What is Softaculous?

Softaculous is a one-click auto-installer that allows the installation of web applications via scripts and PHP classes. In addition, it can take over the installations of other auto-installers. Softaculous also has an easy-to-use backup feature, allowing the backup of installations at any time.

A wide variety of applications are available and easily installed on your server, including:

• Web portals.
• E-commerce solutions
• Content Management Systems (CMS).
• Blogs.
• Polls.
• Forums.

Why Use Softaculous to Install Applications?

Using Softaculous to install software packages such as WordPress and PhpBB is straightforward. It does everything involved in the installation process, including creating databases and setting up permissions on the web-viewable content. Softaculous also creates backups of the software it installs.

In addition to knowing what is Softaculous, there are many use cases for this powerful tool.

Use Cases for Softaculous

Softaculous with cPanel

You can use Softaculous in cPanel to install the applications you need directly to your server without the command line or the need to create custom scripts. Liquid Web includes Softaculous free with managed VPS Hosting and Dedicated Servers. While not everything in Softaculous is free, most applications are open-source and available without a cost.

Softaculous with WordPress

Another use is managing your WordPress install via Softaculous. WordPress Manager allows managing the entirety of your WordPress installation in Softaculous using one utility. The included tools can update the WordPress core, themes, and plugins in addition to other management and functionality controls.

Common Questions Regarding Softaculous

Can a User Remove Applications Installed with Softaculous?

Yes. Applications installed with Softaculous are also able to be uninstalled.

Will Softaculous Take Over Management of Software Installed By Fantastico?

Yes. Softaculous can take over any software installed by Fantastico, allowing Softaculous to update and backup the software.

Does Liquid Web support applications installed through Softaculous?

Third-party applications are not fully managed and fall under Liquid Web’s Beyond Scope Support. Since these applications are not developed or supported by Liquid Web, outside assistance is available through online communities or their respective developers.

Wrapping Up

This guide walked through what is Softaculous and provided a brief overview of use cases, including using it with cPanel and WordPress. Softaculous is effective for controlling your WordPress installation and other server software within cPanel.

Liquid Web’s VPS Hosting and Dedicated Servers offer Softaculous in cPanel for our fully managed Linux servers. Contact our sales team to set up your server today.