How to Install Zammad on FreeBSD

Zammad is an open source helpdesk and ticketing system designed to streamline and simplify customer communication. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing Zammad on FreeBSD.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure that your FreeBSD system is up to date with the latest packages and updates. You will also need root access to your system and the ability to connect to the internet.

Step 1 - Installing Dependencies

The first step is to install the required dependencies for Zammad. These include Ruby and its packages, Elasticsearch, PostgreSQL and Node.js. Run the following command to install Ruby and its packages:

# pkg install rubygem-bundler rubygem-railties rubygem-therubyracer rubygem-sass-rails

Next, install PostgreSQL with:

# pkg install postgresql13-server

After that, install Node.js and NPM (Node Package Manager) with:

# pkg install node npm

Finally, install Elasticsearch using the FreeBSD package repository:

# pkg install elasticsearch7

Step 2 - Configuring PostgreSQL

Before we can start using Zammad, we need to configure PostgreSQL to allow connections from Zammad. First, enable the PostgreSQL server to start on boot:

# sysrc postgresql_enable=YES

Now, start the PostgreSQL server:

# service postgresql initdb
# service postgresql start

Next, create a new PostgreSQL user and database for Zammad:

# su -l postgres
$ createuser -d -P zammad
$ createdb --owner=zammad zammad_production
$ exit

Step 3 - Installing Zammad

With the dependencies and PostgreSQL set up, we can now proceed to install Zammad.

First, create a new Zammad user and group:

# pw adduser zammad -d /usr/local/share/zammad -s /bin/sh

Now, switch to the zammad user and download the latest Zammad package:

$ cd ~
$ git clone https://github.com/zammad/zammad.git

Navigate to the Zammad directory and run the installation script:

$ cd zammad
$ ./install.sh

During installation, you will be prompted to provide the PostgreSQL database credentials that we previously created. Provide the correct credentials and continue with the installation process.

Step 4 - Configuring Zammad

After installation, we need to configure Zammad to use the correct database and Elasticsearch settings.

Navigate to the Zammad directory and edit the configuration file:

$ cd /usr/local/share/zammad
$ nano config/database.yml

Update the production section of the file with the correct credentials for the PostgreSQL database that we created earlier:

production:
  adapter: postgresql
  database: zammad_production
  username: zammad
  password: your_password_here
  host: localhost

Next, update the Elasticsearch settings in the Zammad configuration file:

$ nano config/elasticsearch.yml

Update the file to match the following:

--- 
elasticsearch:
  # Elasticsearch host
  host: localhost:9200

  # Connect over SSL?
  ssl: false

  # Don't verify SSL certificates?
  # In some development environments, servers are started with a self signed certificate. To avoid SSL verification
  # errors, set this to true
  verify_certs: true

Step 5 - Running Zammad

With everything configured, you can now start the Zammad server:

$ ./run.sh start

You can now access Zammad by navigating to http://:3000 in your web browser.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured Zammad on FreeBSD. You can now use Zammad to manage your customer communication and helpdesk needs. If you have any questions or encounter any issues during installation, please refer to the official Zammad documentation for troubleshooting assistance.

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