Softaculous is a fast install system that is used on many types of web hosting platforms. It removes the need to manually install various systems such as Joomla while simplifying the entire process. Instead of taking a great deal of time to set up accounts, downloading software, and creating databases, the whole process is condensed to just a few moments of your time.
Today, I’m going to show you how to install Joomla with Softaculous.
For those who are new to building a website, this is perhaps the easiest method to quickly get started. Once you set up a web hosting account, you should be able to start immediately.
What is Joomla?
More than likely you have heard of CMS (content management systems). The most popular of these platforms is WordPress. However, there are several others that are very popular and have a lot of users.
Joomla is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) for publishing web content. Joomla has actually won a lot of awards in the past. The system is built on a model–view–controller web application framework that can be used independently of the CMS that allows you to build powerful online applications.
The Joomla platform is all over the web and provided a CMS for millions of websites. One of the best things about Joomla is that it can be used for just about any type of website needed. That means no matter what niche you are trying to build around, Joomla has you covered.
Joomla can be used for:
- Business Portals
- Intranets and Extranets
- Small Business Websites
- Online Magazines
- eCommerce and Online Reservations
- Government Websites
- Non-Profits
- Community-Based Sites
- School and Church Sites
- Personal or Family Sites
All-in-all, the platform is still widely used even by some of the biggest names in the business. While it has lost a little ground in popularity, the fact of the matter is that the CMS is solid, and you can build and develop pretty freely on it. Furthermore, it has a huge and dedicated following still.
Let’s take a look at how to get the platform installed using the Softaculous one-click installer method.
Note: This tutorial assumes you have a hosting account and are already logged in to cPanel.
Install Joomla with Softaculous
Step 1: Scroll Down to Softaculous
From your cPanel, scroll down and look for the “Softaculous Apps Installer” and click it. This application is located under the Software tab in cPanel and is often surrounded by other programs.
When first accessing Softaculous, the system will often put the most popular content management systems on the first screen.
Step 2: Find Joomla and Click on It
You can click on Joomla here if you’d like. However, you can also click on “Portal/CMS” to expand the window and click “Joomla” from the list.
Step 3: Click on the Install Now Button
The next screen will display the current version information of Joomla. From here you can see screenshots, features, demos, and many other bits of information regarding the popular CMS. Click the “Install Now” button to begin setting up the website.
Step 4: Add Site Credentials and Other Relevant Information
On this next screen, you will input all of your site’s credentials and information to install Joomla with Softaculous. This will consist of things like the site’s name, description, database information, administrative username, and passwords.
NOTE: When developing the admin account, do not use the name “administrator” or “admin.” This gives hackers and bots access to half of the information they need in order to succeed in a brute force attack on your site. Always create administrator usernames with something unique.
Some of the information in this screen can be changed from the Joomla admin panel after the site has been set up. So, if you put in a site name or description you don’t necessarily like, you can always change it later.
When it comes to the password for the admin account, use the rating system within the Softaculous installer. Using certain algorithms will show you a score from 0 to 100 regarding the security of your password or phrase. The closer you get to 100, the bar will turn green. This means the password is secure and more difficult to crack.
Step 5: Install Joomla
Once you’ve entered the information for the site, click the “Install” button to continue.
After the installer is done, Softaculous will give you a link to your admin panel and you can log into Joomla and start adding website content right away.
Joomla FAQs
Oftentimes you get the answers you are looking for, but then even more questions pop up. Here are a few answers that may help you.
Can I Manually Install Joomla?
Yes, even though the one-click installation process is a little easier, you can also manually install Joomla instead if that is a preferred method.
Does Joomla Have Extensions?
Yes, like all other CMS platforms, Joomla has a number of free and paid extensions that will allow you to extend the functionality of your site. They are not difficult to install either, as installing a Joomla extension is much like installing plugins or extensions on other platforms.
Is Joomla Better Than WordPress?
The answer to that question is going to be tough. More often than not, that answer will be based on personal preference. That being said, there are some ways that Joomla is a little more flexible than WordPress. It is very customizable and can take on just about any shape you want if you understand how to build with it.
What is a Joomla Module?
A Joomla module is a lightweight extension (mentioned above) or widget that you can insert into a page and display all sorts of pre-existing and pre-configured content. Examples include news widgets, login modules, social media extensions, and more.
Are There Good Joomla Themes Available?
Yes, there are actually plenty of good Joomla themes available. While there are not as many available themes as WordPress, Joomla themes are still plentiful. You should have no trouble finding and installing one that you like.
Are Any Popular Sites Using Joomla?
It may surprise you to know that there are actually some pretty well-known names out there that use Joomla for their websites. Some of the most popular names include IKEA, Holiday Inn, Linux, Lipton Ice Tea, The Hill, and ITWire,
Conclusion
Joomla is still a relatively popular CMS platform. While it has lost some ground in the past years, it still has a very dedicated fan base and is very popular with thousands and thousands of developers. GIve it a try and see what you think. You may find that it is perfect for what you are trying to do.
I hope this tutorial was able to show you how easy it is to install Joomla using Softaculous. Since the tool provides a one-click installation method, you should have no trouble getting the platform up and running from your cPanel.
That’s all there is to it. Softaculous makes installing applications like Joomla quick and easy. It’s the speed behind the process that causes owners both novice and expert to use this method for developing websites. If you have everything planned out and ready to go, I don’t see it taking you more than five minutes before you can start adding content.