Lighttpd is a lightweight web server optimized for speed-critical environments. Combining it with PHP-FPM and MySQL allows you to set up a powerful web server stack on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. This guide will show you how to install Lighttpd, PHP-FPM, and MySQL on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, making it ideal for a variety of use cases, including Windows VPS UK hosting environments.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

• An Ubuntu 20.04 LTS server, which could be hosted on a UK Windows VPS, Windows Virtual Private Server Hosting, or another Windows VPS Hosting UK solution.
• Root or sudo privileges.

Step 1: Update Your System

Start by updating your package list to ensure that all installed software is up-to-date. Run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Lighttpd

Next, install Lighttpd using the apt package manager:

sudo apt install lighttpd

After installation, start and enable the Lighttpd service:

sudo systemctl start lighttpd
sudo systemctl enable lighttpd

Step 3: Install PHP-FPM

Now install PHP-FPM to process PHP scripts. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo apt install php-fpm

Once installed, configure Lighttpd to use PHP-FPM by enabling the fastcgi and fastcgi-php modules:

sudo lighty-enable-mod fastcgi
sudo lighty-enable-mod fastcgi-php

After enabling these modules, restart Lighttpd:

sudo systemctl restart lighttpd

Step 4: Install MySQL

Now install MySQL, the database server. Run the following command to install it:

sudo apt install mysql-server

Once MySQL is installed, secure the installation by running the following script:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Follow the prompts to secure your MySQL server. This process will help you set up a root password and remove unnecessary defaults.

Step 5: Configure Lighttpd to Use PHP

Next, configure Lighttpd to use PHP by editing the configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/lighttpd/conf-available/15-fastcgi-php.conf

Ensure the following line is included, pointing to the PHP-FPM socket:

"bin-path" => "/usr/bin/php-cgi",
"socket" => "/var/run/php/php7.4-fpm.sock",

Save and close the file, then restart Lighttpd:

sudo systemctl restart lighttpd

Step 6: Test PHP

To ensure PHP is working correctly, create a PHP test file in the /var/www/html directory:

sudo nano /var/www/html/info.php

Add the following content:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

Save the file, and then access it via your browser using the server's IP address:

http://your-server-ip/info.php

If PHP is working correctly, you should see a page with information about your PHP configuration. This setup is ideal for servers hosted on VPS Windows Servers or other Windows Virtual Dedicated Server Hosting solutions.

Step 7: Secure Your Installation

It's important to secure your Lighttpd, PHP, and MySQL installation. Consider configuring SSL, setting up proper file permissions, and regularly updating software to maintain a secure web server environment, especially if it's running on a Windows VPS Italy or a UK VPS Windows server.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully installed Lighttpd with PHP-FPM and MySQL on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. This setup is a great option for hosting lightweight and efficient web applications, whether you're using a Windows VPS UK or another VPS hosting solution. Lighttpd's performance and efficiency make it a suitable choice for high-traffic websites and applications.