What is Softaculous?
Softaculous is a collection of installation scripts that you can access from your cPanel. These scripts will automate the installation of several different website apps and content management systems (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc.). They also add several options for updates, backups, and site maintenance.
And not just website Apps either. There are also apps for blogs, wikis, e-commerce, and project management, too many to mention here.
Why should I use Softaculous instead of manually installing my apps?
While all of these apps can be installed manually on most servers, a Softaculous script will automate the process. Most apps require that you download the software, upload it to your server, create a database and a database user, and then run an installer to connect them. Softaculous will do all of this for you through a single, simple interface.
Installing a WordPress site, for example, is as simple as selecting the WordPress installer from the Softaculous menu and clicking Install. Once you enter your information, the script will create the database and install the latest version of WordPress.
Even after you have installed your software, Softaculous provides tools to help manage and update your apps. While the options available vary by app, you can typically access your admin area directly from the Softaculous interface. Most apps even have backup and update options available through Softaculous.
How do I navigate Softaculous?
Step 1: Go to: https://manage.christianwebhost.com/ or click the "Login" button located at the top right of our website. Unless you change them, your login details are the email address and password used when the account was created.
Step 2: Once logged in, click the Services block and choose your cPanel service to access its management page.
Step 3: From the Actions menu on the left, click Login to cPanel (you do not need your cPanel credentials for this method).
Step 4: Once logged into your cPanel, scroll down to the Software section and select Softaculous Apps Installer to enter the interface.
The Softaculous interface is separated into four main areas:
- Search and Categories: Here, you will see a list of categories for the different scripts. You can browse them from here, or use the search bar to find a script.
- Menu Bar: In the upper right, you can see the main Menu bar.
- Go to cPanel: Returns you to your cPanel.
- WordPress Manager: Access your Softaculous WordPress Manager.
- Scripts Demo: Allows you to try out some scripts before installing them.
- Script Ratings: Rate your favorite (or least favorite) scripts to help other users.
- Installations: List all of your current script installations.
- Task List: A list of active Softaculous tasks (installs, backups, restores).
- Edit Settings: Update your time zone, language, or backup location.
- Backups and Restore: Manage your app backups and restore sites if necessary.
- Email Settings: Configure which notifications to send and to which email address to send them.
- Import Installations: Import previously installed apps so that you can manage them with Softaculous.
- Help and Support: Frequently asked questions regarding Softaculous.
- Log Out: Log out of Softaculous and your cPanel.
- Main Window: This is the main window from where you can install new scripts or manage your existing ones. The default page shows you the current Top Scripts with a brief explanation on each.
- Some News / Analysis: This section shows recent script updates and other news items.
How do I use a Softaculous script?
Step 1: From the Softaculous interface, click the script to open its management menu.
- At the top, you will see information about the script, including its name, version, and rating on Softaculous.
- Next, you have the menu bar, which includes the Install button and additional information on the script. Click the Install button here to get started.
- There is also a screenshot of the app, as well as a summary of the required space, and typically links to support pages. Once again, this information will vary from script to script.
- At the bottom, there is another Install button and possibly other options.
Step 2: Click Install from the menu
Step 3: Select your domain name, website folders, usernames, passwords, and other options.
Step 4: Once you have entered the correct information, click Install at the bottom to begin. This will start the script. This may take a bit of time, depending on the script.
Step 5: Once the script has completed, you should see a confirmation message.
Step 6: You are now ready to start building your new website.
How do I manage my sites installed using Softaculous?
One of the best features of Softaculous is that you can easily manage your site after installing it using the Softaculous installer. From the Softaculous interface, simply click Manage Installations in the upper menu bar to manage your installations. The available options vary depending on the script.
Can I add a manually installed site to Softaculous?
While not always 100% effective, you should be able to import your previously installed site into Softaculous and manage it there. You will need the admin credentials before you can import the site.
Step 1: From the Softaculous interface, click the Import Icon in the main menu bar.
Step 2: Choose the option for Manual Installations and then click the blue button at the bottom to Start Scanning for Installations. After a brief moment, the server will return any found installations.
Step 3: You should now see the found site in your installation list. While you will not be able to log in to the admin area directly, you will be able to use the other tools and benefits of Softaculous.