Introduction

Softaculous is a powerful auto-installer script library integrated into hosting control panels like cPanel and DirectAdmin. It supports over 450 applications, including popular ones like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop, and Magento. Softaculous automates the entire installation process—handling file downloads, database creation, configuration, and setup—allowing you to deploy web apps in minutes without manual FTP uploads or complex configurations.

Key features include:

• One-click installations, upgrades, and removals
• Automated and manual backups (local or remote: FTP, Dropbox, Google Drive, AWS S3, etc.)
• Cloning and staging environments for testing changes safely
• Import of existing installations
• Auto-upgrades for security and new features
• WordPress Manager for advanced WP-specific tools (plugins/themes management, security scans, etc.)
• Demos, ratings, reviews, and multilingual support

Important Notes:

• Softaculous must be enabled by your hosting provider. If unavailable, contact support.
• Always create backups before updates, clones, or major changes.
• Use strong, unique passwords for admin accounts.
• Interfaces may vary slightly by hosting provider or theme/skin.

Using Softaculous on DirectAdmin

Accessing Softaculous

1. Log in to DirectAdmin (usually https://yourdomain.com:2222).
2. Depending on skin (e.g., Enhanced or Evolution), scroll to Extra Features or Advanced Features.
3. Click Softaculous Auto Installer or Softaculous Apps Installer.

Installing an Application (Detailed Example: WordPress)

Steps mirror cPanel closely:

1. Search or browse to WordPress.
2. Click Install.
3. Fill the form:
   • Version, Protocol, Domain (ensure added in Domain Setup if new).
   • Directory (blank for root).
   • Site Name/Description.
   • Admin Username/Password/Email (strong recommendations apply).
   • Advanced: Language, themes, auto-upgrades, DB prefix.
4. Click Install. Receive confirmation and login details.

Managing Installations, Backups, Cloning, and Staging

Identical to cPanel: Use All Installations for actions like upgrade, backup, clone, stage, push to live, import, etc. WordPress Manager available for WP tools.

Advanced Tips and Best Practices

• Security: Change default prefixes, use strong passwords, enable auto-upgrades, run WP security scans.
• Troubleshooting: Check disk space, permissions, or ionCube (required for Softaculous).
• Custom Installs: Import manual setups for management.
• Templates: Create reusable setups with pre-configured themes/plugins.
• Limits: Hosting may cap backups/clones; monitor usage.