, gateway, DNS servers). Ensure your server meets the minimum system requirements for your chosen OS and MediaWiki. Back up any existing data on the server's storage devices, as the installation process will likely erase them.
1.1 Recommended Operating Systems
MediaWiki is compatible with a variety of operating systems. Here are some commonly used options:
| Operating System | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Linux (Ubuntu Server) | Yes | Popular choice due to stability and package management. |
| Linux (Debian) | Yes | Another solid Linux distribution with a large community. |
| Linux (CentOS/Rocky Linux/AlmaLinux) | Yes | Enterprise-grade Linux distributions. |
| Windows Server | Yes | Requires additional configuration for optimal performance. |
1.2 Hardware Requirements
The necessary hardware depends on the expected traffic and size of your wiki. Below are *minimum* recommendations.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2 Cores | 4+ Cores |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8+ GB |
| Storage | 40 GB SSD | 100+ GB SSD |
| Network | 100 Mbps | 1 Gbps |
1.3 Network Configuration
A static IP address is strongly recommended for a MediaWiki server. This ensures consistent access to the wiki. Record the following information before installation:
- IP Address
- Netmask
- Gateway
- DNS Servers
2. OS Installation Process
The installation process varies slightly depending on the chosen operating system. We will outline the general steps, using Ubuntu Server as an example.
2.1 Booting from Installation Media
Insert the installation media and configure the server's BIOS/UEFI to boot from it. This typically involves pressing a key (Del, F2, F12) during startup to enter the BIOS setup.
2.2 Initial Configuration
Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language, keyboard layout, and time zone.
2.3 Partitioning the Disk
This is a critical step. Choose either guided partitioning (automatic) or manual partitioning.
- **Guided Partitioning:** Suitable for beginners. The installer will automatically create partitions.
- **Manual Partitioning:** Recommended for advanced users. You can create custom partitions for optimal performance and security. Consider creating separate partitions for `/`, `/home`, and `/var`. A dedicated `/var` partition is especially important for large wikis, as it stores logs and other frequently written data.
2.4 Network Configuration (During Installation)
The installer will prompt you to configure the network. Enter the static IP address, netmask, gateway, and DNS servers that you recorded earlier. Ensure the hostname is descriptive and consistent with your domain name (if applicable).
2.5 User Account Creation
Create a strong user account with administrative privileges. Avoid using the default username ("admin" or similar).
2.6 Package Selection
Choose the appropriate package selection for a server environment. Select "OpenSSH server" to enable remote access via SSH. Consider also selecting other useful tools like `vim` or `nano` for text editing.
2.7 Installation and Reboot
The installer will now copy files and configure the system. Once the installation is complete, reboot the server.
3. Post-Installation Configuration
After the OS is installed, perform the following steps:
3.1 System Updates
Update the system packages to the latest versions. On Ubuntu/Debian:
```bash sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade ```
3.2 Security Hardening
- Configure a firewall (e.g., `ufw` on Ubuntu) to restrict access to essential ports only (SSH, HTTP, HTTPS).
- Disable root login via SSH.
- Regularly review system logs for suspicious activity. Security is crucial.
3.3 Software Installation
Install the necessary software for MediaWiki, including:
This article provides a general overview. Refer to the official documentation for your chosen operating system and database server for more detailed instructions. See also Server Requirements for a detailed list of prerequisites. For more information on Database Setup please see that article. Additionally, review Web Server Configuration and PHP Configuration to properly prepare your server for MediaWiki. Consider Load Balancing for high-traffic wikis. Don't forget about Backup and Recovery planning.
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.* ⚠️