Installing MiaCMS
Installing MiaCMS is a simple process. This document will attempt to outline the process, but the MiaCMS web based installer actually does a good job of walking you through the process as you go too. For those that have installed Mambo or Joomla in the past the process is basically the same for Mia. If anything, we have just simplified things a bit.
First make sure your system meets the stated requirements. The installer will also try to determine if your system meets the basic requirements and warn you if this is not the case.
Let Us Begin
- Download the appropriate MiaCMS package for your environment here - http://code.google.com/p/miacms/downloads/list
- Start by extracting (unzipping) the MiaCMS package into your web/document root. The actual path to your web root will vary by operating system and web server type (i.e.) Apache, IIS, etc. Your web server documentation should indicate the correct path for you. MiaCMS can run in the web root directory or within any subdirectory created under your web root. If you are installing on a remote server you may wish to upload the archive (the zip file) to the server and use your hosts file manager to extract the package. Most likely though you will probably utilize an FTP client for the process. There are a number of good free FTP clients around (ex) FileZilla, CyberDuck. If you will be using an FTP client then simply extract the archive locally and FTP (upload) the local MiaCMS files to the remote destination. Your web host should have a document that outlines their recommended FTP configuration if you need more assistance.
- After placing all the MiaCMS files in your web directory point your browser to the MiaCMS web installer URL. This URL will be http://www.yoursite.com/installation. If everything is in place you will see a web page that looks like the one below.
- This first screen is comparing your server environment to the recommended/required MiaCMS environment. In an optimal environment everything should appear green. If you see any red notices you should take the proper steps to adjust those settings and/or permissions before continuing on with the installation. It is possible to install MiaCMS in a less than perfect environment depending on what the issue being reported is, but MiaCMS may not function as originally designed. Then again it might, but you should know that going in.
- Next up we have Step 1. In this step you will tell the installer information about your host and your database. The notes on the installer screen itself do a good job of explaining what is required so we will not discuss it in more detail here. If you require more assistance your host should be able to give you the proper hostname & database configuration settings. MiaCMS requires that a database be created prior to installation and that your database user has access to manage the database (i.e.) create tables, indexes, insert rows, etc.
- After the database has been setup properly Step 2 will request a "Site Name" for your site. This information will be used in places like emails, the browser title bar, error messages, page headers, etc. You can always change it later via the Global Configuration utility.
- Step 3 gathers the final bits of information needed for a successful installation. Here you define the system path and web path (url) to your MiaCMS installation. The MiaCMS installer normally figures this out for you and it is right about 99.99% of the time. Unless you know for sure what it has detected is incorrect your are best to leave it alone. Give it the email address you want notifications to be send to and outbound emails to be sent as. Then chose a strong administrator password for your installation. We'd recommend one that is a combination of letters, numbers, upper and lower case letters, and has at least 6+ characters. The installer will suggestion a good one for you. Either way, make sure don't lose the password.
- Step 4 will confirm your successful installation and redisplay your admin username & password for verification. It also warns you that you must remove the installation folder within your MiaCMS web directory now that installation is complete before you can utilize the newly installed system. This is for security reasons!
- You may access the administrator interface immediately (http://www.yoursite.com/administrator) and begin to configure your system. However, until the installation folder has been removed anyone trying to browse to the frontend of the site will see the notice shown below.
That's it, enjoy! If you still have questions please head over to the forums.
