How to Install GNU Social on OpenBSD

GNU social is a free and open-source microblogging platform that allows users to create and share posts, follow other users, and join groups. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to install GNU social on an OpenBSD server.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure that you have:

• An OpenBSD server, which is up-to-date and has a non-root user with sudo privileges.
• Apache webserver and MySQL installed on your OpenBSD server.

Step 1: Install Required Packages

First, we need to install the required packages for GNU social. Open your terminal and execute the following command:

$ sudo pkg_add php php-curl php-pdo_mysql php-mysql php-intl

This command installs PHP and other required PHP modules for GNU social to work.

Step 2: Download and extract GNU Social

Next, we will download the latest stable version of GNU social from the official website. You can do this with the following command:

$ wget https://www.gnu.org/software/social/social-1.4.4.tar.gz

Now, extract the downloaded tarball using the following command:

$ tar -zxvf social-1.4.4.tar.gz

Move the extracted directory to the webserver's root directory:

$ sudo mv social-1.4.4 /var/www/htdocs/social

Step 3: Create MySQL Database for GNU Social

Now we will create a MySQL database and user for GNU social. Login to MySQL as root user:

$ mysql -u root -p

Enter your root password when prompted.

Now, create a new database:

mysql> CREATE DATABASE social;

Create a new MySQL user:

mysql> CREATE USER 'social_user' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

Grant privileges to the user:

mysql> GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON social.* TO 'social_user';

Exit from MySQL prompt:

mysql> exit;

Step 4: Edit the Configuration File

Copy the configuration file:

$ cp /var/www/htdocs/social/config.php.sample /var/www/htdocs/social/config.php

Now, open the configuration file and edit the following lines:

define('INSTALLDIR', '/var/www/htdocs/social');
define('CONFIGFILE', '/var/www/htdocs/social/config.php');

...

$config['db']['database'] = 'social';
$config['db']['user'] = 'social_user';
$config['db']['password'] = 'password';
$config['db']['type'] = 'pgsql';
$config['db']['host'] = 'localhost';
$config['db']['port'] = 5432;

...

$config['site']['name'] = 'My Site Name';
$config['site']['path'] = 'https://example.com/social';

Note: Change the values for database name, database user, and password to the values you have created in Step 3.

Step 5: Configure Apache

Now, we will configure Apache to serve GNU social. Open the Apache configuration file:

$ sudo vi /etc/apache2/httpd.conf

Add the following lines at the end of httpd.conf file:

Alias /social "/var/www/htdocs/social"
<Directory "/var/www/htdocs/social">
    Options None
    AllowOverride All
    Require all granted
</Directory>

Save and exit the file.

Now, restart Apache:

$ sudo rcctl restart apache2

Step 6: Run Installer

Now, navigate to https://example.com/social and run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed GNU social on your OpenBSD server. You can now create an account and start using GNU social to create and share posts. If you encounter any issues during the installation, consult the GNU social documentation or consult the OpenBSD community for support.

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!