Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

A fresh WordPress installation is not ready for public traffic until Apache is serving the intended site, HTTPS and permanent URLs work, accounts and permissions are secured, updates are applied, and a restore-tested backup exists. Complete the following sequence before publishing content or installing a large collection of plugins.

1. Confirm that Apache serves the right WordPress site

Start at the web-server layer. A successful WordPress installer screen does not prove that the correct domain reaches the correct document root. Verify that Apache’s virtual host points to the directory containing wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes, and that the hostname you plan to publish responds to that virtual host rather than Ubuntu’s default page.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Check the virtual host and document root

  • Open the Apache site configuration and confirm its DocumentRoot is the WordPress directory you intend to use.
  • Check that the virtual host contains the final domain name in its ServerName (and any required aliases).
  • Make sure DNS for the domain points to this Ubuntu server before judging the result from an external browser. A local hosts-file test can distinguish DNS problems from Apache problems.

Enable rewriting and reload Apache

Pretty permalinks depend on Apache rewrite support. Ubuntu’s documented flow enables the site, enables the rewrite module, disables or replaces the default site when necessary, and reloads Apache. The equivalent operations are commonly performed with commands such as sudo a2enmod rewrite, sudo a2ensite site-configuration.conf, sudo a2dissite 000-default.conf when that default is no longer wanted, followed by sudo systemctl reload apache2. Use the actual filenames on your server rather than copying these names literally.

After reloading, request the domain in a private browser window. You should see the WordPress site, not an Apache welcome page, another virtual host, or a directory listing. If the wrong site appears, fix the virtual-host match and DNS before continuing; changing WordPress settings cannot correct an Apache mapping error.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.

2. Finish the browser installer with separate credentials

Open the site’s WordPress setup screen and enter the final site title, public domain, administrator email address, and a unique administrator username and password. WordPress credentials must not be reused for MySQL, Ubuntu shell access, SFTP, or any other service. Separate identities limit the damage if one credential is exposed.

Choose the administrator identity deliberately

  • Do not use an easily guessed administrator name such as a role, a domain name, or a predictable personal name.
  • Use a long, unique password generated or stored by a reputable password manager.
  • Keep the administrator email address monitored; it is needed for security notices and account recovery.
  • Create ordinary author or editor accounts for day-to-day publishing instead of using the highest-privilege account for every task.

Ubuntu’s official tutorial prefers the upstream release from WordPress.org rather than the WordPress package in the Ubuntu Archive. That distinction matters when documenting future updates: know whether your files are managed as a WordPress application or as distribution packages, and do not mix management methods casually.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

3. Update Ubuntu and WordPress before adding extensions

Updates belong in the initial setup, not on a later to-do list. Apply the supported Ubuntu update process first, reboot if Ubuntu requests it, and then use the WordPress Dashboard’s Updates screen to install current WordPress core, plugin, and theme updates. Older WordPress versions are more exposed because vulnerability details can become public after fixes are released.

Apply Ubuntu security updates

On a normally administered server, begin with the supported package workflow, for example sudo apt update followed by sudo apt upgrade, reviewing any proposed configuration changes. Ubuntu documents unattended-upgrades for automatic security updates on supported releases. Automatic patching reduces the window in which a known operating-system vulnerability remains unpatched, but it does not replace monitoring, reboot planning, or WordPress updates.

Update WordPress in a controlled order

  1. Take a backup before a significant batch of changes, especially on a site that already has content.
  2. Open Dashboard → Updates and apply the WordPress core update offered for your installation.
  3. Update plugins and themes, watching for an error after each major component or small group of related components.
  4. Visit the front page, administrator area, and a representative post after updating. Resolve a compatibility error before installing anything else.

Automatic operating-system security updates and WordPress extension updates solve different problems. Let Ubuntu’s mechanism handle the security scope you have approved, while deciding separately whether WordPress updates should be automatic or manually scheduled.

Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
Update approach Strength Risk or requirement
Automatic Ubuntu security updates Fast application of supported operating-system security fixes Requires monitoring, maintenance windows, and a recovery plan if a reboot or package change affects the site
Manual WordPress updates Lets you take a backup and check compatibility at each change Someone must check the Dashboard regularly; delaying updates increases exposure
Managed WordPress update process Can provide scheduling and oversight when a team has change-control procedures Still needs a tested rollback and post-update functional check

4. Harden administrator access

With the software current, secure the account that can install code and change every site setting. WordPress hardening guidance recommends avoiding guessed administrator usernames, using strong authentication, and enabling two-step authentication.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use least privilege

Reserve the administrator role for configuration and maintenance. Give writers, editors, and contractors only the capabilities their work requires. Remove unused accounts, especially accounts belonging to people who no longer maintain the site, and never share one administrator login among several people.

Add two-step authentication

Enable two-step authentication through a maintained WordPress security solution or identity system that your team can support. Store recovery codes offline and test the recovery path while another administrator account is available. Two-step authentication should supplement, not replace, unique passwords and timely updates.

5. Put the public hostname on HTTPS

Install a valid TLS certificate at the web-server layer before the site accepts public logins or visitor data. The WordPress Hosting Handbook strongly recommends HTTPS to protect WordPress logins and site visitors. The certificate must cover the hostname people will actually use, including any required host alias.

Configure WordPress for the secure URL

  1. Confirm that the certificate works in a browser and that Apache can serve the site over HTTPS.
  2. In WordPress, open Settings → General.
  3. Set both WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) to the intended HTTPS address for a normal single-site installation.
  4. Configure an HTTP-to-HTTPS redirect at Apache, then save and sign in again using the secure address.

Test the home page, administrator login, a post, an image, and a form after the change. Look for redirect loops, certificate warnings, and mixed-content notices caused by images, scripts, or styles still using HTTP. Correct those references before announcing the site.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.

6. Set the permanent URL structure

Permalinks are the permanent URLs assigned to posts and pages. Open Settings → Permalinks, choose a human-readable structure that fits the site, and select Save Changes. Saving writes the rewrite rules needed for that structure when WordPress can modify the relevant file.

Choose for stability, not fashion

Consider readability, compatibility with existing links, migration history, and whether changing the structure later would create redirects and broken references. A new site has more freedom; an established site should preserve URLs unless there is a migration plan and tested redirects.

When .htaccess is not writable

WordPress displays the rewrite rules when it cannot write .htaccess. Copy those displayed rules into the site’s Apache configuration or .htaccess with an account authorized to edit it, then save the permalink settings again and test a post URL. Do not make the entire installation broadly writable merely to remove the warning.

If a post’s pretty URL returns a 404 while the home page works, check rewrite-module status, the active virtual host, the document root, and the rules in .htaccess before changing the permalink choice.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

7. Verify the two WordPress URL fields before publishing

WordPress Address (URL) identifies where the WordPress application files live. Site Address (URL) identifies the public address visitors use. They can differ in special deployments, such as when WordPress is installed in a subdirectory but presented at a different public path. A normal single-site installation should use the final domain consistently in both fields.

Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.

Changing either value can affect redirects, image links, login cookies, and rewrite behavior. Take a backup before changing an existing site’s URLs, make the corresponding Apache and .htaccess adjustments, and verify the front end and administrator area in a private window. If you lose access after an edit, restore the previous values through the documented server or database recovery method rather than repeatedly guessing URLs.

8. Review file ownership and permissions

Permissions must allow WordPress to perform the operations you actually want without giving the web process unnecessary control. The correct values depend on how WordPress was installed and whether the server hosts one site or several.

Single-site versus multi-site server users

Making every file owned by www-data may appear convenient, but Ubuntu’s tutorial warns that this can be insecure on a multi-site server. Separate Unix users for separate sites improve isolation and make it clearer who can edit application files. On a single-purpose server, choose a consistent owner and deployment method instead of changing ownership ad hoc whenever an update fails.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Protect configuration files

  • Keep wp-config.php readable only by the accounts that need it, while ensuring the web server can load the configuration.
  • Do not grant world-write permission to the WordPress tree as a shortcut for plugin or permalink errors.
  • Give .htaccess only the permissions required for the chosen update workflow; if WordPress cannot write it, apply the displayed rules manually.
  • Recheck ownership after using deployment scripts, archives, or restore tools, because those operations can change it.

After any permission change, test an administrator login, media upload, plugin update, and pretty permalink. A permission setting is correct only when required operations work without broad, unnecessary write access.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

9. Create a backup you can actually restore

A WordPress backup is complete only when it includes the database and the files. Save the database, WordPress core files, wp-content/uploads, themes, plugins, and configuration such as wp-config.php. A files-only archive cannot restore posts, settings, users, or comments stored in the database; a database-only export cannot restore uploaded media or code.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

Choose storage and retention deliberately

Keep copies on trusted storage that is not dependent on the same server. Local snapshots are convenient for rapid recovery; off-site copies protect against disk failure, compromise, and an administrator mistake that deletes the server. Retain enough versions to recover from an error that is discovered days after it occurred.

Backup model Useful for Trade-off
Local server snapshot or archive Fast rollback when the server remains healthy Does not protect against loss of the server or an attacker who can alter local backups
Off-site copy Recovery after disk, host, or server compromise Needs secure transfer, retention rules, and a tested way to retrieve it
Managed backup service Scheduled copies, monitoring, and possible restore assistance Depends on the provider’s retention, access controls, geography, and restore process

Perform and record a restore test

  1. Take the first complete backup after the installation and initial configuration.
  2. Restore it to a separate test location or isolated server, not over the only live copy.
  3. Confirm that the database imports, the files are present, and the site can load with the expected URL settings.
  4. Log in, open a post, view an uploaded image, and check that themes and plugins are available.
  5. Record the date and result of the first successful restore, then schedule repeat tests.

WordPress hardening guidance recommends regular whole-installation snapshots, trusted storage, and verification that the backup can be restored. A job that reports “completed” without a successful restore is not a recovery plan.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

10. Run an acceptance test before public traffic

Use a short, repeatable test instead of relying on the installer’s success message. Perform it in a private browser window and, where possible, from a second network.

  • Sign in with the administrator account, then sign out and confirm that the login page is reachable over HTTPS.
  • Create a draft and save it without publishing.
  • Upload an image, insert it into a draft, and view the image from the public-facing page.
  • Open a post or page using its pretty permalink and follow an internal link.
  • Submit the contact or comment workflow if the site enables one, checking that spam controls and notification addresses behave as expected.
  • Inspect each tested page for certificate warnings, HTTP redirects that loop, or mixed-content notices.
  • Confirm that the documented backup exists and that the restore test has succeeded.

Record failures with the exact URL, browser message, and recent configuration change. That information makes it possible to distinguish DNS, Apache, TLS, WordPress, and permission problems instead of changing several layers at once.

11. Make the remaining choices consciously

Decision Choose the simpler option when Choose the more controlled option when
Apache or another web server The existing Ubuntu stack, rewrite configuration, PHP integration, and team experience already center on Apache Your operations team has a different supported web-server standard and can reproduce its rewrite and PHP configuration
One Unix user or per-site users The machine hosts one isolated site and administration is simple The machine hosts multiple sites or users and isolation is important
Automatic or manual updates Security patches can be applied automatically with monitoring and a tested recovery path Changes require compatibility checks, scheduled maintenance, or formal approval
Local or managed backups You can protect storage, monitor jobs, and perform restores yourself You need off-site retention, alerting, or assistance and have verified the provider’s terms and restore process
Permalink structure A new site can adopt a readable, durable format before links are shared An existing site should preserve established URLs and add redirects only through a tested migration

Ready-for-public-traffic checklist

  • Apache’s active virtual host serves the intended WordPress document root and the default site is not intercepting the domain.
  • URL rewriting is enabled, Apache has been reloaded, and a pretty permalink opens successfully.
  • The browser installer is complete and WordPress credentials are separate from database and Ubuntu credentials.
  • Supported Ubuntu updates and WordPress core, plugin, and theme updates have been applied.
  • The administrator uses a unique password, a non-predictable username, and two-step authentication with recovery codes.
  • A valid certificate works for the public hostname, WordPress uses the intended HTTPS addresses, and tested pages have no mixed-content warnings.
  • Ownership and permissions protect configuration files and match the server’s single-site or multi-site isolation model.
  • A backup contains both the database and all required files, is stored safely, and has passed a documented restore test.
  • The acceptance test covers login, logout, drafts, media, permalinks, enabled forms or comments, redirects, and HTTPS.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.