Get around having to use FTP to install new theme or plugin

I have just setup a linux server with apache, php, wordpress, etc… and can get to the wp-admin screen via a browser, and can login. I can see the default theme from a browser. So all is well for the most part.

However, when I try and ‘add new’ .zip file plugin or theme from my local drive I receive the following error message, requiring FTP to make the download to the server.

“To perform the requested action, WordPress needs to access your web server. Please enter your FTP credentials to proceed…..”

I would like WP to NOT have to use FTP, to simply do the upload to the server automatically without FTP.

Am assuming there is some sort of permissions issue at the server?

thank you for your support. -v