Server configuration guides

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  1. Server Configuration Guides

This article details server configuration guides for those new to managing a MediaWiki installation. It's aimed at beginners and will cover the essential components, popular choices, and common issues encountered when setting up a server to host a MediaWiki wiki. We will focus on the core concepts, leaving highly specific, distribution-dependent instructions to dedicated guides elsewhere. This guide assumes a basic understanding of servers, operating systems, and networking.

What are Server Configuration Guides?

A server configuration guide outlines the steps needed to prepare a server environment to reliably run MediaWiki. MediaWiki isn't a standalone application; it relies on several underlying technologies working together. These include:

  • Web Server: Handles incoming HTTP requests and delivers web pages (like those of your wiki). Common choices are Apache and Nginx.
  • Database Server: Stores all the wiki's content – articles, user accounts, settings, revision history, etc. MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and SQLite are frequently used.
  • PHP: A scripting language that MediaWiki is written in. It processes logic and interacts with the database.
  • PHP Extensions: Additional modules for PHP that provide specific functionality required by MediaWiki (e.g., database connections, image processing).
  • Operating System: The foundation upon which everything else runs. Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, etc.) are the most common choice for MediaWiki servers due to their stability, security, and cost (often free). Windows Server is also possible, but less common.

A server configuration guide provides instructions on installing, configuring, and securing each of these components to create a functional and optimized MediaWiki environment. Different guides will cater to different levels of experience and specific server setups.

Why are Configuration Guides Important?

Incorrect server configuration can lead to a multitude of problems, including:

  • Performance Issues: Slow page loads, timeouts, and an unresponsive wiki. This can be caused by inefficient database queries, insufficient PHP memory, or a poorly configured web server. See Performance Tuning for more details.
  • Security Vulnerabilities: An improperly secured server is susceptible to attacks, potentially leading to data loss, defacement, or compromise of the entire system.
  • Installation Failures: MediaWiki may simply not install or function correctly if the required dependencies are missing or misconfigured.
  • Data Corruption: Incorrect database settings or file permissions can lead to data corruption and loss of valuable wiki content.
  • Incompatibility Issues: Using unsupported or incompatible versions of software can lead to unpredictable behavior and errors. Always check System Requirements before proceeding.

Following a well-documented and reliable configuration guide minimizes these risks and ensures a stable, secure, and performant MediaWiki installation.

Choosing a Server Environment

Several options are available for hosting a MediaWiki wiki. The best choice depends on your technical expertise, budget, and expected traffic.

  • Shared Hosting: The most affordable option, but offers limited control over the server environment. Often unsuitable for anything beyond a small, low-traffic wiki. Typically, shared hosting providers offer pre-configured MediaWiki packages, but these can be restrictive.
  • Virtual Private Server (VPS): A more flexible option. You rent a virtualized server with dedicated resources. Requires more technical knowledge to manage but offers greater control. Providers like DigitalOcean, Linode, and Vultr are popular choices.
  • Dedicated Server: You rent an entire physical server. The most expensive option, but provides maximum control and resources. Suitable for very high-traffic wikis.
  • Cloud Hosting: Utilizes cloud computing resources (e.g., Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure). Offers scalability and reliability, but can be complex to configure. Good for Scalability considerations.

For beginners, a VPS is often the sweet spot – offering a good balance of cost, control, and scalability.

Essential Configuration Steps

Regardless of your chosen server environment, the following steps are generally required:

1. Operating System Installation: Install a supported Linux distribution (Ubuntu Server is a popular choice). Ensure the OS is up-to-date with the latest security patches. 2. Web Server Installation & Configuration (Apache or Nginx): 

   *   **Apache:** Install the Apache web server and configure a virtual host for your wiki. Enable necessary modules like `mod_rewrite`, `mod_headers`, and `mod_ssl` (for HTTPS). Configure `.htaccess` files for MediaWiki to function correctly.  See Apache configuration for specifics.
   *   **Nginx:** Install Nginx and configure a server block for your wiki.  Nginx generally requires more configuration than Apache but is often more performant.  Configure proxying to PHP-FPM. See Nginx Configuration for specifics.

3. Database Server Installation & Configuration (MySQL/MariaDB or PostgreSQL): 

   *   **MySQL/MariaDB:** Install the database server and create a dedicated database and user for MediaWiki. Grant the user appropriate permissions.  Secure the database server by restricting access and setting a strong root password.  Consider using a Database replication strategy for redundancy.
   *   **PostgreSQL:** Install PostgreSQL and create a database and user for MediaWiki.  Configure appropriate permissions and connection settings.  PostgreSQL is known for its robustness and features.

4. PHP Installation & Configuration: 

   *   Install PHP and the required extensions for MediaWiki.  These include `php-mysql` (or `php-pgsql` for PostgreSQL), `php-gd`, `php-xml`, `php-mbstring`, `php-curl`, `php-zip`, `php-intl`, and potentially others depending on your MediaWiki version and extensions.
   *   Configure `php.ini` to adjust settings like `memory_limit`, `upload_max_filesize`, `post_max_size`, and `max_execution_time` to meet MediaWiki's requirements.  Consider enabling opcode caching (e.g., OPcache) for performance improvements.

5. MediaWiki Installation: 

   *   Download the latest MediaWiki release from [1](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Download).
   *   Upload the MediaWiki files to your web server's document root.
   *   Run the MediaWiki installer via your web browser and follow the on-screen instructions.  Provide the database connection details and configure the wiki's basic settings.

6. Security Hardening: 

   *   Enable HTTPS using SSL/TLS certificates (Let's Encrypt is a free and popular option).
   *   Configure a firewall to restrict access to the server.
   *   Regularly update all software components to address security vulnerabilities.
   *   Implement strong password policies.
   *   Disable directory listing.
   *   Consider using a web application firewall (WAF).

7. File Storage Configuration: Decide where your uploaded files will reside. Local disk storage is simplest, but for larger wikis consider using Amazon S3 or other cloud storage options for scalability and redundancy.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  • White Screen of Death (WSOD): Often caused by PHP errors. Enable PHP error reporting in `php.ini` to diagnose the issue. Check the web server's error logs for more details.
  • Database Connection Errors: Verify the database connection details in `LocalSettings.php`. Ensure the database server is running and accessible from the web server.
  • Image Upload Issues: Check file permissions on the `images` directory. Ensure PHP has write access. Verify that the required PHP extensions (e.g., `php-gd`) are installed.
  • Slow Page Loads: Optimize database queries, enable caching, and consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN). See Performance Optimization.
  • Permissions Errors: Ensure the web server user has the necessary permissions to read and write files in the MediaWiki directory. Incorrect permissions can prevent MediaWiki from functioning correctly.
  • Cron Job Errors: MediaWiki relies on cron jobs for maintenance tasks. Ensure the cron jobs are configured correctly and running without errors. Check system logs for cron job output.
  • Extension Installation Issues: Verify the extension is compatible with your MediaWiki version. Follow the extension's installation instructions carefully.

Always consult the MediaWiki documentation and forums for assistance with specific issues. The MediaWiki community is a valuable resource for troubleshooting and finding solutions.

Resources and Further Reading

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