How to Build a LAMP‑Based Forum with DNS and Virtual Hosts

Project Background

LAMP architecture, short for Linux + Apache + MariaDB + PHP, is a powerful solution for dynamic websites, offering cross‑platform compatibility, high performance, high load capacity, and stability, making it a preferred platform for enterprise web deployments.

While Nginx is gaining popularity for static content, Apache remains the primary choice for PHP‑driven sites. The diagram below illustrates a website architecture using virtual hosts to run a forum system on a single Apache server with the domain bbs.cc.com.

Project Goals

Set up a DNS server providing resolution for bbs.cc.com to IP 192.168.4.7.

Build a Linux + Apache + MariaDB + PHP dynamic website platform.

Deploy the "Cloud Computing Technology Exchange Forum".

Project Analysis

Install DNS service (BIND) on the server.

Install the LAMP stack: Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Discuz!.

Deploy the forum at bbs.cc.com.

Implementation Process

Setting Up DNS Server

Install DNS service packages.

Write the main configuration file.

3. Write the zone file.

4. Restart the DNS service.

5. Test the DNS service.

Setting Up Linux + Apache + MariaDB + PHP

Install the Linux operating system (refer to PXE+Kickstart automation).

Apache: install the http package and start the httpd service.

Install Apache packages:

Restart Apache service:

Configure virtual host bbs.cc.com:

MariaDB: install mariadb and mariadb-server, start the mariadb service.

Install MariaDB packages:

Restart MariaDB service:

Create forum administrator account:

PHP: install php and php-mysql packages.

Install PHP packages:

Deploy "Cloud Computing Technology Exchange Forum"

Extract Discuz!_X3.3_SC_UTF8.zip.

Access http://bbs.cc.com/upload to start installation.

Fix directory permissions: change ownership of /var/www/bbs/upload/{data/,config/,uc_*} to the Apache user.

Database installation screenshots.

Initialize forum system, set database name bbsdb, user mayweis, password mayweis, and configure admin account.

Notes

Ensure all required software packages are installed.

Change ownership of /var/www/bbs/upload/{data/,config/,uc_*} to the Apache user.

Enter database information accurately to avoid errors.