= Installing Dolphin = Dolphin 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 [wiki:DetailedInstall Dolphin 7 Detailed Installation Guide]. == Check Requirements == Before installation, make sure your have the following: - Hosting web server (see [http://www.boonex.com/hosting Recommended Hosts]), complying with [http://www.boonex.com/trac/dolphin/wiki/DolTech Dolphin System Requirements]. - Registered domain name. - Server access details (FTP, MySQL, cPanel, SSH, etc.). ---- == Step 1. Download & Extract == Download the current version of Dolphin to your local computer or directly to your hosting server. Once you have downloaded, you should decompress (unzip) the Dolphin archive file. - [http://www.boonex.com/paymentprovider/payment#download Download current version of Dolphin] == Step 2. Create A Database == Create a database for Dolphin 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 Dolphin installer will later fill with tables and data. == Step 3. Upload Dolphin Files == Upload all the Dolphin files to the desired location on your web server using FTP. If you've downloaded Dolphin to your server directly, move them using shell. - If you want to install Dolphin into the root of your domain (e.g. http://mysite.com/), move or upload all contents of the unpacked Dolphin directory (but excluding the directory itself) into the root directory of your web server. - If you want to have your Dolphin installation in its own subdirectory 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 Dolphin directory (but excluding the directory itself) into it. == Step 4. Run Dolphin Installation Script == Run the Dolphin installation script by accessing '''install/index.php''' in a web browser. - If you uploaded Dolphin files to the root directory, you should visit http://mysite.com/install/index.php . - If you uploaded Dolphin files to a subdirectory "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 == Dolphin comes with a free Media Server software, based on Red 5. Media Server is required for media streaming features of some Dolphin modules. [http://www.boonex.com/hosting BoonEx 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 [wiki:RayMediaServerInstallation Media Server Installation] instructions. - If you are not using media-streaming features of some Dolphin modules, ignore this step. == Step 8. Register Your License == License is required if you want to remove Boonex reference banner from your site. [http://www.boonex.com/paymentprovider/payment You can buy a license here]. * Log into Dolphin's Admin Panel at '''/administration''' and enter your license number into the '''License''' field of the License Registration box. ---- == Start Using Dolphin == Dolphin 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!