1.5 Installation Manual Version 0.5

Joomla! 1.
5
Installation Manual
Author: Andy Wallace
Joomla! User Documentation Team
Version 0.5
30 October 00!
Acknowledgements & License
Acknowledgements
I would like to pay tribute to the Developers for their continued efforts in putting together the remarkable
Content Management System that is Joomla! 1!
"urthermore# the same tribute is to be paid to the many other $ork %roup members# past and present# who
have played their part in getting Joomla! to where it is today
&he tribute also goes out to all the everyday Joomla! Community members who have played their part in
testing# reporting issues and# more importantly# workable solutions to the 'ro(ect
"inally#I would like to single out a couple of people who have made the work on the )ser Documentation
&eam possible for the 1! release*
Chad Mc+issick and ,eandro -erganti.os without whom the work would be further behind than it already is!
/my Stephen for some last minute reading and suggestions
License
&his document is released under the Creative Commons /ttribution01onCommercial0Share/like 23
)nported license
Additional License Rider
I am happy for the document to be translated
I am happy for the document to be used on Community# &ranslation# and other 1"' 4not for profit5 $eb sites
that utilise %oogle /ds or similar# to fund their $eb sites or other Joomla! related activities
I am happy for the document to be sold in printed hard copy or reproduced on other media such as CD6s or
D7D6s provided it is only the cost of the media and materials that are charged for# and not the original work
itself# any translations# or any amendments that may have been carried out upon it# whilst ensuring this
license and these riders are always reproduced in full
/ndy $allace
Feedback
$e would appreciate any constructive feedback on this document 'lease let us have your Suggestions#
Corrections# or Modifications in the forum 8r send me 4humvee5 a personal message from the forums
Documentation the same as the Joomla! 'ro(ect as a whole is an evolutionary process# so if you have ideas
let us know about them If you would like to contribute in some way then again use the forum or 'M me
ii
Changelog
Version Date Details
23 8ct 933: 7ersion 3!
9! 8ct 933: /dded notes to Minimum ;e<uirements
92 8ct 933: /dded to 8btaining Joomla! advice on 1ightly -uilds and S7n
93 8ct 933: /dded to +nown Issues
1! 8ct 933: /dded htaccess = phpini detail to >rror ?andling section
19 8ct 933: /dded further detail to the System re<uirements table = content
@ 8ct 933:
/dded further warning note regarding the Installation "older deletion
processAerror in ;C2
! 8ct 933:
/dded further cautionAwarning and notes to Introduction and Installation
sections
2 8ct 933:
/dded further caution note regarding $eb -rowser Installation Step 9 0 're0
Installation Checks
1 8ct 933:
/dded to Software ;e<uirements Caution regarding Bend 8ptimiCer 0 thanks
/ndrew >ddie
3D 9! Sep 933: Initial 'ublic ;elease = 'D" base
iii
Tale o! Contents
/cknowledgements = ,icenseii
/cknowledgementsii
,icenseii
/dditional ,icense ;iderii
"eedbackii
Changelogiii
Introduction1
Minimum System ;e<uirements9
,ocalhost or ;emote ?ost Installations2
Checking the InstallationD
8btaining Joomla!@
1ightly -uild E
1ightly -uildE
S71F
"inal 'reparation13
&ransferring the files13
/ bit more preparation13
MySG, Details11
"&' account details 11
Secure 'assword &hinking12
Installation1D
$eb -rowser Installation1!
Step 1 0 ,anguage Choice1!
Step 9 0 're0installation Check1:
Step D 0 Database Configuration1F
Step ! 0 "&' Configuration91
Step @ 0 Main Configuration99
Installing the Default Sample Data92
Installing a Compatible SG, Script "ile92
Installing a Migration SG, Script "ile from an earlier Joomla! version 13H installation92
Step : 0 "inish9D
Manual Installation9@
Step 1 I Create and edit the configuration file9@
Step 9 I >dit the SG, file9E
Step 2 I )pload the files to the $eb server9E
Step D I Create the database and import the (oomlas<l data9E
Step ! I Create the primary administrator user account 21
Step @ I Import the sampleJdatas<l data 4optional52D
Step : I "inish2@
Delete the installation directory2@
+nown Issues = >rror ?andling2:
configurationphp file not writable2:
;egister %lobals is set to on I Shared ?osting 'roblem2:
htaccess2:
phpini2E
1ightly -uild and S712F
1ightly -uild2F
S71D3
?elp )s to ?elp KouD1
)se the "orumsD1
'osting a 1ew &opic 4or when (oining an eHisting thread with the same issues5 D2
Some %eneral Do6s and Don6tsD2
/dditional Information to consider includingD2
Successful >ndingDD
"urther InformationD!
$hat to eHpect whilst Joomla! 1! is in developmentD!
iv
/lpha 'haseD!
-eta 'haseD!
;elease Candidacy 'haseD!
Stable 'hase 0 "ull ;eleaseD!
7ersion ConventionD@
Current Development 'lanningD@
v
Introduction
$ell you have made the most important choice so far# by selecting Joomla! 1! as your choice of Content
Management System 4CMS5
Joomla! is currently one of the most popular and effective 8pen Source pro(ects and has won a number of
prestigious awards in its short# but illustrious eHistence
Joomla! 1! is the second# main incarnation of the Joomla! series of releases &he original Joomla! 13 series
being a direct derivative of the Mambo CMS which many of the current Joomla! Developers helped create
Joomla! 1! is a ma(or step forward from 13# with many new features and a far more integrated framework
&his manual seeks to provide you with the necessary information you need in order to safely install the basic
core package onto an eHisting# fully operational# $eb server
$e will# by necessity# touch upon the essential needs for setting Joomla! )p# but this manual is not a detailed
guide on how to build and configure a $eb server or database Kou are essentially eHpected to have these in
operation already
"e will take #ou through:
the general steps of obtaining Joomla!
ensuring your $eb server meets the minimum re<uirements needed
how to deal with both a straight forward and slightly more compleH installation of the software
possible problems that you may encounter along the way and the resolution of many of these
together with additional resources and information that is available to you
$e trust you will en(oy the process and can then look forward to tailoring Joomla! to your own specific
re<uirements
Installing and using Joomla! is generally straight forward# getting your perfect $eb site takes a lot more
effort but there is much# as you will discover# that has been done to make the process easier along the way
&here may be a time lapse between the information contained within the $eb pages and this downloadable
'D" version of the manual &his will be minimalised as much as possible# but the $eb pages will always be
the most up0to0date
If you intend migrating content from an eHisting Joomla! 13H $eb site we strongly recommend first running
a test installation of Joomla! 1! before you proceed with the migration attempt /lways make sure you have
backed up your data before running the Migrator Component
Caution: 'lease completely read through the Installation Manual before commencing the installation# it may
well save you a lot of grief!
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam 1 &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
Minimum $#stem Re%uirements
&o successfully install and use Joomla! you must have a fully operational $eb server 4/pache is the
optimum5# a database 4MySG, is the optimum5 and the server side scripting language '?' together with
specific modules that are activated within '?' for MySG,# LM,# and Blib functionality amongst others
Note: Joomla! is developed and tested primarily on the /pache $eb server versions 12H M and 9H M
$hilst there is every chance that it will work with other systems# such as $indows IIS# these are not
necessarily supported as fullyAat all within the technical support community
&he same has to be said unfortunately for the database where MySG, is the principle choice but other types
of database may work with the necessary configuration but are less well supported at the present time &his
is a situation that it is hoped will be turned around with time but for this to happen the community re<uires
people with the appropriate skills to step forward and assist
&he minimum versions of the various constituent parts of these server components that are re<uired are as
follows*
$o!tware Min
&ersion
Recommended '(timum Latest
Release
"e $ite
PHP D2H DD: !3H
series
!9D httpAAphpnet
MySQL 292H or
above
D199 !3H
series
!3D! http*AAdevmys<lcomAdownloadsAmys<lA!3
html
Apache 12 or
above
12F 93@1 99@ http*AAhttpdapacheorg
mod_mysql
mod_ml
mod_!li"
Kou must ensure that you have the MySG,# LM,# and Blib functionality enabled within your '?' installation
&his is controlled within the php.ini file
Caution* Do not use PHP #$%$&' PHP #$#$( or PHP )$*$#N these releases have known bugs that will interfere
with the installation of Joomla! &here was also an issue with the Bend 8ptimiCer 7ersion 9!13 for '?'
DDH Kou should ask your host to upgrade to a later release as soon as possible where applicable
1ote* &here are currently ongoing discussions as to whether there are additional issues with the whole D2H
series of releases of '?' and it has been found that the best and most consistent results are achieved with
the '?' !H series
Joomla! has been successfully tested on many variants within the main three 8S for $indows# ,inuH# /pple
Mac 8SL It may well work on other platforms but this is less well documented
Joomla! is also regularly used and tested through the main $eb browsers available such as I>@ M# "irefoH
1! M# Safari# and 8pera but it may also work with others
Localhost or Remote Host Installations
/ localhost is a $eb server and associated database that is set up directly on your computer or that may be
on a local network either within your home or business environment Kou have direct easy access to the
machine upon which the software is situated
/ remote host is one that you access via the internet it may be owned by you or you may rent it from a
dedicated hosting company In this case there are different flavours such as managed# dedicated# virtual# or
shared hosting -ut in simple terms the computer that houses the software is remote from you &he scope
and detailed eHplanation of each of these flavours is outside of the boundaries of this manual but whichever
option you select you must ensure that they meet your eHpected re<uirements together with the minimum
specifications detailed above
In respect of the localhost option there are a number of ready made packages that put all the necessary
software together 4eHcluding Joomla!5 in one easily installable package that generally allow you to have your
own personal $eb server and database without really knowing too much about how they work
&he following are the more readily available# and popular# varieties of these packages and the operating
systems for which they are designed
+arnin,: $ith the eHception of the ,/M' packages# none of the others should be used for live $eb sites
they are only intended for developmentAlocalhost servers &he ,/M' packages when used in con(unction
with the ,inuH security measures are generally the same for localhost and live site situations
&he AMP elements within the following package names stand for /pache# MySG,# and '?'
)ackage
*ame
'(erating $#stem "e $ite +ocuments
+AMP $indows http*AAwwwwampservercomAenA http*AAwwwwampservercomAw
amp!chm
MAMP /pple Mac 8SL http*AAwwwmampinfoAenAmamphtml http*AAwwwmampinfoAenAhelp
html
LAMP ,inuH 4and other )niH5 Distribution Dependant
-AMPP Multi0platform IMac
$indows# ,inuH# Solaris#
http*AAapachefriendsorg http*AAwwwapachefriendsorgAe
nAfa<0Hampphtml
Most ,inuH distributions these days come with the re<uisite components available within their own
repositories# or even within the main distribution software download that you get &here will often be different
ways of activating the functionality so you would need to check the documentation of your own particular
distribution choice &he individual distributions compile the necessary dependencies# links# and changes as a
part of the installation process# be it ;'M# K)M# or one of the other bespoke installers
/lternatively# on any 8S platform you can download and configure the individual components from the
various $eb sites listed 4as you generally would need to do for a live $eb site if your hosting provider did not
cater for these5 and create your own servers# but these packages do provide an easier# integrated solution
Most of the packages will also usually contain some form of database administration program as well# for
eHample# '?'My/dmin or MySG,/dmin# to enable effective management of the database# if not# you will
find it advantageous to install such a program if you intend doing any sort of database editing work
Caution: &he remainder of this Manual assumes that you have a fully functioning /pache# MySG,# and '?'
based $eb server
$e would strongly recommend testing Joomla! and its functionality on a localhost installation in the first
instance to get a feel for the software and what it can offer you
8n remote# hosted or dedicated servers the configuration and availability of these applications will depend on
the host provider or the operating system that is installed upon the server It would be a wise move to
determine their current versions as well as the host6s policy regarding updating the software before signing
any contracts &he variation that can occur between providers and 8S can be significant and is outside the
scope of this brief instruction If you encounter a problem with your host provider and the use of Joomla!
check the forums to see if other users have eHperienced the particular issue and what their solution was
Joomla! can be used with alternative $eb servers such as MicrosoftO Internet Information Service 4IIS5 as
well as alternative database models 4database work is very much in its infancy though5# but these are not
paths we intend eHploring in this manual as Joomla! is primarily developed for use on the /M' combinations
already stated
Note: &here is less technical community support currently available for server platforms other than /M'
&here are discussions and work under way to eHpand the platforms upon which Joomla! will operate without
significant issue# but this is in its early stages of development "or particular issues# or to see if a
combination of programs meet the necessary criteria# check the forums to see if anyone else has succeeded
with a particular task or indeed whether you can contribute to one of the ongoing pro(ects
Checking the Installation
8nce you have completed the necessary installation of your server software it is worth running a <uick test to
ensure that all the necessary# minimum re<uirements are met
+arnin,.: ;emove the phpinfo.php file from your $eb root as soon as you have the necessary
information ,eaving it in situ is a security risk Kour Joomla! installation has a built in version of the same
script in the ?elp Menus for future reference
Kou can do this very simply by creating a basic '?' script*
Save this as phpinfo.php for eHample# and save the file to the root of your $eb site# then simply enter the
address of your $eb site into your browser as follows* http*AAwwwyourdomaincomAphpinfophp or
http*AAlocalhostAphpinfophp and you should receive a detailed summary and state of all the '?' compilation
options and eHtensions 4such as the Blib# LM,# and MySG, modules5# the '?' version in use# server
information and environment 4if t is compiled as a module5# the '?' environment# 8perating System version
information# paths# master and local values of configuration options# ?&&' headers# and the '?' ,icense
See the neHt page for a 4very5 compressed view of the information that this script outputs
"or a full description of all the elements that are output# visit the eHplanatory page at
http*AAuk2phpnetAphpinfo
;emove the phpinfo.php file from your $eb root as soon as you have the necessary information ,eaving
it in situ is a security risk Kour Joomla! installation has a built in version of the same script in the ?elp Menus
for future reference
Check out the online %lossary to assist with definitions of individual words that are new to you If we have
missed any let us know please
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam D &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
<?php
// Show all information
phpinfo();
?>
Compressed view of the output of phpinfo
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam ! &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
'taining Joomla!
%etting hold of Joomla! could not be easierN simply point your mouse to the Main Joomla! page
http*AA(oomlaorg and click the latest release identified in the special Module in the left0hand menu I
referenced by the boH highlighter Kou will note that both the 13H and the latest 1!H releases are available
but we are only interested in the 1!
Joomla! Main page displaying the download Module
Click the 1! icon and you will be redirected to the download page for the Joomla! 'ro(ect within the
http*AA(oomlacodeorg developer repository
Kou will be presented with a screen similar to the following*
Joomla! Code project page displaying the download options for the latest Joomla! version.
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam @ &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
&he boH highlighter is showing the .zip variant of the three available compression types of downloadN in
addition there are tar.gz and .tar.bz2 types Just select the one appropriate for your operating system
/ download pop0up will appear# and you should save the file to an appropriate location on your hard drive
Joomla! Code screen with download popup displayed
8pen the file on your local hard drive using the appropriate compression program for the type of file If you
do not already have such a program there are many open source programs available for free# download from
different locations such as Source "orge In this instance we are using :0BI' "ile Manager# but they all
operate in much the same way 4at least on $indows5 on ,inuH systems the same tasks can be achieved
from the command line# or once again# through the use of a separate program Mac 8SL has a number of
options also including the command line# and &he )narchiver has a good reputation or the default# built0in
utility BOMArchi!"!lp!r.app
!"ip #ile Manager displaying the files contained within the Joomla! $.% core compressed file.
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam : &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
)ncompress 4/tract5 the package to a suitable location 0 it is not important where this happens to be so
long as you can find the files again when it comes to installing them onto the $eb server &he resulting list of
directories and files that you will have within your directory will be similar in appearance to the following*
&he uncompressed Joomla! $.% distri'ution file pac(
Nightly Build
$hilst Joomla! 1! is still in its development stages 4currently ;C25 changes are made to the code to correct
bugs and to improve stability on an almost hourly basis sometimes
$e have included this segment within the 8btaining Joomla! Section as it is logical to start with the latest
available version where possible and practicable# but it would e<ually be at home in the +nown Issues
section at the end of this manual
*ightl# ,uild
$e strongly recommend therefore that as a minimum you keep right up0to0date by using the latest 1ightly
-uild
-e aware that the 1ightly -uild is an automated process It is created at the same time each day &he 1ightly
-uild does not include an automatic updater program# nor can you link directly into the 1ightly -uild and
have it add itself to your installation
Caution: -efore overwriting any of your files or making any related changes you should backup your eHisting
database# directory# and file structure so that you have a roll0back point if things go wrong! Kou must make a
copy of your config#ration.php file and any .htacc!$$ or php.ini files together with images# media#
documents and other files you may have added and reintroduce these where appropriate
Kou have a number of choices when using the 1ightly -uild as to how to use it*
0resh 1nstallation
Kou simply download the latest 1ightly -uild and continue with the installation as you would the
PstandardP Joomla! package from Joomla! Code If you are working on a local test environment it is a
good idea to use this method without deleting previous eHamples as this can assist any
troubleshooting you might need to do and can therefore always refer back to previous installations to
see what has changed# and it is ultimately possible to install as many versions as your computer has
space for!
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam E &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
$&*
+arnin,.: &his is not recommended for novice andAor normal )sers
It is a code Development tool and has the compleHities to match! It should not be used for live sites S71
gives you the absolute latest download at the precise moment you re<uest it -ut that could theoretically be
at the point that someone is uploading files for eHample!
If you are looking to develop Joomla! >Htensions# learn the ins0and0outs of precisely how Joomla! is put
together# or are working on a particular pro(ect that demands the absolute latest version of Joomla!# and for
those helping test Joomla! to assist with the development and Guality and &esting process then we
recommend using Subversion 4S715
Kou will find full details of the setting up of your local repository and access to the S71 downloads on the
Developer Site and accordingly we shall not repeat them here
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam F &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
-inal )re(aration
Transferring the files
&he first task is to upload the uncompressed collection of files that you created during the last section to your
$eb server If you are installing on a localhost 0 for eHample the computer you are working on I then it is
simply a case of copying and pasting 4or moving5 the files into the root folder 4or a sub0folder5 of the $eb
server If however you are running the server on a remote host# then this process will involve the use of a
"&' 4"ile &ransfer 'rotocol5 client program# some $eb -rowsers have such a tool built in or can be added
in# or the control panel of your host provider# if one is available
+arnin,.:&he root folder is located in different places depending upon the operating systemAdistribution and
$eb server package you are using and it might be called htdocs) httpd) or www) but we would be here a long
while if we tried to detail every possible combination of 8S# distribution# package# and directory structure#
together with the settings that could andAor have been made by the ?osting Company# therefore# establishing
this is up to you!
In some cases it will be possible I as well as <uicker and easier 0 on remote hosted servers to upload the
compressed file via your "&' client and to then unCip or uncompress the file directly into the root directory
&his will most often be the case with ,inuH based $eb servers where command line access is available
Some ?osting Companies incorporate a file management system within their bespoke control panels which
will include an "&' program
Caution: 8ccasionally files will become corrupted during the transfer and it may be necessary to complete
this procedure more than once
If you get completely stuck then ask at the forums for assistance a2ter first doing a search in case someone
else has already asked the same <uestion
A bit more rearation!!!
Kou are now# almost# ready for the final leap0of0faith and the installation of Joomla! but we would recommend
gathering together some final bits of information that will be needed to complete the task and it is better to
have them to hand from the beginning rather than scrabble around for them whilst proceeding with the
installation itself
M#$.L +etails
+arnin,.: Make sure that the database is configured with the )&"0E MySG, collation and that any changes
you make to files is also saved as )&"0E 1o -8M encoding
the host name for your database I if you are installing locally or on a dedicated# remote host I this
host name is likely to be localhost If you are installing remotely to a shared hosting $eb server and
database it is likely that your host provider has their own way of identifying a particular customer6s
database# and you must make sure you have this information to hand if you are to successfully
complete the installation
Kour host name*
the username and pass3ord of the database root user I your access keys to the database /gain if
you are installing locally or to a dedicated remote host these are likely to either be the default
settings or a name and password that you had previously entered during installation of the database
software &he default username is typically root) although you can change this for something else if
you want 0 (ust make sure you keep a note of it See the neHt section Secure 'assword &hinking for
some hints
Kour username*
Kour password*
the data"ase name by which you are identifying the database for this $eb site "or a localhost or
dedicated remote server you will be able to set this to what you want but on shared or virtual hosted
servers these may again be set by the host company
Kour database name*
+arnin,. -y default the standard installation of MySG, does not use a password 0 it is blank &his will not be
accepted by Joomla! and it is not a particularly wise security habit to get into in any case Kou should ensure
that you have set a password up within the m%.ini file which is the configuration file of MySG,
FT" account details
Joomla!6s new "&' ,ayer feature has been introduced to overcome perennial problems that have been
eHperienced by many ,inuHA)niH host )sers in the past where there are file write permission issues with the
)sers ?ost 'rovider particularly on Shared ?osting servers &his can significantly affect the installation of
new >Htensions or writing to the config#ration.php file
)sing the "&' layer eliminates the need to make directories and files writable and thus improves overall
security of the installation and server It also makes the site administrators (ob a lot easier!
Note: &he "&' layer is not re<uired on $indows based hostAserver services as the file write protection is
handled differently
,ocalhost installations do not re<uire the "&' details to be included
If you do not want# or are unable# to complete these details at this stage they can be added through the
Control Panel45Site Menus456lo"al Con2i,uration screens at a later time
It will also be advisable if you are intend using the new "&' layer facility of Joomla! to have your "&' details
available
7hese are*
username I &he name you enter to actually access your Joomla! $eb site root directory through an
"&' client program "or a $eb site on a remote hosting server the host may have provided you with
a specific ID related to your account &his will be for the whole of your $eb server and you should
set up a separate "&' account for access to this Joomla! site root directory only
Kour "&' username*
pass3ord I the password you enter to confirm your identity and therefore access the Joomla! $eb
site root directly with the "&' client program &his should be different to that which may have been
set by your hosting company for the main $eb server# where applicable
Kour "&' password*
host I the );, address of the "&' server for access to your $eb site If you are running this on a
local machine 4non0$indows only5 then this address will typically be 19:331 If you are using a
remote host it may be a specific address that the host sets or a );, related to your $eb site
Kour "&' host*
port I generally most "&' servers utilise port 91 and this is the default setting that Joomla! /ssumes
Kour "&' port*
root I this is the Joomla! root directory within your $eb server that the "&' client is re<uired to open
into by default 8btain the full path detail to this directory
Kour "&' root pathway*
Caution: It is important to note that if you run more than one $eb site on your server that the pathway to the
root directory will change for each site I the other four settings will not necessarily have# or on shared
hosting likely be able# to change
8nce these details are collated you are ready to proceed with the installation
#ecure "assword Thinking
/ny password you create for Joomla!# MySG,# /pache# or in fact any passwords you ever create should be
made as secure as possible
&ypically this would mean*
using a minimum of @ characters 0the more the better but E013 should be an ideal
a miHture of upper and lower case alphabet characters# numbers# and permitted special characters
for eHample 4# _# 8# 9# .# :# although the use of these may be governed by the host settings on
shared or virtual hosted# remote servers
do not use easily identifiable passwords for eHample# birthdays# children6s or family names or words
that could be easily associated with you
in fact try not to use real words at all# replace letters with their numeric e*ual so the word ocean
could become 3c2Dn 4yes I I know it is a real word and there are only ! characters but it is (ust an
eHample5 try 3c2Dn!c I and no do not now use that either
another way is to think entirely offthewall. &hink of a favourite novel for eHample# &he ?itch0hikers
%uide to the %alaHy# and then take say the first and last letter from each word giving a se<uence of
letters 4as indicated by the underscores5*
>Hample 1 t e h s , e t o t e , y
this clearly means absolutely nothing but it could still be traced I eventually I by a determined
cracker so let us miH it up a bit more*
>Hample 9 7 % h 9 & % t * 7 % , ;
but you can now see that it would be a pretty illogical logic that would need to be applied to even
come close to cracking that and when the additional security features of the various platforms is then
laid over the top of this I we would not want to say it is impossible to crack# but they would take a
very long time# and of course you should regularly change your passwords anyway
if you keep a written record of your passwords always ensure they too are kept secure and safely out
of the way of prying eyes
despite the temptation# try to avoid using the same password for all your various access
re<uirements# both at home and at work
Note: &he spaces are included in the two eHamples solely for clarity and should not be included and in fact
spaces are generally not accepted in passwords
Installation
$e are now ready to proceed with the actual installation of the Joomla! program onto the $eb server
&here are two ways of installing Joomla! &he first I $eb +rowser ,nstallation 0 can be considered easier than
the second 0 Manual ,nstallation 0 really as a result of the number of steps that are re<uired
>ither will work with a little patience and concentration to detail
Caution: Do not try to use both methods of installation# or part of one and part of the other for the same
installation as this will cause you problems&he only likely eHception to this will be the installation of the
Sample Data If you choose not to install this initially during the $eb -rowser Installation but then decide you
want it after all you can add the Sample Data provided no other content has been added since the
installation took place even if you have subse<uently deleted that content
In this instance it would be easier and safer to re0install the package from the beginning# having first deleted
the directory and database
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam 1D &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
$eb Browser Installation
&he browser installation method of installing Joomla! is the far straighter forward of the two methods and is
what is hoped to be a typical installation $hilst it is relatively easy it is only a semi0automatic method as you
do still have to enter some details during the process ?owever# the QhardR work is done for you by the
installer software itself
/ssuming you have already uploaded the Joomla! core pack of files to your $eb root directory# be it on your
local machine or a remote host# the neHt step is to start your $eb browser and enter the );, to your $eb
site &here are a number of options open to you in this process*
&his may simply be http*AAlocalhostA(oomla for a local installation# or http*AAwwwyourdomaincom for a
remote installation
If you have installed Joomla! in a sub directory of your $eb root then you will need to add that
directory to the end of the address for eHample http*AAlocalhostA(oomlaAtest or
http*AAwwwyourdomaincomA(oomla
If you have installed Joomla! as a sub0domain on a remote host this might appear as
http*AAwww(oomlayourdomaincom
$te( 1 / Language Choice
$hichever of these scenarios fits your particular situation# once you hit the enter key you should be
presented with the following screen*
&he -anguage .election page of the Joomla! ,nstallation Process
Kou should notice that en46< = /n,lish>?nited @in,domA is selected &his is the default language used for
all Joomla! Core development Simply select your preferred language for the installation process If your own
language does not appear in the list you may consider assisting in the translation of the core for other people
in the same position 7isit the &ranslation "orums for further details
&he language files included in the core only relate to the installation process itself and do not affect the
"ront0end or -ack0end displays of Joomla! and by default these are only installed in en0%- &his happens
simply# as to include all the translations for the core files would make the download an unmanageable beast
in siCe Individual languages into which Joomla! has been translated are carried on the Joomla! Code
repository site
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam 1! &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
"ull details of the language packs currently available can be found within the Joomla! Developer 1etwork site
in the Menu Module on the left of the page
/eproduced 'elow for convenience0
/ccredited translations are those that have been approved by Joomla!
&ranslation 'artners are international groups who have developed $eb sites that carry translations of the
?elp Screens and other official documentation and have entered into an agreement with Joomla!
If you wish to contribute to the translation effort contact the co0ordinator of an eHisting pro(ect listed on the
/ccredited &ranslations page
,anguage packs can be uploaded and installed using the Installation Manager in the Control Panel4
5/tensions Menu &here are separate files for the Site "ront0end and the /dministrator -ack0end
8nce you are happy with your language selection click Net
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam 1@ &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
Copyright & Licence explained
Accredited Translations / Translation Partners
Translation Policy
Translation Manual
$te( 0 / )re/installation Check
&he neHt screen is Joomla!6s confirmation of what you hopefully already know if you followed the earlier
advice of using phpinfo(). &he screen shows whether your server meets all the necessary criteria to
successfully complete the installation
Preinstallation Chec( .creen
If any of the responses in the first section are set to 1o 4with the eHception of the configurationphp being
writable5 you should rectify the situation before attempting to continue with the process as these represent
the essential re<uirements for the installation "ailure to do this may cause your Joomla! $eb site to function
incorrectly# or re<uire you to carry out additional procedures at the end of the standard browser installation
&he most common error that )sers encounter is that the config#ration.php file is not writa'le See the
section on +nown Issues = >rror ?andling for details on how to correct this issue later in the guide
&he second block of settings indicate certain specific settings within the '?' code base configuration $hilst
these are recommended# Joomla! will still install but there will be more to do later on and there is a risk that
your $eb site would be open to malicious assault if you did not rectify them &hese settings may be ad(usted
at any time &he first column shows the recommended settings and the second those that are identified
within your server
Note: $e will detail some more of the common problems and solutions in the >rror ?andling section at the
back of this manual rather than blur the picture at this stage
Kou do not have to eHit the installer in order to change a setting 8nce you have made a change simply click
the ChecB A,ain button to reassess the situation It is also possible to return to the ,anguage Choice screen
by clicking the PreCious button
$hen everything is set as re<uired# click the Net button
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam 1: &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
Step 2 0 ,icense
&here is nothing to actually enter# or change# on the ,icense screen however# it is recommended that you
read# understand# and agree to the terms and conditions under which Joomla! is released 'lease note that
whilst there is no specific agreement option 4nor indeed a registration process5 within this screen by using
Joomla! you are confirming your agreement to the terms and conditions of it
&he 123 1P- 4ersion 5. -icense
&he license under which all Joomla! releases have been made to date is the %1) %', v9 license %1) is
the organisation responsible for maintaining the license and %', stands for %eneral 'ublic ,icense If you
have any Joomla! specific <uestions regarding licensing visit the ,egal "orums
8nce you have read the license click the Net button
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam 1E &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
$te( 1 / +ataase Con!iguration
$e now enter the final# and you could say# most important stages of the browser installation &his step
establishes the information Joomla! re<uires in order to communicate with your database
&he 6ata'ase Configuration .tage .creen
Kou now re<uire the information you 4hopefully5 secured earlier in this guide
Select the database type from the drop down list# which includes mysql and mysqli by default &ypically you
will select mysql for your database choice &here may be subse<uent changes that re<uire the use of
mysqli but such speculation is outside the scope of this document
0urther 1n2ormation: If you would like to read more about the difference between the two types visit
http*AAdevmys<lcomAdownloadsAconnectorAphpA where you will find some basic details
&hereafter# enter the Host Name# ?ser Name# Pass3ord# and Data"ase Name for your database
&he /dditional Settings fields allow for further definition of your database If# for eHample# you have had a
previous# but no longer re<uired# database of the same name as you have entered in the field above# you
have the options to either drop 4delete5 the tables within the eHisting database or create full backups of the
tables and therefore retain the information (ust in case you need to step back from the current installation
utilising this backup
Kou can also change the &able 'refiH that Joomla! will use for all the tables in your database Kou may want
this facility if you are running more than one Joomla! $eb site from within the same database
+arnin,.: 1ever use the prefiH 'a(7 as this is used by Joomla! specifically for back0ups of tables within the
database
/lways ensure the inclusion of the single underscore character following the prefiH you choose otherwise the
prefiH will simply Qrun intoR the table name &he default prefiH is jos7
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam 1F &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
Kour Database Configuration will now look similar to the following*
Completed -asic and /dvanced Settings of the Database Configuration page
8nce all the necessary settings have been entered correctly# click 1eHt
Note: $e will detail some of the common problems and solutions in the >rror ?andling section at the back of
this manual rather than blur the picture at this stage
Step 5 - FTP Configuration
Due to file system permission and '?' Safe Mode restrictions on certain ,inuH based server hosts# a facility
has been introduced in Joomla! 1! that will allow all authorised )sers to utiliCe the various Joomla!
Installation = upload processes available within the Control 'anel &hese include the Media Manager as well
as the Installation Manager &he "&' layer eHists to handle file system manipulation
.tep % 8 &he #&P Configuration .creen
>nter the "&' username and password established during the preparatory section of this guide &his should
only have access to the Joomla! root directory# this will be the "&' /ccount that handles all file system
operations when Joomla! re<uires "&' access to complete a task
+arnin,. "or security reasons# it is best if a separate "&' )ser /ccount is created with access only to the
Joomla! installation and not the whole $eb server if this option is available to you
It is not generally necessary to worry about the "&' Configuration page for a localhost installation of Joomla!
# although the eHception to this might be on a local network
Note* &he settings for the "&' Configuration can be entered# or edited after installation# within the %lobal
Configuration screen in the Control Panel45Site menu or through the QuicB 1con on the Control 'anel
workspace
Note* $e will detail some of the common problems and solutions in the >rror ?andling section at the back of
this manual rather than blur the picture at this stage
Caution* It is important to note that if you run more than one $eb site on your server that the pathway to the
root directory will change for each site I the other four settings will not necessarily have# or on shared
hosting likely be able# to change
8nce you have completed the re<uired information# as necessary or# if you do not re<uire the "&'
Configuration to be entered# click Net
Step - Main Configuration
&he Main Configuration screen allows the setting of three critical elements for the installation of Joomla! to
your $eb server
&he Main Configuration screen of the Joomla! installation process
&here are three sections to the Main Configuration screenN the first of which is the Site 1ame $hilst this
may appear obvious it does bear pointing out that this is also the name that will be used when site e0mails
are issued# or when error or access warning messages are issued from the "ront0end of the $eb site )nlike
in earlier releases of Joomla!# and its predecessor# the Site 1ame will not appear in the )ser6s browser title
bar &his entry can be edited at a later time in the 1lo'al Configuration9.ite page of the Control 'anel
&he second section relates to key information concerning the primary Super /dministrator# you!
>nter your e0mail address# or the one that you want all site warnings# messages# and e0mails to be sent from
and that incoming contact methods will be directed to It will appear as the #rom address on all Site outgoing
e0mail messages &here are also two teHt fields into which you should enter and confirm the password that
you will 4as the primary Super /dministrator5 use to login to the $eb site# in combination with the default
username# for the primary Super /dministrator# of admin
Caution* It is worth pointing out that at least for public sites the MySG,#"&'# and ,ogin usernames and
passwords should not be the same &o do so would add unnecessary security risks
Note* If you are migrating data from an eHisting Joomla! 13 installation# or uploading a 2ull SG, back0up
from an eHisting Joomla! 1! installation# you do not need to complete these first two sections as the
information will be automatically transferred within the migration script or back0up file
Caution: /n additional security suggestion that you might consider is to change the )ser a&min to
something less obvious once the installation is completed &his can be done 4along with any subse<uent
changes you wish to make to the password5 in the Control Panel45Site menu45?ser Mana,er screen of
the /dministrator -ack0end
&he third and final section relates to the data that you may# or indeed may not# want to include in the
installation process >ssentially you have three choices*
15 enter the default sample data that Joomla! provides within the core distribution#
95 Migrate the data from an earlier version of Joomla! using the migration tools available# or
25 do neither of these and start a completely fresh and empty installation of Joomla! In addition it is
also possible to upload eHisting data from perhaps a back0up that has been created from another
$eb site although there is no specific procedure in this section to undertake this
LooBin, at these options one at a time:
Installing the +e!ault $am(le +ata
&he sample default data is a collection of Sections# Categories# /rticles# $eb ,inks# 1ews "eeds# and
various other eHamples of content that have been written simply to demonstrate some of the functionality of
Joomla! 4much of the content is also <uite informative and useful5 &he data is contained in an SG, file within
the core installation
-y default the ,nstall 6efault .ample 6ata radio button is selected# but in order to complete the installation of
the Sample Data you must also click the ad(acent ,nstall .ample 6ata button 'rovided all goes well you will
notice that this button transforms into a confirmatory message boH stating that the Sample Data Installed
SuccessfullyN you are then ready to complete this section by clicking 2e:t
+arnin,! It is not possible to simply do an SG, back0up of a 13H version $eb site and upload this to a 1!
version installation as a result of the significant changes that have taken place with regard to the framework
of Joomla!
Installing a Com(atile $.L $cri(t -ile
&here may be situations where for eHample you have your own localised I in language terms I version of the
Sample Data# or a back0up of data from an eHisting Joomla! 1! $eb site that you wish to restoreAinstall into
the new $eb site you are creating Kou should complete the 8ld &able 'refiH# and Migration Script items
below
!nstalling a Migration S"L Script File fro# an earlier $oo#la% &ersion '()(x installation
&here is a separate and detailed guide on migrating content from earlier Joomla! installations available from
the Joomla! ?elp Site regarding the Migrator Component
If you are migrating or restoring data select the ,oad Migration Script radio button Kou will notice that this
then enables the additional fields for ;ld &a'le Prefi:# ;ld .ite <ncoding# and Migration .cript
Dld 7a"le Pre2i*
&his is the prefiH used in the database from which the data is being transferred "or eHample# it may be
mos_ from a default Joomla! 13 installation or# if uploading from a core SG, file E__
Dld Site /ncodin,*
;efers to the ,anguage >ncoding used by the donor MySG, database also known as the Collation Joomla!
1! must be encoded with the )&"0E language &he 8ld Site >ncoding details can be obtained by referring
4in '?'My/dmin5 to the 6ata'ases tab of the main page
Mi,ration Script*
-rowse to the Migration Script SG, data file you want to upload from a Joomla! 13H installation that has
been created using the Migrator Component
+arnin,* &he Migrator Component clearly cannot compensate 4add5 data to any new fields that have been
added by the Joomla! 1! development 4it6s good but not magical5 therefore it is recommended that you
check all migrated data and complete any missing fields that re<uire such action &he most prevalent of
these will be the Alias field of Sections# Categories# and /rticles
1 haCe already uploaded$$$*
Select this check boH if you find that the SG, file is too big to handle 4memory and time limit errors5 and
upload the file in the joomla_root/installation/sql/migration/ called migrat!.$'l 4no
compression allowed5
7his script is a Foomla. G$* mi,ration script*
Check this boH if 4and only if5 you are migrating data from an earlier Joomla! 13 $eb installation# having
used the com(migrator Component &his will enable the built in automatic process to complete the
transformation of the data to a compatible format with the Joomla! 1! framework
8nce you have completed the details on this page select the Net button to proceed to the final step
Step * - Finish
&he #inish page of the installation process
$ell# if you have successfully got to this page# then you have passed the first test Congratulations!
-efore proceeding to view the results of your efforts you need to open the root directory of your Joomla!
installation and delete the Installation Directory 4highlighted in the following image5
. 6irectory = #ile listing highlighting installation file to 'e deleted
Joomla! has been configured that until this directory is removed you will not be able to proceed beyond this
point and therefore complete the installation
+arnin,! /n administrative error in the preparation of the Joomla! 71! ;C9 and ;C2 releases meant that
this safety measure was disabled and therefore anyone using this release is able to complete the installation
without deleting the directory $e apologise for this oversight and strongly recommend that you still remove
the directory for the security of your $eb site
8nce you have deleted the installation directory you can either select the Site or the /dmin buttons &he
former will open the Site "ront0end view of your new Joomla! $eb site and the latter will take you to the
/dministrator -ack0end login screen*
&he Administrator -ogin .creen
>nter the username admin and the password you entered in Step @ of the installation process# before
selecting the Lo,in button
Kou will then enter the /dministrator -ack0end*
&he Administrator +ac(end 8 Control Panel
and that is it! Kou are now ready to Joomla! >n(oy your eHperience and we hope you will be able to
develop your $eb site to its full potential for the purpose you desire
%ood ,uck!
%anual Installation
In certain circumstances there might be a problem with using the standard -rowser Installation method
described# but all is not lost It is possible to install Joomla! in a more compleH# but never0the0less straight0
forward process provided it is completed in se<uence
$te( 1 2 Create and edit the con!iguration !ile
8pen the local directory where you uncompressed the Joomla! Core distribution directories and files and
copy the file config#ration.php)&i$t
;ename the copied file to config#ration.php# and open it in your code editor
>dit the following fields in particular# prior to saving the file in the joomla_root/ directory of the installation
&he remaining fields can be edited through the %lobal Configuration screen of the Control Panel45Site
Menus See the image on the neHt page for a highlighted reference to these particular fields
ar *$it!nam! S 6your $eb site name6N
ar *&bt%p! + ,mys<l6N
ar *ho$t + ,localhost6N
ar *#$!r + ,your database username6N
ar *pa$$wor& + ,your database password6N
ar *&b + ,database name6N
ar *&bpr!fi- + ,(osJ6N AA &his is the default database table prefiH Change this to whatever you change
the MySG, table prefiH to in Step 9
ar *$!cr!t + ,"-7tggIk!l/C>)F?6N AAChange this to a random miHture of upper and lower
alphanumeric characters &his is an important security feature and should not be neglected
Note* It is not essential to enter the "&' data at this point as the information can be added within the %lobal
Configuration screen once installation is completed
ar *ftp(ho$t + ,19:3316N AA&his is the default localhost address reference Kour $eb host may have
set this differently
ar *ftp(port + ,916N AA 'ort 91 is the default "&' port on most operating systems# but may have been
configured differently by your host provider
ar *ftp(#$!r + ,your ftp username6N
ar *ftp(pa$$ + ,your ftp password6N
ar *ftp(root + ,the absolute path of the directory that the ftp client should open within6N
*ftp(!nabl! + ,16N Set to 616 to enable the "&' layer facility
ar *tmp(path + ,Atmp6N AA&he absolute path to the tmp directory within the root directory of your
Joomla! installation &his should not be confused with the same named directory of your $eb server
ar *log(path + ,AvarAlogs6N AA&he absolute path to your $eb server log directory
ar Tmailfrom S 6your e0mail address6N
ar Tfromnam! S 6your $eb site name for eHample6N
"or further detail and a highlighted illustration of the config#ration.php as it needs to be entered please
see the neHt page
6efault configuration.php created from configuration.phpdist
$te( 0 2 3dit the $.L !ile
8pen the directory installation45sql45mysql$ Kou will be presented with the following files*
Contents of installation9s*l9mys*l directory
8pen the file .oomla.$'l in your editor and edit the database table prefiH )se the 0ind and Heplace
command of your editor and enter E__ 4hash double0underscore5 in the "ind field and Ios_ in the ;eplace
field and select /nter Save the file ensuring this is done with 3&#> 2o +;M encoding only &his is
eHtremely important for the operability of the installation &his file will create the table structure of your
Joomla! Database
If you want to add the Sample Data to your database you need to follow the same procedure with the
$ampl!(&ata.$'l file# again ensuring it is saved with 3&#> 2o +;M encoding only
0urther 1n2ormation* &he -8M 4-yte 8rder Marker5 adds a line of code to the top of a data stream 0 much
like a signature Joomla! does not re<uire this signature and accordingly you must always ensure that the
editor you use does not add it $indows 1otepad for eHample# adds this code amongst other things and
should always be avoided
$te( 4 2 5(load the !iles to the "e ser6er
)pload the Joomla! Core Distribution directories and files as previously described# to the $eb root directory
or named sub0directory of your $eb server# including the newly created config#ration.php file# using an
"&' client program or your $eb hosts control panel if provided If the installation is on your local computer
you can simply copy or move the files to the $eb server directory
Note* &he Installation directory is not needed for a Manual Installation so you can delete it and reduce the
upload time
$te( 1 2 Create the dataase and im(ort the 7oomla.s%l data
/ccess your database server using your preferred MySG, control system# we are going to use
'?'My/dmin and create the database with the name you entered in the config#ration.php file at Step
1 If you are on a shared hosting# remote server you will probably have been given a specific Database
name and do not therefore need to take this action
Create a new data'ase
Select the Import tab in '?'My/dmin and then browse to the correct directory from the
joomla_rootAinstallationAs*l?mys*l directory and select the edited .oomla.$'l file Click 6o and the data
is imported into the database to create the table structure of the installation ;eplace
joomla_rootAinstallation with the correct path to the file on your local disk
,mporting joomla.s*l file into prepared data'ase
/fter the data is successfully installed you will notice that the &ables are now displayed in the left hand pane
of the '?'My/dmin interface
.uccessful ,mport of joomla.s*l into the data'ase displaying newly created &a'les
Congratulations# you have now successfully manually created your Joomla! $eb site &o verify this open
your browser and enter the address 4in our demonstration eHamples6 case5 localhost?joomla 4replace
localhostA(oomla with the full );, if the installation is on a remote server5 and you will see your new $eb site
all0be0it it will look pretty bare Kou will not be able to access the site to log in and the /dministrator -ack0end
will not be accessible as you do not yet have an admin user
+asic Joomla! @e' site view after completion of data'ase and &a'le creation
-y default Joomla! creates the Main Menu with the associated ?ome Menu Item# but that is all that is
available
'roceed to the neHt step to Create an administrator user account Step !
$te( 5 2 Create the (rimar# administrator user account
In order to create the first administrator user you must enter the following Guery into the database using the
MySG, administration panel 4or command line5 &his will set the initial username as admin and the
password as admin
+arnin,!* Kou must edit this password immediately you complete the installation particularly on a publicAlive
$eb site otherwise your whole $eb site will be vulnerable to anyone who guesses the password
I1S>;& I1&8 U(osJusersU 7/,)>S 4@9# 6/dministrator6# 6admin6# 6your0emailVemailcom6#
691929f9F:a!:a!a:D2EFDa3eDaE31fc26# 6Super /dministrator6# 3# 1# 9!# 6933!03F09E 33*33*336# 6933!03F09E
33*33*336# 66# 665N
I1S>;& I1&8 U(osJcoreJaclJaroU 7/,)>S 413#6users6#6@96#3#6/dministrator6#35N
I1S>;& I1&8 U(osJcoreJaclJgroupsJaroJmapU 7/,)>S 49!#66#135N
)se the data in the code boH above to create an /dministrator account by ;unning an SG, Guery within the
'?'My/dmin interface
/un .A- Auery view prior to running the Auery
Select the SG, tab of '?'My/dmin and enter the code in the Guery window $hen ready click the 6o
button /fter a few seconds you should receive a confirmation that the <uery was successful as follows*
MyPBPAdmin Confirmation screen of successful Auery e:ecution
If all goes according to plan you will now be able to access the /dministrator -ack0end of your Joomla! $eb
site
+arnin,!* Kou must delete the installationA directory from your joomla7rootA directory &his is an essential
security measure and must not be overlooked
>nter localhost?yoursitename?administrator into the address boH of your browser 4replace
localhostAyoursitenameA with the full );, if the installation is on a remote server5# and the following screen
will be displayed*
&he /dministrator ,ogin page of your $eb site
>nter the username admin and the password admin and click the ,ogin button
Kour first task must be to edit the )ser admin 8pen the )ser Manager by clicking the Guick Icon on the
Control 'anel
Select the )ser Manager Guick Icon
&his will open the )ser Manager*
&he )ser Manager access screen
continued
Click on the /dministrator name and edit the details to your own preferences paying particular attention to
the password and the e0mail address
&he )ser* W>ditX screen with the e0mail and password fields highlighted
Kou can select and change any of the other details as you wish to at this stage# but you probably could do
with a cup of tea 4or something stronger!5
Congratulations# you now have access to your basic# clean installation of Joomla!
If this is the first time you have used Joomla! and want to see how it all could look with a bit of effort you will
want to install the sample data 'roceed to Step @ 0 Install Sample Data
If# however# you are now satisfied with what you have created and wish to develop the site yourself proceed
to Step : I "inish
$te( 8 2 Im(ort the sam(le9data.s%l data :o(tional;
If you re<uire the sample data to be installed to the database you must complete a further Import process
Select the Import tab in the '?'My/dmin interface and browse to the renamed installation
,mport screen ready for the instruction to proceed with import
8nce the file is selected from the browser click %o
If all goes according to plan you will receive a confirmation message
Confirmation message for successful ,mport of the sample7data.s*l
$hen you neHt ,ogin to the /dministrator -ack0end 4or refresh your browser if already there5 you will now
see the -ack0end has been fully populated by the Sample Data
Administrator +ac(end 8 &he Control Panel with .ample 6ata installed
It is now advisable to scout around the functions of the Control 'anel and see what everything can do and
getting used to the Joomla! way of doing things
&he "ront0end display also looks considerably healthier with the Sample Data installed Spend some time
navigating around and getting a feel for Joomla!
Kou can ,ogin to the "ront0end using the same username and password as you do for the -ack0end / more
secure alternative is to have a separate username and password for "ront0end access
&o complete the installation proceed to Step : I "inish
$te( < 2 -inish
&elete the installation directory
If you did not delete the Installation directory at Step 2 before uploading the core package to the server you
need to do so now
.tep ! 8 6elete the installation directory
+arnin,! It is essential that the installation directory is removed as soon as you have completed the
installation "ailure to do so will leave a significant security risk for your $eb site /s you have already found#
unlike the browser installation you are able to access the site without taking this step and the conse<uences
could be catastrophic further down the time line!
$ell# that is it all finished $e hope you en(oy using Joomla! and invite you to become an active part of the
ever0eHpanding Community that makes Joomla! so special
0urther 1n2ormation: If you have been helped by this guide# let others know about it If you have any
comments or suggestions to make on the content or coverage that we provide# please visit the )ser
Documentation forums
Note:If you would like to assist in the preparation of additional documentation for Joomla! please let us know#
again on the forums $e are always on the look0out for new contributors
=nown Issues & 3rror >andling
Note: $e are generally holding off on compiling this section until the final release of Joomla! 1! is made
$e will add obvious repetitive issues that have a common thread in the forums as they arise# or are identified
by the Developers and Guality and &esting $ork %roups
configuration!h file not writable
&his is the most common error that )sers encounter when first installing Joomla! &his does not mean the
installation cannot proceed but does mean there will at least be an eHtra step at the end of the installation
process &here are D ways of rectifying the situation*
Do a manual installation
Create a completely empty file# name it as config#ration.php and upload it to your (oomlaJrootA
directory before commencing the installation Joomla! will then enter the details as the installation
proceeds as normal
$ait until the end of the installation when at Step : the "inished Screen is displayed a list of the
variables and settings for the config#rationphp file will be displayed &hese should then be
copied and pasted into a new teHt document and saved as config#rationphp
/s with the last suggestion wait until the end and using the information provided in Step: manually
alter the content of the config#ration.php)&i$t file 4this is simply an eHample file and not a
part of the functioning installation5 included with all Joomla! installations &here is clearly a greater
chance with this method of making mistakes so greater care should be taken 8nce the variables
have been correctly edited# change the name of this file and save it as config#ration.php
Caution* $henever creating a new file for the Joomla! installation you must avoid using certain teHt editors
such as 1otepad# $ord'ad# $ord# for eHample as they unfortunately have a tendency to add unwanted and
unnecessary code that may cause problems later on
Register 'lobals is set to on ( #hared Hosting "roblem
In Step 9 the 're0installation Check screen Joomla! has identified that your ?ost has r!gi$t!r(global$
set to On or / 4this is the number 15
-efore trying any of the following check your ?osts $eb site for "/G6s or ?elp on this issue If nothing is
found# ask the host if they support the use of '?' variables in local .htaccess andAor local php.ini files
&here are a number of ways of effecting the necessary change if these are supported by your ?ost provider
.htaccess
In an htaccess file add one of the following lines of code*
php(flag r!gi$t!r(global$ 0 4this is a Cero numeralD
or enter
phpJflag registerJglobals 8ff
&he file is placed in the joomla_root? directory of your $eb server /lternatively# if appropriate the line can
be added to an eHisting htaccess file already created for S>"AS>8 purposes from the htaccesstxt file
included in every Joomla! installation
Note* &he file is recursive which means it will work for all directories beneath the root directory in which it is
placed
If one version of the code does not work try the other
If neither work then try the code and file defined in the neHt section
(h(.ini
/n alternative is to try to use a phpini file method instead /gain# this is an option that must be available
with your $eb server ?ost Create a new file and save it as phpini and include one of the following lines of
code
r!gi$t!r(global$ + 0 (this is a Cero numeralD
or enter
registerJglobals S 8ff
or enter
r!gi$t!r(global$ + 1Off1
'lace a copy of the phpini file in both the joomla7rootA and the joomla7root?administrator? directories
+arnin,.* If the message is resolved 4check the System 1n2ormation screens in the ?elp Menu5 then it is
necessary# as this file is not recursive# to place a copy in every directory that has a php file in it
If you want to avoid the message during installation add the copies ahead of uploading the files to your $eb
server It may be easier and <uicker to do this in your ?&M,A$KSI$K% editor rather than trying to do it on
the $eb server
Nightly Build and #)N
$hilst Joomla! 1! is still in its development stages 4currently ;C25 changes are made to the code to correct
bugs and to improve stability on an almost hourly basis sometimes &he following methods 4other than the
P"resh InstallationP do re<uire some considerable patience at times to get working properly and should not
be followed unless you are sure you want or need the latest versions available
*ightl# ,uild
$e strongly recommend therefore that as a minimum you keep right up0to0date by using the latest 1ightly
-uild
-e aware that the 1ightly -uild is an automated process It is created at the same time each day &he 1ightly
-uild does not include an automatic updater program# nor can you link directly into the 1ightly -uild and
have it add itself to your installation
Caution* -efore overwriting any of your files or making any related changes you should backup your eHisting
database# directory# and file structure so that you have a rollback point if things go wrong! Kou must make a
copy of your config#ration.php file and any .htacc!$$ or php.ini files together with images# media#
documents and other files you may have added and reintroduce these where appropriate
Kou have a number of choices when using the 1ightly -uild as to how to use it*
0resh 1nstallation
Kou simply download the latest 1ightly -uild and install it as you would the PstandardP Joomla!
package from Joomla! Code If you are working on a local test environment it is a good idea to use this
method as you can always refer back to other installations if checking what has changed# and it is
ultimately possible to install as many versions as your computer has space for!
DCer3rite the eistin, installation
Kou download the 1ightly -uild and unpack it from the compressed 4Cip5 file# remove the installation
directory as it is not re<uired and copy the remaining directories and files over you eHisting
(oomlaJrootA directory tree &his method is fine but has a number of drawbacks
Kou will lose any manual changes you have made to the core code#
Kou might cause problems with any >Htensions such as Components or &emplates you have
added where these will only function with the original code
&here may also be issues with regard to any files# images# other media# or documents that
have been uploaded and these
Care needs to be taken when using this method as any files that may have been removed
from the core package due to them becoming redundant will be left behind and may well
cause problems if left in situ
&his method does allow you to continue to use the database already created as part of the ;C2
original installation where appropriate
Delete the current directoryJ2ile tree and upload the ne3 directoryJ2ile tree
Kou delete the eHisting directory and file structure in (oomlaJrootA directory and# having uncompressed
the package and deleted the installation directory# you simply uploadAcopy the directories and files
from the 1ightly -uild into the (oomlaJrootA directory Kou then return the backup copies of your
config#ration.php# .htacc!$$2 php.ini# images# media# documents and other files that you
created as per the warning above# and you should be good to go 8bviously this is the most disruptive
method if you have already installed >Htensions or made ad(ustments to the core code as these will all
need to be added back in
&his method also allows you to continue to use the database already created as part of the ;C2
original installation where appropriate
$&*
&his is not recommended for novice )sers It is a Development tool and has the compleHities to match!
If you are looking to develop Joomla! >Htensions# learn the ins0and0outs of precisely how Joomla! is put
together# or are working on a particular pro(ect that demands the absolute latest version of Joomla!# and for
those helping test Joomla! to assist with the development and Guality and &esting process then we
recommend using Subversion 4S715
Kou will find full details of the setting up of your local repository and access to the S71 downloads on the
Developer Site and accordingly we shall not repeat them here
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam D3 &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
>el( 5s to >el( ?ou
A 2e3 simple 2acts to start thin,s o22:
Joomla! is not a commercial business
there are no paid employees
everyone within the Core &eam gives their time freely and for free
everyone within the various $ork %roups give their time freely and for free
everyone is a 78,)1&>>;N
everyone involved with the development and support of the 'ro(ect have real lives# (obs# and families
outside of Joomla!
to many Joomla! is far more than a (ust a hobby# it is a passionate eHtension of and addition to their
normal eHistence
Joomla! is released as 8pen Source software I this means the code is provided and you can change
it# add to it# copy it# develop it further I and none of this will cost you a penny! $e do insist that you
retain the copyright notices within the code and that you abide by the %1) %', v93 license under
which the software is released
the essence of Joomla! is the massive Community that has developed in a very short 4in relative
terms5 period of time be a part of it and help it move forward
&here is a ma(or ethos within the Community which most work to and that is Qpay it forwardRwhat
this means is that where you may have asked for help in the past and been supported by eHisting
members in the Community# you in turn do the same for others seeking help when you are able to
If you want to know something check to see whether your <uestion has already been asked and answered in
the forums by doing a search before you ask a new <uestion &he current built0in forum search is known to
be less than effective and we recommend that you run a %oogle search for PIoomlaP and then add key words
by using PKP sign ahead of a specific word to find within the results /lternatively use the /dvanced Search
facility of %oogle
If# after running a search or two# changing the words or phrases used# you cannot find the answer start a new
topic in the forum
*se the Forums
-efore you post any <uestions# please*
1 >nsure you are in the right "ora &hese are for Joomla! 1! only
9 7erify you are using the most current version of Joomla! 1! Currently this is the ;C2 version
?owever# as Joomla! 1! is still in Development for improvements in code and bug fiHing there are#
and will be# many regular changes to this the current 8fficial ;elease 'lease ensure where possible
that you have updated your installation with the latest 1ightly -uild as a minimum
2 Search for your <uestion If you do not find it on the first search# search several more times using
different search terms &here are currently some limitations with the "orum Search so ideally use
%oogle SearchA/dvanced Search# and you will get better results
D &here is a good chance your <uestion has been asked and answered before# the more common
ones will be found in the the ?elp Site "/G Section and the &ips and ?ints $hilst the ma(ority of
this currently refers to Joomla! 13 many of the server# security# database# and other non0Joomla!
specific "/G6s are still applicable to Joomla! 1!
! Check the ?elp Site* http*AAhelp(oomlaorg for the current documentation available
@ 'lease# do not send a 'ersonal Message to any moderator# or other forum )ser for support unless
you are asked to Moderators certainly are not obliged to respond to individual <ueries submitted this
way
: 'lease make sure your <uestion doesn6t fit in elsewhere in a different# specialiCed board
'lease consider what your <uery really relates to
/s a brief guide to this*
6eneral 0orum:
for all <uestions relating to Joomla 1! that do not relate to any of the other -oard &itles If it is not a
<uestion about Joomla! 1! specifically or a >Htension etc then it does not belong here Guestions
relating to the Joomla! >Htensions Directory 4J>D5 for eHample should go in the Sites and
Infrastructure child forum specifically for this topic ;eporting PbugsP can be a tricky one some times# to
see if it is an easily 4relatively speaking5 problem post it here# Moderators can always move it to the
1! Development G=& forum once it has been confirmed as a bug or potential bug re<uiring a detailed
look by Developers 0 who for the most part are too busy to get the chance to visit these PpublicP forums
too often
1nstallation 0orum:
for all <uestionsAdiscussions relating to the Installation of the Joomla! core package and associated
server and database related <uestion &his does not include the installation of &hird 'arty >Htensions
4&emplates# Components# Modules# 'lugins# ,anguages5# as these all have their own boards $hilst
the sub(ect of individual ?osting Companies or issues with '?'# MySG,# /pache# will crop up we
cannot guarantee that you will always get the answer you perhaps want and will therefore need to go
to those Pindividual6sP own $eb sites for specific help
Mi,ratin, L ?pdatin, 0orum:
for all <uestions relating to the updating of a current release of Joomla! 1! and the Migration of a
Joomla! 13H# Mambo DHH# other CMS $eb site to Joomla! 1! installation It D8>S 18& include
updating or migrating individual &hird 'arty >Htensions 4&emplates# Components# Modules# 'lugins#
,anguages5 use the >Htensions "orum where these all have their own boards
Security 0orum:
for all <uestions relating to the Security of your Joomla! $eb site and how to resolve particular issues
within your server that have a direct impact on Joomla! Kou can ask <uestions about your server or
database security# but bear in mind /pache# IIS# '?'# MySG, all have dedicated fora where you are
more likely to get specialised assistance
Administration 0orum:
for all <uestions relating to the -ack0end /dministrator and the functions of managing your Joomla!
$eb site &his includes the Menus# Managers# )ser Management and other similar topics
/tensions 0orum and Child 0ora:
for all <uestions relating to individual Joomla! 'lugins# Modules# Components# and
en<uiriesAdiscussions about &hird 'arty >Htensions
7emplate 0orum and Child 0ora:
"or all <uestions relating specifically to the 2 4soon to be DY5 default Joomla! &emplates Milky$ay#
-eeC# and +hepri# as well as general discussions on creating and using &emplates in Joomla! and the
associated use of CSS = Design# ?&M,# and /ccessibility and )sability issues and <uestions
,anguages "orum* %eneral discussion on the use and functionality of alternate languages in Joomla!
which by default only ships with en0%- language files 4apart from the Installation files5
Per2ormance:
Speed issues# caching# database# and other related topics on how to maintain and improve the
performance of your Joomla! installation
)osting a *ew To(ic :or when 7oining an e@isting thread with the same issues;
8nce you have looked for similar responses in the appropriate "ora and you decide you do need to start a
new &opic# please be sure to include*
/ Descriptive &itle 0 please do not (ust say P?elp 1eededP# PJoomla! won6t workP# PIt6s -rokenPwell you get
the picture# many people will in fact (ust ignore those type of topic!
&o start with make a brief note of what the specific issue is that you are eHperiencing# then*
1 $hat version of Joomla! you are using# including the S71 number or the date of the 1ightly build
used where appropriate
9 $hat version of '?'# MySG,# /pache 4or other server5 you are usingY
2 $hat the operating system is &he information for 9 and 2 can be obtained from the ?elp Menu0
ZSystem Info0ZSystem Info&ab
D $hether your installation is on a shared or dedicated remote host# or is on your local computer
4localhost5
! Detailed description of the steps to reproduce the issue# and an eHplanation of what you have
done so far to try and resolve it
@ Include screen shots of the relevant issue where possible 4a picture is better than a thousand
words5 click the /dditional 8ptions link beneath the editor window to add upto four images each no
more than 133+- in siCe 4so crop and scale this as much as possible5 Kou can also upload a
CippedAteHt file that may contain more relevant details to deal with the issue
: Sit back and wait for an answer 4hopefully5
$ome Aeneral +oBs and +onBts
1 Do not bump your message as this is against the "orum ;ules and the post will be deleted Do it
too often and you could find your account suspended or banned 4in worst case scenario5 Joomla! is
a world wide pro(ect and there is the issue of &ime Bones as well as people6s real lives that they have
to deal with first before getting to the forums
9 Do not post the same &opic in multiple forums knownas cross0posting# or
2 Do not tack it on the end of someone elses 4sort of5 related issue 0 known as hi(acking
D Do# by all means# add to the same thread if it is related to the same issue and you are not adding
to a thread that has been untouched for a couple of months or more It is better to start a new topic in
this instance
! If adding to a thread be more descriptive than (ust saying Psame with meP or PMe too!P or any other
such comment /dd to the thread constructivelyN post your details as above &he more information
those answering your <uestion have# the less they have to ask for# and the likelihood is your <uestion
will be answered more <uickly than them having to ask the same <uestion repeatedly in the thread
Additional In!ormation to consider including
>nsure you include &hird 'arty Developer >Htension version numbers where appropriate
1 If you have a template <uestion or a <ueastion related to the core code# please reference the
problematic section in [code[ tags
9 If your site is displaying any errors please copy and paste them# and note any recent changes you
have made to your Joomla! install
2 / );, to your $ebsite so other users can view your problem00and detailed instructions to
duplicate the issue4Do not post your passwordsAusername on the "orums!5
D /ny relevant information that you think might be of assistance to others trying to answer your
<uestions
$uccess!ul 3nding
8nce your <uestion has been answered*
1 'lease amend your first post 0 the topic starter 0 by clicking Modify in that post and selecting the
Solved option from the Message icon* drop down list and then save your post to eHit Kou will notice
a green circle with a tick in it is appended to your &opic Sub(ect &his tells others that the problem
has been solved and may well answer other people6s <ueries
9If you manage to solve your issue yourself# please post a follow up message so that others can
learn from the solution &his is a ma(or part of the Joomla! Community spirit
'lease follow the "orum ;ules at all times they are there for a reason
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam DD &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
-urther In!ormation
Details will be added in due course to this section &ypically this will comprise links to resources within the
Joomla! Sphere of operations# plus eHternal resources of general use
$hat to e+ect whilst ,oomla- .!/ is in de0eloment
Joomla! 1! has been some time in its development as the Developers 0 with the asistance of the vast
Joomla! Community 0 strive to make this an even better Content Management System than it already is
$e have already seen it through the /lpha and -eta development stages and are currently within the
;elease Candidacy stages 4at the time of writing we are awaiting ;C25
Al(ha )hase
&he /lpha 'hase is 4ironically5 where it all starts! It includes the planning# feature consideration# Community
input# early development and testing# primary framework development# and essential decisions on the overall
structure &he /lpha release is so new it should not even see the public side of the Internet# other than for
essential remote testing of features on non0essential testing servers &here is serious risk of corruption of
data# security issues# as well as ma(or changes to the framework# /'I# and database structure
,eta )hase
&he -eta 'hase is where the Community 0 but in particular the developers within the Community 0 get to start
testing the new model Ma(or changes can still happen and there will be lots and lots 4and lots5 of bug
testing# tweaking# and corrections going on &he -eta ;eleases must not be used for 'ublic sites there may
well be security issues that need to be overcome and there is a high probability of database changes and
some lesser framework changes that could corrupt data /t this stage &hird 'arty Developers are likely to
start getting interested in developing their >Htensions for the future and language and documentation work
generally starts in earnest &hose keen to help or keep right up0to0date can use the S71 or 1ightly -uilds
Release Candidac# )hase
&he ;elease Candidacy 'hase is where the ma(or changes have all 4generally 0 but not always5 been
completed and is the first time where the software can be considered safe enough to be used for 'ublic
sites ?owever# there are still risks attached and there will be bug fiHing# and some minor changes that will
occur &o be sure of having the safest setup it is recommended to keep up0to0date using the 1ightly -uilds#
but there are still occasions where these can cause breaks within a site and need to be used with caution
and al3ays back0up your data first! )se of the S71 is less predictable for ,ive Sites at this stage and should
very definitely be treated with caution +eep right up0to0date with issues and bugs that have been found and
are being addressed in the Developer 1! Guality and &esting forums Kou can even contribute to this
process as well!
$tale )hase / -ull Release
&his is the key release stage where the software is deemed ready for 'ublic usage &here will be minor
updates# patches# and feature eHpansion# but these will have been fully tested before release &he patches
are more often than not related to security issues that arise or are discoverd# with '?'# MySG,# or /pache
upgrades Joomla! will always strive to make sure that you have the most secure use of the software all of
the time
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam D! &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual
)ersion Con0ention
Joomla! release versioning follows a numerical convention comprised of three numbers* Ma(or# Minor and
Maintenance &he version is presented in the major.minorE.maintenanceF format
MaIor Helease Num"er >-$G$GA
/n increment of the ma(or number generally indicates a ma(or rework or rewrite of the code base
May be completely incompatible with prior ma(or releases
Minor Helease Num"er >G$-$GA
/n increment of the minor number usually indicates a significant change to functionality or
architecture
Moderate to high level of backward compatibility with previous minor increments
Maintenance Helease Num"er >G$G$-A
/n increment of the maintenance number usually indicates bug fiHing within the minor release and
possibly small enhancements and limited new features
Current &e0eloment "lanning
Joomla! 1@ is in the earliest stages of the /lpha 'hase
Joomla! 93 is also in the earlier stages but represents a significant change to the whole Joomla! concept
Kou can keep up0to0date on developments on these two areas within the Joomla! Developer 1etwork and in
the Joomla! "orums
&he Joomla! )ser Documentation &eam D@ &he Joomla! v1! Installation Manual

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