Guide to Installing NGINX on CentOS 7 Using the EPEL Repository

NGINX is a powerful open-source web server, known for its robust performance and reliability. For users of CentOS 7, installing NGINX is a straightforward process, thanks to the EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository. In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to successfully install NGINX on your CentOS 7 system.

Prerequisites

To follow this guide, ensure that you are logged in to your CentOS 7 server as a user with superuser privileges. Additionally, keep your system up to date by running the following commands:

sudo yum update -y

Step 1: Enable the EPEL Repository

The EPEL repository is a repository of additional software packages for RHEL and its derivatives, such as CentOS. Before you can install NGINX, you need to enable the EPEL repository on your system. To do this, execute the following command:

sudo yum install epel-release -y

Step 2: Install NGINX

With the EPEL repository enabled, you can now proceed to install NGINX. Use the yum package manager to download and install NGINX by running the command:

sudo yum install nginx -y

Step 3: Start and Enable NGINX

Once the installation is complete, start the NGINX service and ensure it starts automatically at system boot. Execute the following commands:

sudo systemctl start nginx sudo systemctl enable nginx

Step 4: Verify the Installation

To confirm that NGINX is running correctly, you can check its status using the following command:

sudo systemctl status nginx

Additionally, you can test NGINX by visiting your server's IP address in a web browser. If everything is set up correctly, you should see the default NGINX welcome page.

Advanced Configuration

Now that NGINX is up and running, you can proceed to configure it to suit your specific needs. This includes setting up virtual hosts, customizing server blocks, and configuring advanced security features.

Customizing Server Blocks

NGINX's server blocks allow you to define multiple websites hosted on your server. To create a new server block, simply create a new configuration file in the /etc/nginx/conf.d/ directory. For example, to create a server block for a domain named , create a file called and add the following content:

server { listen 80; server_name ; root /path/to/website/root; index ; location / { try_files $uri $uri/ 404; } }

Don't forget to restart the NGINX service for the changes to take effect:

sudo systemctl restart nginx

Securing NGINX

Security is a crucial aspect of NGINX management. Consider implementing measures such as HTTPS using SSL certificates, configuring firewalls, and optimizing performance to ensure optimal security and performance.

Conclusion

Installing NGINX on CentOS 7 is a simple and efficient process, especially with the help of the EPEL repository. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install NGINX and begin configuring it to meet your specific needs. Whether you're running a single website or hosting multiple domains, NGINX is a reliable choice for any CentOS 7 server.

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