Debian 12 (Bookworm) Setup with Apache, BIND, Dovecot, PureFTPD, and ISPConfig 3.2

Setting up a web server with all the necessary components can be a complex task, but with Debian 12 (Bookworm), you can create the perfect server to host websites and emails efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.

Requirements:

1. A fresh Debian 12 (Bookworm) installation.
2. Root or sudo access to the server.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before diving into the server setup, ensure your system is up to date:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Basic Software

Install some essential software packages:

sudo apt install curl wget software-properties-common

Step 3: Install Apache Web Server

Install Apache, one of the most popular web servers:

sudo apt install apache2

Start Apache and enable it to start at boot:

sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl enable apache2

Step 4: Install BIND DNS Server

Install BIND to manage domain name system (DNS) records:

sudo apt install bind9 bind9utils

Start BIND and enable it:

sudo systemctl start bind9
sudo systemctl enable bind9

Step 5: Install Dovecot Email Server

Install Dovecot, an email server, to handle email services:

sudo apt install dovecot-imapd dovecot-pop3d

Start Dovecot and enable it:

sudo systemctl start dovecot
sudo systemctl enable dovecot

Step 6: Install PureFTPD FTP Server

PureFTPD is an excellent choice for FTP services. Install it:

sudo apt install pure-ftpd-common pure-ftpd

Start PureFTPD and enable it:

sudo systemctl start pure-ftpd
sudo systemctl enable pure-ftpd

Step 7: Install PHP and Required Modules

To enable dynamic content on your websites, install PHP and some necessary modules:

sudo apt install php php-mysql php-curl php-gd php-intl php-json php-xmlrpc php-zip php-xml php-mbstring

Step 8: Install ISPConfig 3.2

ISPConfig is a powerful control panel for managing your server. Add the repository and install ISPConfig:

wget -O - https://get.ispconfig.org | sh

During installation, you’ll be asked to configure several settings, including the hostname and SSL certificate.

Step 9: Configure ISPConfig

After installation, access the ISPConfig control panel using a web browser. You can access it via https://your-server-ip:8080 or your domain if it’s already configured. Log in with the credentials you provided during installation.

Inside ISPConfig, you can set up websites, email accounts, databases, and more.

Step 10: Create Websites

Now that ISPConfig is set up, you can create websites and configure their settings. ISPConfig offers a user-friendly interface for managing web hosting.

Step 11: Configure DNS Records

Use ISPConfig to configure DNS records for your domains. This step is crucial for proper website and email functionality.

Step 12: Create Email Accounts

You can create and manage email accounts for your domains within ISPConfig.

Step 13: Secure Your Server

Finally, don’t forget to implement security measures like firewalls, regular updates, and monitoring to keep your server secure.

Congratulations! You’ve set up the perfect server with Debian 12, Apache, BIND, Dovecot, PureFTPD, and ISPConfig 3.2. You can now host websites, manage emails, and perform various server-related tasks with ease.