Set up CMS like Expression Engine or Wordpress on Azure Virtual Machine

Recommended VM Specifications

For a website with less than 100 daily visitors, you don't need a high-powered VM. Here are the suggested specs:

• CPU: 1-2 vCPUs
• RAM: 2-4 GB
• Storage: 20-40 GB SSD (to accommodate the OS, CMS, and database)
• OS: Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS or Windows Server 2019 (depending on your preference)
• Network Bandwidth: 1 TB/month (adjust based on traffic)

Setting Up the Virtual Machine

1. Create the VM:
   • Select the OS (e.g., Ubuntu Server).
   • Configure the specs as per the recommendations above.
   • Open necessary ports (e.g., 80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS, and 21 for FTP).
2. Install Required Software:
   • Update the system: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade (for Ubuntu).
   • Install PHP: sudo apt install php php-mysql.
   • Install MySQL: sudo apt install mysql-server.
   • Install Apache or Nginx: sudo apt install apache2 or sudo apt install nginx.
3. Set Up the CMS:
   • Download Expression Engine from its official site.
   • Upload the CMS files to the web server directory (e.g., /var/www/html for Apache).
   • Configure the database in MySQL and link it to the CMS.

Pointing Domain Names

1. Purchase a Domain:
   • Use a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
2. Update DNS Settings:
   • Add an A record pointing to your VM's public IP address.
   • If using Azure, configure the DNS zone in the Azure Portal.
3. Set Up a Virtual Host:
   • For Apache, edit the configuration file: /etc/apache2/sites-available/yourdomain.conf.
     Add

          <VirtualHost *:80>
          ServerName yourdomain.com
          
          
          DocumentRoot /var/www/html
          </VirtualHost>
     

   • Enable the site: sudo a2ensite yourdomain.conf and restart Apache.- Enable the site: sudo a2ensite yourdomain.conf and restart Apache.
   1. Install an FTP Server:
      • For Ubuntu: sudo apt install vsftpd.
      • Configure the FTP server to allow access to the web directory.
   2. Connect Using FileZilla:
      • Use your VM's public IP, username, and password to connect.
      • Ensure port 21 is open in the firewall.
   3. Change Folder Permissions:
      • Use chmod to modify permissions. For example: sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/html

Official Tutorials

1. For detailed guidance, you can refer to:
   • Azure Virtual Machine Documentation
   • Deploying PHP Applications
   Let me know if you'd like help with any specific step!