Steps to download, compile, and install are as follows. Note: Replace 0.9.8e with your version number:
  • Downloading OpenSSL:

    Run the command below,

    wget http://www.openssl.org/source/openssl-0.9.8e.tar.gz

    Also, download the MD5 hash to verify the integrity of the downloaded file. In the same folder, where you downloaded the OpenSSL file, do the following:

    wget http://www.openssl.org/source/openssl-0.9.8e.tar.gz.md5
    md5sum openssl-0.9.8e.tar.gz
    cat openssl-0.9.8e.tar.gz.md5

    The last two commands (above) generate two strings of alpha-numeric characters. Check to see if both strings are identical or not. If not, repeat the steps above from "Downloading OpenSSL". If yes, your file has been downloaded properly. Please note that if you are using openssl for a highly secure/critical setup (or for any other reason) then you should also check the PGP signatures (not covered in this tutorial for simplicity).
  • Extracting files from the downloaded package:

    tar -xvzf openssl-0.9.8e.tar.gz

    Now, enter the directory where the package is extracted.

    cd openssl-0.9.8e

  • Configuring OpenSSL:

    ./config --prefix=/usr/local/openssl --openssldir=/usr/local/openssl

    Replace "/usr/local/openssl" above with the directory path where you want to copy the files and folders. Note: check for any error message.
  • Compiling OpenSSL:

  • make

    Note: check for any error message.

  • Installing OpenSSL:

    As root (for privileges on destination directory), run the following.

    With sudo,

    sudo make install

    Without sudo,

    make install

    Note: check for any error messages.

Thats it. OpenSSL has been successfully installed.