Build a Dynamic Web Serving Platform with FreeBSD : Page 3

Install the Perl language (required for MySQL):

    TYPE cd /usr/ports/lang/perl5
    TYPE make
    TYPE make test
    TYPE make install
    TYPE make clean
    TYPE cd ~
    TYPE rehash
    TYPE use.perl port

The last three commands tells your FreeBSD machine to use the freshly upgraded Perl language and not the default that ships with your version of FreeBSD. If you ever need to switch back TYPE use.perl system.

Install the MySQL database:

    TYPE cd /usr/ports/databases/mysql40-server
    TYPE make
    TYPE make install 
    TYPE make clean

It is a good idea to edit /etc/make.conf to tell various ports which versions of Berkeley DB and MySQL to use:

     TYPE ee /etc/make.conf

Add the following two lines, one on top of the other as shown:

        WITH_BDB_VER=40
        WITH_MYSQL_VER=40

Press Escape to exit, and save your changes before you leave the editor.

Install the Apache13x+mod_ssl server:

    TYPE cd /usr/ports/www/apache13-modssl
    TYPE make
    TYPE make certificate

You'll see a series of self-explanatory on-screen directions here. Create an [R]SA server key for good performance. Change all of the snake-oil information to your own private information. When you are asked to encrypt this key, choose [y]es, and then:

    TYPE make install
    TYPE make clean

Install the PHP language:

    TYPE cd /usr/ports/www/mod_php4
    TYPE make

Now you get to choose your installation preferences. Notice that the MySQL dependent choices have been made for you. Certain options require a licensing fee (e.g., PDFlib). If you do not recognize a particular component, do not install it. Certain components create dependencies on other components. To simplify this installation and circumvent errors, stick to a minimal configuration. Include DOMXML and DOMXSLT support. PHP integrates well with XML. For universality amongst databases, choose the UNIXODBC support also. UNIXODBC will allow you to connect PHP with many databases:

    TYPE make install
    TYPE make clean 

Congratulations! You have Apache-modSSL, MySQL, and PHP installed on your FreeBSD system. Wasn't that easy? Still skeptical? Then test it out.

Test Your Installation
To test the installation, you need a Web browser. I like to use LYNX.

Install LYNX-ssl Web Browser:

    TYPE cd /usr/ports/www/lynx-ssl
    TYPE make    
    TYPE make clean

Now, shutdown and reboot your machine to have Apache and MySQL start as daemon processes in the background. If you made a certificate, you will need to enter your local pass- key when prompted:

    TYPE shutdown -r now
    TYPE lynx 127.0.0.1

This command tells your Web browser to view the local Apache configuration. And what do you knowit worked! You should see the default congratulatory Apache screen. (Note: The keystroke Q or Control-C gets you out of LYNX.)