How to Install Vanilla Forums on NetBSD

Prerequisites

• Virtual Private Server running NetBSD
• Access to the server via SSH
• Basic knowledge of Unix command line

Step 1: Installing Apache and PHP

First, make sure your NetBSD system is up to date by running the following command:

pkgin update

Next, install Apache and PHP dependencies:

pkgin install apache httpd-24 php72 php72-apache

Once installed, start the Apache web server by running:

/usr/pkg/sbin/apachectl start

You can verify that Apache is running by visiting your server's IP address in a web browser.

Step 2: Downloading Vanilla Forums

Navigate to the Vanilla Forums website and download the latest version of the software. You can use the wget command to download the package to your NetBSD server:

wget https://open.vanillaforums.com/get/vanilla-core.zip

Step 3: Extracting Vanilla Forums to the Apache Document Root

Unzip the downloaded package to the Apache document root directory /usr/pkg/share/apache24/htdocs/:

unzip vanilla-core.zip -d /usr/pkg/share/apache24/htdocs/

Step 4: Configuring Vanilla Forums

In order to configure Vanilla Forums, visit http://yourservername/vanilla in a web browser to begin the installation process. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

During installation, the following information will need to be provided:

• Database name
• Database user and password
• Database host
• Site and forum name
• Site and forum description
• Admin username and password

After the installation process is complete, you should be able to access your Vanilla Forums site at http://yourservername/vanilla.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Vanilla Forums on NetBSD.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!