How to Install Joomla Using Virtualmin

Joomla is a versatile and user-friendly content management system (CMS) ideal for creating dynamic websites and online applications. With Virtualmin, installing Joomla is straightforward and efficient, thanks to its built-in script installer. This guide will take you through the steps to install Joomla on your hosting account.

Prerequisites

Before starting the installation, ensure the following:

1. Access to the Virtualmin control panel.
2. A virtual server (domain or subdomain) is set up in Virtualmin.
3. Your server meets Joomla’s requirements:
   • PHP: Version 8.0 or higher.
   • Database: MySQL 5.7+, MariaDB 10.3+, or PostgreSQL.
   • Web Server: Apache or Nginx.

Step 1: Log in to Virtualmin

1. Open your web browser and navigate to your Virtualmin login page (e.g., https://your-server-ip:10000).
2. Enter your username and password, then click Login.

Step 2: Select Your Virtual Server

1. From the left-hand menu, select the domain or virtual server where you want to install Joomla.
2. Ensure the domain is properly configured with a functional public_html directory.

Step 3: Access the Script Installer

1. In the left-hand menu, go to Services > Install Scripts.
2. From the list of available applications, locate and click on Joomla.

Step 4: Configure Installation Settings

1. After selecting Joomla, you’ll be prompted to configure the installation:

   • Installation Directory:
     • Leave this blank to install Joomla in the root directory (e.g., example.com).
     • Specify a folder name (e.g., cms) to install it in a subdirectory (e.g., example.com/cms).
   • Database Settings:
     • Virtualmin will automatically create a database for Joomla. You can customize the database name, username, and password if needed.
   • Administrator Email: Enter an email address for the Joomla administrator account.
   • Site Name: Specify the name of your Joomla website (e.g., "My Joomla Site").

2. Once you’ve filled out the details, click Install Now to start the installation.

Step 5: Wait for Installation to Complete

Virtualmin will:

• Download the latest version of Joomla.
• Set up the database and files.
• Configure Joomla on your selected domain or subdirectory.

When the installation is complete, a success message will display with:

• The public URL of your Joomla site (e.g., http://example.com).
• The admin panel URL (e.g., http://example.com/administrator).

Step 6: Access and Configure Joomla

1. Visit your Joomla admin panel by navigating to the URL provided (e.g., http://example.com/administrator).
2. Log in using the administrator username and password you created during the installation.
3. Complete any post-installation steps, such as:
   • Choosing a template.
   • Configuring site settings.
   • Adding extensions or plugins.

Step 7: Secure Your Joomla Installation

1. Enable HTTPS:
   • Go to Server Configuration > SSL Certificate in Virtualmin.
   • Use Let’s Encrypt to install a free SSL certificate for your site.
2. Regular Updates: Keep Joomla core, extensions, and plugins up-to-date to maintain security.
3. Backups: Use a Joomla backup extension (e.g., Akeeba Backup) and schedule regular backups.

Troubleshooting

• 500 Internal Server Error: Ensure your PHP version is compatible and that required PHP extensions (e.g., mysqli, json, xml) are installed.
• Database Connection Issues: Verify the database credentials in the Joomla configuration file (configuration.php).
• File Permission Errors: Ensure the public_html directory and its files have correct ownership and permissions.