Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

March 13, 2009

How to Install Joomla in cPanel

Joomla is one of the most widely used content manage systems available.  Experienced users prefer the software because of its power while beginners choose Joomla for its ease of use.  With the release of version 1.5 came a level of simplicity that even allows users with no technical knowledge to excel.  There is a lot you can do with this amazing CMS, but before you can experience Joomla, the software must be installed on the server you are using.  This easiest way to do this is through the cPanel control panel.

cPanel is a highly functional control panel and gives you the ability to install Joomla in two different ways.  You can download the application from the Joomla website, upload the files to your root directory and perform a manual installation, or install it automatically via Fantastico.  The manual option is recommended for advanced users who want to start customizing the software from the installation.  It is also best for those with a knowledge of FTP, file permissions, databases and other web technologies.  This tutorial will provide instructions on the easiest method, which is installing Joomla through Fantastico.

Fantastico Installation

To install Joomla, log into your cPanel account, locate and click on the "Fantastico" icon at the bottom of the page.

When Fantastico opens, you will see a list of add-on programs that came free with your web hosting account on the left side of the page.  Under "Content Management", locate and click "Joomla".  You will then be prompted to enter information that will be specific to your Joomla website.  The areas you will see are as follows:

Install in directory - This field is for the location where the Joomla installation will be placed on the server.  If you plan to run the CMS from your home directory, simply leave this field blank.

Admin access data - Enter the username and password that will be used to access the Joomla administrative panel.

Base configuration admin e-mail - Enter the email address that will be used as the contact source for your Joomla website.

Admin full name - Enter your full name

Site name - Enter the name you want displayed on the front page of your website.

After you have correctly entered all the required information, click on the "Install Joomla" button.  A new page will display asking that you "confirm the installation."  Once you confirm, the process should only take a few minutes and when it is complete, you will receive confirmation of a successful installation.  You will then be provided with the URL to the administrative area which should be written down or bookmarked.  There should be a link that you directly there.  Click on the link, enter your login details and start building your Joomla site.

Joomla Requirements

Whether you choose a manual installation or Fantastico, take note that a successful installation of Joomla 1.5 requires a few vital elements.  Your web hosting provider's server will need to be equipped with Apache 1.13.19 or higher, MySQL 3.23 or higher and PHP 4.4.3 or higher.

Tags: CMS,  Joomla,  installation,  ftp,  fantastico,  database,  cPanel Tutorials,  control panel,  content management system