Joomla is a powerful, open-source content management system (CMS) that enables users to build websites and online applications. In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the steps to install Joomla with Apache and secure it with a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate on Debian 10. Whether you're using Linux or a Windows VPS UK, this guide will help you get your Joomla site up and running quickly.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have:

• A Debian 10 server with root access.
• A registered domain name.
• Apache web server installed.
• Access to Let's Encrypt for SSL certificates.

For those who prefer hosting on VPS UK Windows or Windows Server VPS, the steps may vary slightly depending on your hosting environment.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing Joomla, update your Debian 10 system packages by running the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Apache Web Server

Install Apache web server by executing the following command:

sudo apt install apache2 -y

After installation, start and enable Apache:

sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl enable apache2

Step 3: Install PHP and Required Extensions

Joomla requires PHP to run. Install PHP and the necessary extensions:

sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql php-xml php-mbstring php-json php-curl -y

Step 4: Install MariaDB (MySQL)

Joomla needs a database to store its data. Install MariaDB by running the following command:

sudo apt install mariadb-server -y

Secure your MariaDB installation:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Step 5: Download Joomla

Download the latest version of Joomla by using the following commands:

wget https://downloads.joomla.org/cms/joomla3/latest/Joomla_3.x.x-Stable-Full_Package.zip

Extract the downloaded files into your Apache web root directory:

sudo unzip Joomla_3.x.x-Stable-Full_Package.zip -d /var/www/html/joomla

Step 6: Configure Apache for Joomla

Create a new Apache virtual host configuration for Joomla:

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

Add the following configuration:

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerName yourdomain.com
    DocumentRoot /var/www/html/joomla
    <Directory /var/www/html/joomla>
        AllowOverride All
    </Directory>
    ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/joomla_error.log
    CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/joomla_access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

Enable the new site and restart Apache:

sudo a2ensite joomla.conf
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 7: Install Let's Encrypt SSL

To secure your Joomla installation, install Let's Encrypt by first installing Certbot:

sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-apache -y

Obtain your SSL certificate by running:

sudo certbot --apache -d yourdomain.com

Follow the prompts to install the SSL certificate. Certbot will automatically configure Apache to use HTTPS.

Step 8: Complete Joomla Installation

Open your web browser and navigate to http://yourdomain.com to begin the Joomla installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

Benefits of Hosting Joomla on VPS

Hosting Joomla on a Windows VPS or a virtual private server hosting Windows provides dedicated resources, improving your website's performance and reliability. A Windows VPS Hosting UK solution ensures faster load times and more control over your hosting environment.

Additionally, hosting on a Windows VPS Italy or UK Windows VPS allows you to reach European and international audiences with better localization and server proximity.

Conclusion

Joomla is a feature-rich CMS that, when hosted securely with Let's Encrypt SSL, ensures a professional web presence. Whether you're using Debian 10 or hosting Joomla on a Windows Virtual Private Server, following these steps will help you successfully set up Joomla.

For scalable and reliable hosting, consider Windows VPS Hosting UK or a Windows Virtual Dedicated Server Hosting solution.