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    Installing WordPress

    Quick WordPress installation with Softaculous

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    Installing WordPress with Softaculous

    Softaculous is an auto-installer included with cPanel that makes installing WordPress (and 400+ other apps) quick and easy.

    1Access Softaculous

    • Log into cPanel
    • Scroll to "Softaculous Apps Installer" section
    • Click "WordPress"
    • Click "Install Now"

    2Configure Installation

    • Choose Protocol: https:// (if SSL installed)
    • Choose Domain: Select your domain
    • In Directory: Leave blank for root or enter folder name
    • Site Name: Your website name
    • Site Description: Brief description
    • Admin Username: Choose admin username (not "admin")
    • Admin Password: Strong password
    • Admin Email: Your email address

    3Complete Installation

    • Click "Install"
    • Wait for installation to complete
    • Save the admin URL, username, and password shown

    Accessing WordPress Admin

    After installation, access your WordPress dashboard at:

    https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

    Post-Installation Setup

    Update Permalink Structure

    1. Go to Settings → Permalinks
    2. Select "Post name" or custom structure
    3. Click "Save Changes"

    Install Essential Plugins

    • Wordfence Security - Security and firewall
    • UpdraftPlus - Backup solution
    • Yoast SEO - SEO optimization
    • WP Super Cache - Performance caching
    • Contact Form 7 - Contact forms

    Choose and Install a Theme

    1. Go to Appearance → Themes
    2. Click "Add New"
    3. Browse or search for themes
    4. Click "Install" then "Activate"

    Configure Basic Settings

    • Settings → General - Set site title, tagline, timezone
    • Settings → Reading - Set homepage, posts per page
    • Settings → Discussion - Configure comments

    Manual WordPress Installation

    If you prefer to install manually:

    1. Download WordPress from wordpress.org
    2. Create a MySQL database in cPanel
    3. Extract WordPress files
    4. Upload files to public_html via FTP or File Manager
    5. Visit your domain in browser
    6. Follow the 5-minute installation wizard
    7. Enter database details when prompted
    8. Create admin account
    9. Complete installation

    WordPress Security

    Important Security Steps

    • Use strong, unique admin password
    • Never use "admin" as username
    • Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated
    • Install security plugin (Wordfence or Sucuri)
    • Use SSL/HTTPS
    • Limit login attempts
    • Regular backups
    • Delete unused themes and plugins
    • Use two-factor authentication

    WordPress Performance

    Speed Optimization

    • Install caching plugin (WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache)
    • Optimize images (use Smush or ShortPixel)
    • Use a CDN (Cloudflare)
    • Minimize plugins (remove unused ones)
    • Choose lightweight theme
    • Enable lazy loading for images
    • Minify CSS and JavaScript

    Troubleshooting

    White Screen of Death

    • Increase PHP memory limit in wp-config.php
    • Deactivate all plugins via FTP (rename plugins folder)
    • Switch to default theme
    • Check error logs in cPanel

    Can't Login to Admin

    • Clear browser cache and cookies
    • Verify URL is correct (domain.com/wp-admin)
    • Reset password via "Lost your password?" link
    • Reset password via phpMyAdmin if needed

    Internal Server Error

    • Check .htaccess file (try renaming it temporarily)
    • Check file permissions (files: 644, folders: 755)
    • Increase PHP memory and execution time limits
    • Review error logs in cPanel

    Best Practices

    • Keep everything updated (WordPress core, themes, plugins)
    • Regular backups (daily for active sites)
    • Use SSL/HTTPS
    • Strong passwords and unique usernames
    • Limit login attempts
    • Monitor site regularly for issues
    • Remove unused themes and plugins
    • Use reputable themes and plugins only