How to Install and Use Softaculous on cPanel + Tips

Softaculous is an auto-installer tool widely utilized with cPanel. Thanks to its intuitive user interface and automation features, it enables users to install and manage over 450 web applications quickly. Softaculous has become an essential tool in hosting environments; here, we present a step-by-step guide on installing, configuring, and optimizing It on any cPanel server.

What is Softaculous?

Softaculous’s primary strength is that it simplifies the installation and management of numerous applications, including the Content Management System, e-commerce solutions, forums, etc. It facilitates application deployment, making it easy for first-time and well-experienced operators.

Key Features of Softaculous

• One-Click Installation: Quickly install applications like WordPress, Joomla, and Magento.
• Automatic Updates: Keep applications secure with regular, automated updates.
• Backup and Restore: Easily create and restore backups to safeguard data.
• Extensive Library: Access over 450 scripts, including CMSs, forums, and CRMs.
• Staging and Cloning: Test updates and changes in a staging environment before applying them to live sites.

Why Use Softaculous with cPanel?

Softaculous integrates seamlessly with cPanel, offering hosting providers and end-users an efficient way to manage web applications. Benefits include:

1. Ease of Use: Its graphical interface allows users to install and manage applications without technical expertise.
2. Time-Saving: Automates tasks such as application setup, backups, and updates.
3. Increased Security: Automates updates to minimize vulnerabilities.
4. Flexibility: Supports various applications for different use cases, from blogs to e-commerce sites.

How to Install Softaculous on cPanel

Step 1: Verify Requirements

Check if the following requirements are met before proceeding:

• cPanel Installed: Softaculous requires an operational cPanel setup.
• Root Access: Administrative privileges are required to perform the installation.
• Sufficient Storage: Make sure adequate disk space for Softaculous and installed applications.
• IonCube Loaders Enabled: Softaculous relies on IonCube for encryption. To enable it:
  1. Login to WHM.

Home > Server Configuration > Tweak Settings

      2. Locate the PHP settings section and enable IonCube Loader.

Step 2: Download the Softaculous Installer

1. SSH into your server as root

Navigate to your server’s home directory and fetch the installation script:

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

Step 3: Install Softaculous

2. Run the Installation Script
   Grant execution permissions and initiate the installation:

chmod 755 install.sh

./install.sh

The script will automatically detect your cPanel environment and configure Softaculous.

Step 4: Verify Installation

1. After the installation, complete cPanel and check for the Softaculous Apps Installer under the “Plugins” section.

If Softaculous appears, the installation was successful.

How to Configure Softaculous

Step 1: Access the Admin Panel

Admin Panel Access
Navigate to the WHM panel and go to:

Home » Plugins » Softaculous - Admin Panel

This panel allows administrators to control available scripts, adjust user settings, and manage Softaculous features.

1. Enable/Disable Scripts
   You can turn on or off specific applications based on your server’s requirements. For instance, you might allow WordPress but restrict lesser-used applications to conserve resources.

2. Custom Branding
   Hosting providers can customize Softaculous branding within the admin panel to match their company’s identity.

3. Automatic Updates and Notifications
   Enable auto-updates for scripts and configure notifications to stay informed about new features or potential security concerns.

How to Use Softaculous on cPanel

Step 1: Install an Application (WordPress)

1. Log in to cPanel and navigate to the Softaculous Apps Installer under the “Software” section.

2. Choose an application (e.g., WordPress), enter configuration details like domain and database credentials, and click “Install.”

3. The process takes only a few minutes and eliminates manual setup hassles.
4. Backup and Restore
   Softaculous allows users to create on-demand backups of their applications. 

Restoring backups is equally simple, ensuring data recovery in case of issues.

3. Staging and Cloning
   Softaculous offers staging environments for advanced users to test changes and cloning tools to duplicate sites effortlessly.

Optimizing Softaculous

1. Regular Updates

Confirm that Softaculous is updated to the latest version for security and new features:

./install.sh --update

2. Monitor Resource Usage

Use server monitoring tools to track the disk space and resources installed applications consume.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Installation Errors

Check the installation logs for errors:

/var/log/softaculous/install.log

• Make sure all requirements, such as IonCube Loaders, are enabled.

2. Applications Not Installing

• Verify database credentials.
• Check for permission issues in the application directory.

3. Missing Softaculous in cPanel

Make sure Softaculous is enabled for the user account in WHM:

Home > Account Functions > Modify an Account

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Conclusion

Softaculous is an essential installation on cPanel servers since it simplifies application deployment. Automating installation, update, and backup is another approach that reduces time and improves the user experience. When professionally deployed and configured, hosting firms will provide website developers and owners with a platform that facilitates the creation and management of the project.

This article was written by Vinayak Baranwal. For more insightful content or collaboration opportunities, feel free to connect with Vinayak on LinkedIn using the provided link.