How to Install WordPress (or Other CMS)

Introduction

Installing a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal is an essential step in setting up a website. A CMS allows you to create, manage, and modify website content without extensive coding knowledge. This guide will walk you through installing WordPress (or other CMS) using different methods, including automated installers and manual installation.

Step 1: Choosing a Hosting Environment

Before installing WordPress or any CMS, ensure you have the right hosting setup:

• Shared Hosting: Ideal for beginners, comes with control panels like cPanel or Plesk.

• VPS or Dedicated Hosting: Provides more control and requires manual setup.

• Managed WordPress Hosting: Optimized for WordPress performance and security.

Step 2: Installing WordPress via Auto Installer (cPanel, Plesk, or DirectAdmin)

Most hosting providers offer automated installation tools, such as Softaculous, Installatron, or Plesk’s WordPress Toolkit.

Installing WordPress via cPanel (Softaculous)

1. Log into cPanel

   • Access your cPanel by navigating to https://yourdomain.com/cpanel.

2. Open Softaculous Installer

   • Locate Softaculous Apps Installer under the Software section.

   • Click on WordPress.

3. Configure Installation Settings

   • Choose the domain where you want to install WordPress.

   • Set up an admin username, password, and email.

4. Install WordPress

   • Click Install and wait for the process to complete.

   • Access your website at https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/.

Installing WordPress via Plesk

1. Log into Plesk

   • Access Plesk via https://yourdomain.com:8443.

2. Use WordPress Toolkit

   • Navigate to Applications > WordPress.

   • Click Install, select domain, and configure admin details.

3. Complete Installation

   • Once installed, log in via https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/.

Installing WordPress via DirectAdmin

1. Log into DirectAdmin

   • Access DirectAdmin via https://yourdomain.com:2222.

2. Use Installatron

   • Navigate to Extra Features > Installatron.

   • Select WordPress, configure details, and install.

Step 3: Manual Installation of WordPress

If you prefer manual installation, follow these steps:

Download WordPress

1. Go to WordPress.org and download the latest version.

2. Extract the downloaded zip file.

Upload WordPress Files to Server

1. Use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your server.

2. Upload WordPress files to the root directory (public_html).

Create a Database

1. Log into cPanel or Plesk.

2. Navigate to MySQL Databases.

3. Create a new database and user, then assign full privileges.

Configure wp-config.php

1. Rename wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php.

2. Open the file and add database details:

   define('DB_NAME', 'your_database');
   define('DB_USER', 'your_username');
   define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_password');
   define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

   PHPCopy

Run the Installation Script

1. Open your browser and visit https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Step 4: Installing Other CMS (Joomla, Drupal, etc.)

The process for installing Joomla or Drupal is similar to WordPress:

• Use Auto Installers: Available in cPanel, Plesk, or DirectAdmin.

• Manual Installation: Upload CMS files, create a database, and follow the setup instructions from the CMS provider.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress or another CMS is straightforward with auto-installers, but manual installation provides more control. Whether you use cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin, or a standalone VPS, this guide ensures a smooth CMS setup for your website.