What is Softaculous?

Do you think setting up a website is complicated? Well, it is not anymore. Yes, people used to have to follow long installation guides and deal with errors, but Softaculous has changed everything. You can now install web applications in no time, and that too without any coding knowledge. Just click a few buttons, and it is done. 

So, what is Softaculous?

Softaculous is the best choice if you want to get started with a website without hassling with technical stuff. This blog will discuss Softaculous in detail. Know how to install and use it for installing and managing apps. Let’s get to it..

What is Softaculous?

Softaculous is a tool to install web applications in a super easy way. You can get a blog, an e-commerce store, a forum or anything else set up in no time. It is an auto-installer that handles setting up your web apps with predefined scripts so you do not have to go through long and complicated processes.

More About Softaculous

Softaculous is a smart installer so instead of manually downloading and setting up software, you can install various web apps through a simple Softaculous interface. Below are the top features of this popular tool –

• Fast installation of apps like WordPress, Joomla, Magento, etc. You select the app → fill in a few details → ready to go.
• It is a one-click solution for installation scripts that supports and works smoothly with various hosting panels such as cPanel, DirectAdmin, Plesk, and more. Many hosting providers like Cantech include it as part of their package.  
• Offers over 300+ apps in various categories like blogging, CRM, e-commerce, customer support, and more.
• It provides demos & reviews before installing an app. You can preview how it looks to decide if it’s the right fit.
• Automated updates keep apps up-to-date and easy backups prevent data loss.
• Facilitates easy database & file setup as it handles technical configurations like setting up databases, file permissions, and directories without user intervention.
• You can even test versions of your website before making changes live.

How to Install Softaculous?

You may check with your hosting provider – if they have already included Softaculous in your plan, you do not have to install it. Access it directly through your control panel. Otherwise, you can install it manually and in that case, a little knowledge of Linux system administration will help.

Steps to Install Softaculous Manually on Cpanel/WHM

1. Check for ionCube Loaders before installation. See if they are enabled on your cPanel/WHM or you may face errors. (Go to the “Server Configuration” > “Tweak Settings” > PHP tab > check ionCube box > Save)
2. Next, log into your server as a root user through SSH.
3. Then, you need to run the required commands to download the Softaculous installation file and execute it.

wget -N https://files.softaculous.com/install.sh

chmod 755 install.sh

./install.sh

1. Go to the “Plugins” section after it is installed and click Softaculous – “Instant Installs”. 
2. Set suPHP permissions (if needed). Adjust file and directory permissions (CHMOD 0644 for files and 0755 for directories) in Softaculous settings.

You can check the Installation steps for other hosting control panels here.

Softaculous Free vs Premium

Free and Premium are two versions of Softaculous The free version offers 38 scripts and the premium version has the full set of over 380 apps.

Difference Between Free & Premium Versions

Want to check the list of available Softaculous applications?

• Free version: Softaculous Free Scripts
• Premium version: Softaculous Premium Apps

How to Use Softaculous?

Softaculous is simple. It is integrated into your hosting control panel so you can access it from there.

Steps to Install an App Using Softaculous

1. Log in to your hosting control panel 
2. Enter Softaculous in the Search bar (top of the homepage) and open ‘Softaculous Apps Installer’.
3. On the homepage of Softaculous, search and click on the app (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, OpenCart) that you want to install. (if you do not know the name of the app, you can search by type too)
4. Click on the ‘Install Now’ and you will get a software setup page on which to follow the steps until you get the ‘Install’ button.
5. Enter the required details. Check out some of the instructions below –

• You can enable SSL if you have it by typing “https://” in the Choose Protocol section. 
• Enter your domain name without adding “www” in the Choose Domain section. 
• You can keep your downloaded web application in a directory if needed. 
• The Site Settings lets you change your WordPress site name and description. Also, you can enable Multisite. 
• Set your admin username, password, and email. 
• Choose a language, install plugins, and configure database settings, backups, and automatic updates in Advanced Options. Every application has unique options, you can check them with the developer.

1. Click “Install” and wait a few seconds. You will get a confirmation message when the process of installation is done.

You can also manage installed apps using Softaculous. You can update them, take backups, or create a test (staging) version before applying changes.

Softaculous in WordPress

If your hosting provider supports Softaculous, you can manage WordPress easily using the WordPress Manager inside Softaculous. It makes multiple WordPress site management easy as it offers a central dashboard for everything.

How to Use Softaculous for WordPress?

1. Log into your control panel and go to WordPress Manager by Softaculous (Software section).
2. Manage all your installations. You can view all your WordPress sites – themes, plugins, and settings.
3. You can make quick changes like enabling/disabling debug mode, managing cron jobs, controlling search engine visibility, and auto-update plugins.
4. Create a staging site (clone), take backups, or restore your WordPress site if needed.

Conclusion

Every website owner needs tools that make work easier. Softaculous does exactly that. It is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to install and manage web applications with minimal effort. Also, it makes sure you do not waste time on complex setups. The free version is good for beginners and you can get advanced features when you upgrade to the premium version. 

Cantech web hosting plans include Softaculous so that you can easily install and manage over 380 applications and set up your website without any technical hassle. Thus, Cantech’s hosting simplifies the process with this user-friendly solution for all types and sizes of businesses.

FAQs

What is Softaculous used for?

Softaculous helps you install web applications easily. It supports 380+ apps like WordPress, Joomla, and Magento. It also assists in managing updates, backups, and other processes for your installed apps. 

How does Softaculous work?

Softaculous is an auto-installer that simplifies adding web applications to your website. It integrates with control panels like cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin, etc. 

You can access Softaculous from your chosen hosting control panel. Choose from a wide range of applications and then Softaculous will handle the installation. It will set up databases, configure files, and adjust settings in the background automatically.

Thus, it does not require manual installations and the setup & management of the website becomes super-easy.

What is the backup limit for Softaculous?

There is no default backups limit however the admin can pose restrictions on the backups allowed.

Does cPanel include Softaculous?

Yes, cPanel supports cPanel and is integrated with it. Also, you can install it in no time.

Which control panels support Softaculous?

Most of the popular control panels support Softaculous. Check them out below –

• cPanel
• Webuzo
• Plesk
• DirectAdmin
• ISPConfig
• InterWorx
• ISPmanager
• VestaCP
• Control Web Panel (CWP)
• Others