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Installing Cheetah
Cheetah is web-platform that must be installed to a web-server. This is a quick set of generic installation instructions. If, at any stage, you need more details use the Cheetah Detailed Install Guide.
Check Requirements
Before installation, make sure your have the following:
- Hosting web server (see Recommended Hosts), complying with Cheetah System Requirements.
- Registered domain name.
- Server access details (FTP, MySQL, cPanel, SSH, etc.).
Step 1. Download & Extract
Download the current version of Cheetah to your local computer or directly to your hosting server. Once you have downloaded, you should decompress (unzip) the Cheetah archive file.
Step 2. Create A Database
Create a database for Cheetah on your web server, as well as a MySQL user who has all privileges for accessing and modifying it.
Most hosts offer simple interface to create databases and database users. For example, if your web host has cPanel you probably can see phpMyAdmin in the main menu or a the section labeled Databases. Just create an empty database that the Cheetah installer will later fill with tables and data.
Step 3. Upload Cheetah Files
Upload all the Cheetah files to the desired location on your web server using FTP. If you've downloaded Cheetah to your server directly, move them using shell.
- If you want to install Cheetah into the root of your domain (e.g. http://mysite.com/), move or upload all contents of the unpacked Cheetah directory (but excluding the directory itself) into the root directory of your web server.
- If you want to have your Cheetah installation in its own sub directory on your web site (e.g. http://mysite.com/community/), create the "community" directory on your server and move or upload all contents of the unpacked Cheetah directory (but excluding the directory itself) into it.
Step 4. Run Cheetah Installation Script
Run the Cheetah installation script by accessing install/index.php in a web browser.
- If you uploaded Cheetah files to the root directory, you should visit http://mysite.com/install/index.php .
- If you uploaded Cheetah files to a sub directory "community", for example, you should visit http://mysite.com/community/install/index.php .
Installation instructions should appear in your browser. Follow them carefully to complete the installation (setting permissions, specifying server details, setting cron jobs, etc).
Step 5. Delete Install Folder
Login to your web-server via FTP or shell and delete /install folder - this is an important step for your site security.
Step 6. Install & Connect Media Server
Cheetah comes with a free Media Server software, based on Red 5. Media Server is required for media streaming features of some Cheetah modules. Cheetah Certified Hosting Providers already have it installed.
- If your hosting provider already has Media Server installed, login to your site Admin Panel at /administration and go to Modules -> Flash Apps and then click Settings. Here you will have to enter Media Server details obtained from your web-hosting provider.
- If you are configuring your own media server, follow Media Server Installation instructions.
- If you are not using media-streaming features of some Cheetah modules, ignore this step.
Step 8. Register Your License
License is required if you want to remove Cheetah reference banner from your site. You can buy a license here.
- Log into Cheetah's Admin Panel at /administration and enter your license number into the License field of the License Registration box.
Start Using Cheetah
Cheetah is now installed and is ready to use. Login to your Admin Panel at /administration and follow "Initial Steps" tutorial to install your first modules and configure basic settings of your new site. Good luck with your new venture!