How to install a forum with Softaculous

Softaculous installs forum software for you, including the database. It takes a couple of minutes.

Before you start

• Your domain should already point to Traxio, so the forum works and SSL can be issued. How to check your domain is pointing to Traxio
• Decide where the forum lives: the main domain, a folder such as /forum, or a subdomain. For a subdomain, create it first. How to create a subdomain
• The forum needs its own database. One is included with your account; if the account already runs WordPress or another app, add an extra database first (£0.99, one-off). Add-ons: extra email accounts, domains, databases, disk space and bandwidth

Steps

1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
2. Open Extra Features › then Softaculous Auto Installer.
3. Find the Forums category and choose your software.
4. Select Install.
5. Choose the protocol https:// and the domain. Leave the directory empty to install at the top level, or enter a folder name.
6. Set the forum name and your admin username, password and email. Use a strong, unique password.
7. Select Install and wait for the confirmation.

First settings

• Force HTTPS so logins and private messages are always encrypted. How to force HTTPS (redirect HTTP to HTTPS)
• Turn on email verification for new registrations, and switch on the built-in anti-spam checks.
• Set upload limits for attachments and avatars. They use the most storage over time.
• Check email is delivered. Register a test account with an outside address and confirm the email arrives. Sending email from your website reliably

Next

Running a forum: spam, email, updates and backups covers the routine work: spam, updates, backups and keeping email out of spam folders.