How to Install GNU social on FreeBSD Latest

GNU social is a free and open-source social networking software that allows users to connect and communicate with each other. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing GNU social on FreeBSD latest.

Prerequisites

Before we begin with the installation of GNU social, ensure that you have the following requirements:

• A FreeBSD latest server with root access
• A functional Apache or Nginx web server installed on your system
• PHP version 7.x.x or above
• MySQL or MariaDB database installed and running on your system

Step 1: Update and upgrade the FreeBSD system

Ensure that your FreeBSD system is up-to-date before proceeding with the installation. Run the following command in your terminal:

sudo freebsd-update fetch && sudo freebsd-update install

This command will fetch the updates available for your FreeBSD system and install them.

Step 2: Install necessary packages

Install the necessary packages required for the installation of GNU social. Run the following command in your terminal:

sudo pkg install apache24 php74 php74-mysqli php74-curl php74-gd php74-mbstring php74-xml

This command will install Apache web server, PHP version 7.4.x with necessary modules required for GNU social.

Step 3: Install and configure MariaDB

Install MariaDB, a popular open-source database, by running the following command:

sudo pkg install mariadb105-server mariadb105-client

Once the installation is complete, start the MariaDB by running:

sudo service mysql-server start

Next, run the following command to configure the MariaDB:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Follow the instructions and configure the MariaDB by setting the root password and answering the questions.

Step 4: Download and configure GNU social

Download the latest version of GNU social from the official website by running the following command:

sudo pkg install git-lite
git clone https://git.gnu.io/gnu/gnu-social.git

Once the cloning is complete, navigate to the GNU social directory, and run the following command to install the dependencies:

cd gnu-social
composer install

Next, create the configuration file for GNU social:

cp config.php.sample config.php

Edit the configuration file and update the MySQL database values with your credentials.

Step 5: Configuring Apache web server

Configure the Apache web server by creating a Virtual Host for GNU social. Run the following command to create a new configuration file:

sudo vi /usr/local/etc/apache24/Includes/gnu-social.conf

Add the following content in the configuration file:

<VirtualHost *:80>
ServerName your-domain.com
DocumentRoot /usr/local/www/gnu-social
<Directory /usr/local/www/gnu-social>
Options FollowSymLinks
AllowOverride All
Order allow,deny
Allow from all
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ index.php?$1 [L,QSA]
</IfModule>
</Directory>
</VirtualHost>

Make sure to replace your-domain.com with your domain name.

Step 6: Restart Apache web server and test the installation

Restart the Apache web server by running the following command:

sudo service apache24 restart

Access your GNU social site by entering your domain name in the browser, and you should see the GNU social installation page.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have learned how to install GNU social on FreeBSD latest. You can now create your account and start using GNU social to connect and communicate with other users.

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