Step 1: Update Your Server

Before installing any software, it's crucial to ensure that your Ubuntu 22.04 server is up-to-date. Run the following commands to update the package list and upgrade installed packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Keeping your system updated is important, whether you're using a UK Windows VPS or managing a local server.

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Fork CMS requires a web server, PHP, and a database server to function. You can install the necessary packages with the following command:

sudo apt install apache2 mysql-server php php-mysql php-curl php-xml php-gd

This installs Apache as your web server, MySQL for your database, and PHP with the required modules. These steps are applicable whether you're hosting on a Windows Virtual Private Server hosting or an Ubuntu server.

Step 3: Configure MySQL

After installing MySQL, you need to configure it by securing the installation and creating a database for Fork CMS. To secure MySQL, run:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Follow the on-screen instructions to set a root password and remove unnecessary users. Once done, log into MySQL and create a database and user:

CREATE DATABASE forkcms;
CREATE USER 'forkuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your-password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON forkcms.* TO 'forkuser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;
            

This database setup will be used by Fork CMS, and it is important to have similar configurations in place for virtual private servers like VPS Windows Servers.

Step 4: Download and Install Fork CMS

Next, download the latest version of Fork CMS from its official website or GitHub. You can use the following commands to download and extract Fork CMS into the web directory:

cd /var/www/html
sudo wget https://github.com/forkcms/forkcms/releases/latest/download/forkcms.zip
sudo unzip forkcms.zip
sudo mv forkcms-master forkcms
            

Change the ownership of the directory so that Apache can serve the files:

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/forkcms

This process works well whether you're using a Windows VPS hosting UK or a local Linux-based server.

Step 5: Configure Apache for Fork CMS

Create a new virtual host file for Fork CMS in Apache:

sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/forkcms.conf

Add the following configuration:

    ServerAdmin admin@example.com
    DocumentRoot /var/www/html/forkcms
    ServerName example.com

    
        AllowOverride All
    

    ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/error.log
    CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/access.log combined

            

Enable the new site and the rewrite module:

sudo a2ensite forkcms.conf
sudo a2enmod rewrite
sudo systemctl restart apache2
            

Now, Fork CMS should be accessible via your server's IP address or domain name, and the installation can proceed whether you're on a UK VPS Windows or another server type.

Step 6: Complete Fork CMS Installation

Open your browser and go to http://your-server-ip to access the Fork CMS installer. Follow the on-screen instructions, enter the database details you created earlier, and complete the installation.

Once completed, you'll have Fork CMS running on your Ubuntu 22.04 server, ready for customization and development. For similar server environments, such as Windows Virtual Dedicated Server Hosting or other virtual private server setups, Fork CMS can offer powerful content management capabilities.