Linux
- Linux Server Configuration for MediaWiki
This article provides a comprehensive overview of configuring a Linux server for optimal MediaWiki 1.40 performance and security. It's geared towards newcomers to server administration and assumes basic familiarity with the command line.
Choosing a Linux Distribution
Several Linux distributions are suitable for hosting a MediaWiki instance. Popular choices include Debian, Ubuntu Server, CentOS Stream, and Rocky Linux. The selection often depends on personal preference and familiarity. Debian and Ubuntu are known for their ease of use and large community support, while CentOS Stream and Rocky Linux offer stability with a focus on enterprise environments.
For this guide, we'll generally assume a Debian/Ubuntu-based system, as the package management commands (apt) will be used. Adapt the commands accordingly if using a different distribution (e.g., use `yum` or `dnf` on CentOS/Rocky Linux).
Essential Software Installation
Before installing MediaWiki itself, several core components need to be installed on the server. These include a web server (Apache or Nginx), a database server (MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, or SQLite – though SQLite is not recommended for production), and PHP.
Web Server (Apache)
Apache is a widely used web server. To install it on Debian/Ubuntu:
```bash sudo apt update sudo apt install apache2 ```
After installation, ensure Apache is running:
```bash sudo systemctl status apache2 ```
Database Server (MariaDB)
MariaDB is a popular open-source relational database management system and a drop-in replacement for MySQL. Install with:
```bash sudo apt install mariadb-server ```
Secure the installation:
```bash sudo mysql_secure_installation ```
PHP and Required Extensions
PHP is the scripting language MediaWiki is written in. Install PHP and the necessary extensions. The exact version may vary, but 7.4 or 8.1 are good choices for MediaWiki 1.40.
```bash sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql php-gd php-curl php-mbstring php-xml php-zip php-intl php-bcmath php-json ```
Verify PHP version:
```bash php -v ```
Server Performance Tuning
Optimizing server performance is crucial, especially for high-traffic wikis.
PHP Configuration
Edit the `php.ini` file (location varies by distribution, often `/etc/php/[version]/apache2/php.ini`). Adjust the following settings:
| Setting | Recommended Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| `memory_limit` | `256M` or higher | Maximum amount of memory a script may consume. |
| `upload_max_filesize` | `100M` or higher | Maximum allowed size for uploaded files. |
| `post_max_size` | `100M` or higher | Maximum size of POST data allowed. |
| `max_execution_time` | `300` | Maximum time in seconds a script is allowed to run. |
Restart Apache after modifying `php.ini`:
```bash sudo systemctl restart apache2 ```
MariaDB Configuration
Edit the MariaDB configuration file (`/etc/mysql/mariadb.conf.d/50-server.cnf` on Debian/Ubuntu). Adjust the `innodb_buffer_pool_size` based on available RAM. A good starting point is 50-80% of total RAM.
| Setting | Recommended Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| `innodb_buffer_pool_size` | `2G` (example) | Size of the buffer pool for InnoDB tables. |
| `key_buffer_size` | `32M` | Size of the buffer used for index blocks. |
| `max_connections` | `200` | Maximum number of concurrent connections. |
Restart MariaDB after modifying the configuration:
```bash sudo systemctl restart mariadb ```
Apache Configuration
Enable necessary Apache modules and adjust settings for performance.
```bash sudo a2enmod headers sudo a2enmod rewrite ```
Consider using a caching module like `mod_cache` and `mod_disk_cache`. Consult the Apache documentation for detailed configuration.
Security Considerations
Securing your server is paramount.
Firewall Configuration
Use a firewall (e.g., `ufw` on Ubuntu) to restrict access to only necessary ports (80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS, 22 for SSH - restrict SSH access if possible).
```bash sudo ufw allow 80 sudo ufw allow 443 sudo ufw allow 22 sudo ufw enable ```
Regular Updates
Keep all software packages up to date with regular updates:
```bash sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade ```
Secure Shell (SSH) Hardening
Disable password authentication for SSH and use key-based authentication instead. Change the default SSH port. Consider using fail2ban to prevent brute-force attacks.
MediaWiki Specific Security
Refer to the MediaWiki Security page on the wiki for specific MediaWiki security recommendations. This includes configuring `$wgSecretKey`, using HTTPS, and regularly updating MediaWiki itself. Also, review Configuring MediaWiki for initial setup.
Monitoring and Logging
Regularly monitor server resources (CPU, memory, disk space) using tools like `top`, `htop`, or `vmstat`. Check the Apache and MariaDB logs for errors. Consider using a log analysis tool like Logstash or the ELK stack for centralized logging and analysis. See Server Administration for additional details.
Summary of Key Software Versions
| Software | Recommended Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Linux Distribution | Debian 11 or Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS | Choose based on preference. |
| Apache | 2.4 | Stable and widely supported. |
| MariaDB | 10.5 or higher | Drop-in replacement for MySQL. |
| PHP | 7.4 or 8.1 | Ensure compatibility with MediaWiki 1.40. |
Further Resources
- Installing MediaWiki
- Administering MediaWiki
- MediaWiki Configuration
- Database Maintenance
- Security Policy
Intel-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-6700K/7700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 512 GB | CPU Benchmark: 8046 |
| Core i7-8700 Server | 64 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2x1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 13124 |
| Core i9-9900K Server | 128 GB DDR4, NVMe SSD 2 x 1 TB | CPU Benchmark: 49969 |
| Core i9-13900 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i9-13900 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (64GB) | 64 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Server (128GB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x500 GB NVMe SSD | |
| Core i5-13500 Workstation | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2 NVMe SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4000 |
AMD-Based Server Configurations
| Configuration | Specifications | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3600 Server | 64 GB RAM, 2x480 GB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 17849 |
| Ryzen 7 7700 Server | 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2x1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 35224 |
| Ryzen 9 5950X Server | 128 GB RAM, 2x4 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 46045 |
| Ryzen 9 7950X Server | 128 GB DDR5 ECC, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 63561 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/1TB) | 128 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/2TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (128GB/4TB) | 128 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/1TB) | 256 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 7502P Server (256GB/4TB) | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe | CPU Benchmark: 48021 |
| EPYC 9454P Server | 256 GB RAM, 2x2 TB NVMe |
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⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️