How to Install NGINX, Apache & OpenLiteSpeed on Ubuntu 22 VPS

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How to Install NGINX, Apache & OpenLiteSpeed on Ubuntu 22 VPS?

When you launch a Cloud VPS, one of the first and most important decisions you willl make is choosing the right web server. The web server is the engine that delivers your website’s content to visitors, handling requests, managing traffic, and ensuring your site loads quickly and securely.

Among the most popular web servers in the world are NGINX and Apache HTTP Server. Both are powerful, reliable, and widely used in production environments, from small business websites to high-traffic enterprise applications.

Part 1: How to Install NGINX on Ubuntu 22.04?

NGINX is a lightweight, high-performance web server widely used for high-traffic websites and reverse proxy setups.

Step 1: Update Your Server

Always start by updating the package list:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install NGINX

Install NGINX using:

sudo apt install nginx -y

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After installation, Ubuntu will automatically start the NGINX service.

Step 3: Check NGINX Status

Verify that NGINX is running:

sudo systemctl status nginx

You should see:

Active: active (running)

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Note: If the status shows inactive, kindly run the command below.

sudo systemctl start nginx

Step 4: Allow NGINX Through Firewall

Install UFW Firewall if not installed

sudo apt install ufw

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sudo ufw allow 80

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Check firewall status:

sudo ufw status

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Step 5: Test NGINX in Browser

Open your browser and visit:

http://your_server_ip

You should see the default NGINX welcome page.

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Part 2: How to Install NGINX on Ubuntu 22.04?

Apache HTTP Server (commonly called Apache) is one of the most stable and widely used web servers in the world.

ginner-friendly and works very well with PHP-based applications like WordPress.

Step 1: Update Server

If not already updated:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Apache

sudo apt install apache2 -y

Apache will start automatically after installation.

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Step 3: Check Apache Status

sudo systemctl status apache2

You should see:

Active: active (running)

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Step 4: Allow Apache Through Firewall

Enable Apache in UFW:

sudo ufw allow ‘Apache Full’

Check status:

sudo ufw status

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Step 5: Test Apache in Browser

Open your browser:

http://your_server_ip

You should see the default Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page.

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Part 3: How to Install and Configure OpenLiteSpeed?

OpenLiteSpeed is a lightweight, high-performance web server developed by LiteSpeed Technologies. It’s free, production-ready, and widely used for WordPress and high-traffic websites.

In this guide, we will install OpenLiteSpeed on a fresh Ubuntu 22.04 Cloud VPS and configure:

  • OpenLiteSpeed Web Server
  • Firewall (UFW – Ubuntu’s built-in firewall)
  • AWC Web-Based Firewall (separate section as requested)
  • Basic web server access verification

This tutorial assumes:

  • You have a fresh Ubuntu 22.04 VPS
  • You have root or sudo access
  • Your VPS has a public IP

Step 1: Connect to Your VPS

In Accuweb.cloud, you can either connect from your cloud dashboard using Web SSH, or you can connect from your local system using SSH-Key.

You can follow the article below for your reference.

How to Access Your Elastic VPS on Different Operating Systems?

Step 2: Update the System

Always start with system updates:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

This ensures all packages are up to date before installation.

Step 3: Install Required Dependencies

Install basic utilities:

apt install -y wget curl gnupg2 software-properties-common

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These are needed to add and verify the OpenLiteSpeed repository.

Step 4: Add OpenLiteSpeed Repository

OpenLiteSpeed provides its own repository.

Add the official repository:

wget -O – https://repo.litespeed.sh | bash

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Then update package lists:

apt update

Step 5: Install OpenLiteSpeed

Now install OpenLiteSpeed:

apt install openlitespeed -y

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Once installed, start the service:

systemctl start lsws

Enable it to start on boot:

systemctl enable lsws

Check service status:

systemctl status lsws

You should see active (running).

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Step 6: Set Admin Panel Password

OpenLiteSpeed includes a web-based admin panel running on port 7080.

Set the admin username and password:

/usr/local/lsws/admin/misc/admpass.sh

You’ll be prompted to enter:

  • Username
  • Password

Set a strong password.

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Step 7: Configure Ubuntu Built-in Firewall (UFW)

Ubuntu 22.04 comes with UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall). If it’s not installed:

apt install ufw -y

Allow Required Ports

Allow them:

ufw allow 22

ufw allow 80

ufw allow 443

ufw allow 7080

Enable firewall:

ufw enable

Check status:

ufw status

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Step 8 : Allow ports in Accuweb.cloud dashbaord

Now add the firewall rule in your Accuweb.cloud dashboard.

Step 1. Log in to your Accuweb.cloud account.

Step 2. Select the environment and click on settings.

Step 3. Now click on Firewall >> Inbound Rule

Step 4. Add the rules as shown in the screen capture below.

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Step 9: Access OpenLiteSpeed

Now open your browser:

https://IP:7080

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Conclusion:

Installing a web server on your Cloud VPS at AccuWeb.Cloud is a straightforward process when using Ubuntu 22.04. Whether you choose NGINX for high performance and lightweight resource usage, Apache HTTP Server for flexibility and wide compatibility, or OpenLiteSpeed for optimized speed and built-in caching, each option can be installed and configured within minutes on a Cloud VPS.

The right choice depends on your application requirements, traffic expectations, and management preferences. With the scalable infrastructure of AccuWeb.Cloud, you can confidently deploy any of these web servers and upgrade resources as your project grows – ensuring performance, reliability, and full control over your hosting environment.