How to install Squid on OpenBSD

Squid is a widely used caching proxy server that provides a secure and efficient way to access cached content from the internet. In this tutorial, we will learn how to install Squid on OpenBSD.

Prerequisites

Before installing Squid on OpenBSD, make sure that your server meets the following requirements:

• You are logged in as a root or with superuser privileges.
• You have a stable internet connection to download Squid and its dependencies.
• Your OpenBSD server has a configured hostname and IP address.

Step 1: Update System Packages

To get started, we need to update the OpenBSD system packages to the latest version. To do that, execute the following command:

# pkg_add -u

This command will download and install the latest packages available for the OpenBSD system.

Step 2: Install Squid Package

OpenBSD ports system provides the Squid package. Therefore, to install Squid on OpenBSD, run the following command as the root user:

# pkg_add squid

It will automatically download, install and configure the Squid package on OpenBSD.

Step 3: Configure Squid

After installing Squid on OpenBSD, edit the /etc/squid/squid.conf configuration file to customize the Squid settings.

# vi /etc/squid/squid.conf

In this file, you can configure the proxy settings, listening interface, HTTP access control, logging and authentication. You can change any of the default settings based on your needs.

Step 4: Start Squid Service

To start the Squid service, run the following command:

# rcctl enable squid
# rcctl start squid

This will enable the Squid service to start automatically at system boot time and start the service immediately.

Step 4: Verify Squid Installation

To verify that Squid is working correctly on OpenBSD, connect to the Squid service by specifying the IP address and port number (3128) of your OpenBSD server in your web browser’s proxy server settings.

If everything was installed and configured correctly, Squid will start caching accessed web pages.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have learned how to install Squid on OpenBSD, configure its settings and enable the Squid service to start automatically at system boot time. We hope you find it helpful, and now you can start using Squid as a robust and efficient caching proxy server on OpenBSD.

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!