OpenMeetings is a versatile, open-source, web-based application written in Java. It facilitates a range of functions such as online presentations, collaborative training, web conferencing, whiteboard drawing, document editing, and desktop sharing. Leveraging Red5 Streaming Server’s API functions for remoting and streaming, OpenMeetings offers extensive features including video conferencing, chat functionality, multi-whiteboard collaboration, document sharing, private messaging, polls, and backup solutions.
This guide offers step-by-step instructions for installing OpenMeetings on an Ubuntu 18.04 LTS server.
Requirements
- An Ubuntu 18.04 server.
- A non-root user with sudo privileges.
Install Java
Since OpenMeetings is Java-based, begin by installing Java. If the latest version is not available in Ubuntu’s default repository, add the Java repository using the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository --yes ppa:webupd8team/java
Subsequently, update the repository and install Java with this command:
sudo apt-get install oracle-java8-installer -y
Verify the installation by checking the Java version:
java -version
Expected output:
java version "1.8.0_171" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_171-b11) Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.171-b11, mixed mode)
Install Required Dependencies
Install the necessary dependencies with the following command:
sudo apt-get install imagemagick ghostscript libxt6 libxrender1 ffmpeg sox -y
Install and Configure MariaDB
Next, install MariaDB server using:
sudo apt-get install mariadb-server -y
Once installed, log into the MariaDB shell:
mysql -u root -p
Upon entering your root password, set up the database and user:
MariaDB [(none)]> CREATE DATABASE openmeetings; MariaDB [(none)]> CREATE USER openmeetings;
Grant privileges with:
MariaDB [(none)]> GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON openmeetings.* TO 'openmeetings'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
Execute the following to reload the privileges table:
MariaDB [(none)]> FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
Exit the MariaDB console:
MariaDB [(none)]> \q
Install OpenMeetings
Download the latest OpenMeetings version from Apache’s site:
wget http://www-eu.apache.org/dist/openmeetings/4.0.4/bin/apache-openmeetings-4.0.4.tar.gz
Extract the downloaded files:
sudo tar xvf apache-openmeetings-4.0.4.tar.gz -C /opt/openmeetings
Start the application:
cd /opt/openmeetings sudo sh red5.sh openmeetings
OpenMeetings will start, listening on port 5080.
Access OpenMeetings Web Interface
Navigate to http://your-server-ip:5080/openmeetings to begin the installation steps. Follow the sequence of images and instructions provided:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OpenMeetings?
OpenMeetings is an open-source web-based application for video conferencing, chat, whiteboard collaboration, and other groupware tools.
Can I install OpenMeetings on other versions of Ubuntu?
While this guide is for Ubuntu 18.04, similar steps can be adapted for other versions. Ensure that the dependencies are compatible.
What username and password should I use for the MariaDB setup?
You can choose any username and password, but make sure to update the provided command with these details.
How do I fix installation issues related to Java?
Ensure you refer to the most updated Java version or consider using a different repository if compatibility issues arise.