Proper server configuration is critical to maintaining a functional and secure Joomla website. This post goes over some of the common requirements when setting up a new server or choosing a commercial web host.

Before we get started...

We are strong believers in staying within the Joomla community. If you are not setting up your own server, we recommend going with a shared host called "Rochen." Rochen is the official host of the Joomla project, and its owners have been with the Joomla community since day one. Simply put, they rock! All of their servers are set up according to the following guidelines, and their support is second-to-none. Last but not least, they are the only host we have found that offers automated file and database backups, which is critical with important webstites. Give Rochen a try...

LAMP Stack - Open Source at its Best

Joomla runs best on the popular open source "LAMP" stack, which stands for "Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP." Sure, it can run on a Window's server, but who likes Microsoft anyways? In our experience, go with LAMP and you will be in good hands.

PHP

Joomla needs PHP5 to run best. We prefer version 5.2.12, but you can do well with any subversion of 5.2.x. PHP should be running in CGI mode with su_php for proper file security; this allows you to keep your folder permissions at 755 and file permissions at 644. If you don't configure PHP like this, you will run into a ton of issues when uploading files, installing extensions, and trying to maintain your site. Plus, if you combat those issues by downgrading file and folder permissions, you are opening up your site to vulnerabilities. PHP has some optional configurations and modules. Depending on your extensions, you may need:

• JSON
• mbstring
• ionCube loader

MySQL

This open source database runs much of the internet. It is fast, free, and powerful enough for most smaller websites. Use version 5.0.89 or above if you can.

Hosting Account Management Options

If you can, go for a web host that will give you the powerful "cPanel" hosting account manager. This system makes it a snap to add subdomains, manage your files and databases, and control email settings, among other things. If you are getting a VPS, make sure it has "WHM" installed and cPanel for all of the individual accounts.

For more info about hosting and proper security settings, check out this informative post from Rochen.