MODx, Apache & MYSQL???

I’m trying to upgrade my remote server’s apache and mysql to the MODx recommended versions, but I’m really stuck on this & could use some expert advice:

I can’t seem to find a good tutorial on how to use SSH to extract and run the proper commands for installing Apache. Can anyone recommend a good resource for learning SSH in Windows?

I’m also having trouble determining which version of the MySQL to download seeing as how the MySQL downloads page doesn’t have a file specified for UNIX. So should I just download the generic Linux version?


My server info:
UNIX
Apache/1.3.41
MySQL client version: 4.1.22

Is this your own private server or are you using shared hosting?

I don’t mean to sound harsh but judging from your questions it does not sound like you know what you are doing. If you don’t know exactly what operating system you are running on (UNIX is not it) you should not be attempting this.
Installing system wide packages like apache & mysql can only be done by the system admin and require some knowledge to configure them securely on an internet facing server. If you are just hosting a site on someones server then you don’t have the security privileges to install these things anyway.

I suggest you contact the system admin/hosting company and square it out with them.

Which UNIX OS are you on?

I’d have a read of this for MYSQL http://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql-linuxunix-excerpt/5.1/en/index.html, note that generic unix and say solaris installs are different, the generic linux version will not work here. You may also be able to get the latest MYSQL from your OS provider. There’s a similar page here for apache http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.0/install.html once again check with your OS provider first for any pre-built packages.

Beware that if you do have to install from source it can become quite complex if you’ve not done this before, you may for instance have to bump your PHP version also.

I’m not sure what you mean by SSH commands, if you mean a client you can use on windows than have a look here http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/, this is a lightweight windows base terminal emulator that does SSH. I use this frequently on my windows boxex, its not the only one though, google is your friend here.

As said above by etal this is by no means an easy task if you have no prior knowledge here.

I appreciate your replies.

Is there an easy way to tell what OS I am running without having to contact my webhost? I tried using a web sniffer, that’s how I found out it was some form of Unix.

It would seem finding out the exact OS I have is the only thing holding me back from actually making the upgrades at this point.

etal: It is a shared host. The people who run the hosting company are impossible to get a hold of; hence me being here.

I will keep you up to date on this as I find out more. Hopefully I can find a solution to share with everyone.
For now I have decided to try and just install MODx using my current configuration. I will use that for now to try and get this site up and running, but any additional ideas are always much appreciated.

You can’t do this on shared hosting.

Packages like apache and mysql are system wide and affect all the users of the machine. There is no way to update them without admin permissions which you do not have.

If your hosting company is not responsive and does not update the software on its servers I would suggest you switch hosts.

Update:

It is possible we are running a Virtual Dedicated host. I’m on a reseller’s account and I know him personally. I’ll keep you posted.

*Update 03/24/2009*

As it turns out the site is on a simple shared hosting environment.

I am intrigued by the notion of a virtual dedicated host and all the greatness that comes with controlling the server’s environment. We are going to hold off on upgrading to the dedicated box for now until we can save up some money.

Again I appreciate all your replies. I’m happy to say I started my web building adventures here with you all =)