This guide shows you how to install MediaWiki from Softaculous using the cPanel dashboard, available to users with a cPanel Web Hosting plan from Domains.co.za.

MediaWikiis an open-source wiki software used by Wikipedia and scores of other websites and wikis. Originally created to support Wikipedia, MediaWiki has grown to serve a wide range of projects under the Wikimedia Foundation.

Designed to handle high traffic volumes, MediaWiki is ideal for websites that anticipate millions of visitors each day. Its architecture supports efficient operation on large server farms, ensuring stable performance even with significant usage.

lease ensure you are logged into cPanel to follow along with the tutorial.

How to Install MediaWiki from Softaculous

This article assumes that you have already logged into your Domain account and have accessed your cPanel Dashboard.

1. Scroll through the cPanel Dashboard Tools to the Software section.

2. Click on the Softaculous app icon.

3. Type in the app you want in the Search field, or click the Wikis app category in the left hand menu and select MediaWiki from the apps displayed in the dropdown menu.

MediaWiki Custom Installation

4. The MediaWiki Overview will be displayed.

5. Click the Install button, this will take you to the default Custom Install screen.

6. Under Software Setup – select the Domain & Directory for the Installation URL. The directory is relative to your domain and should not exist.
– To install at http://mydomain/dir/ just type dir.
– To install only in http://mydomain/ leave this empty.

7. Under Site config, complete the Wiki Name and Wiki Email. These can be changed at a later date from within the software’s admin panel.

8. Under Admin Account – enter your Admin Username, Password and Email.

9. Click Install.

MediaWiki Quick Installation

7. Click the Quick Install button should you wish to do a non-custom MediaWiki installation.

7. Under Software Setup – complete the Choose installation URL text-selection fields as per Point 6 above.

8. Fill in the Admin Account details and then click Install to finalise the process.

You’ve reached the end of the tutorial, and you have now installed the MediaWiki app from Softaculous.

After a MediaWiki Installation

10. After clicking Install in either process, the software will be installed, and you can view your new site by clicking Installation.

11. You can Configure MediaWiki settings, and here is the quick link to the MediaWiki documentation for Navigation & Tools, if you need it.

12. Should you wish to add further extensions to MediaWiki for functionality, then please read through the MediaWiki Add Extensions documentation.

13. Further documentation for MediaWiki, including Developer information can be found on the MediaWiki website.

Additional Information

MediaWiki offers a comprehensive suite of features and benefits, so it’s an ideal choice for creating collaborative knowledge-sharing platforms across a wide range of domains and industries. It also boasts several benefits for creating and managing wikis, which include:

Key Benefits of Using MediaWiki

• Ease of Use: With its user-friendly interface, MediaWiki simplifies creating and editing wiki pages. Its intuitive editing tools enable users of all skill levels to contribute content easily.
• Collaborative Editing: The platform supports simultaneous editing by multiple users, fostering collaboration and allowing people to create comprehensive and updated content.
• Version History: MediaWiki tracks all changes made to wiki pages, enabling users to view the evolution of content, revert to previous versions if necessary, and monitor modifications over time.
• Customisability: Administrators can tailor the wiki’s appearance and functionality to their needs through extensive customisation options. Users can modify settings, install extensions, and change skins to personalise their experience.
• Structured Material Organisation: MediaWiki facilitates organising content through namespaces, templates, and categories. These tools enhance navigation and ensure content is consistently structured and readable.
• Access Control: The platform offers flexible access control features, so administrators can manage user permissions, set up authentication procedures, and control editing rights effectively.
• Multimedia Support: MediaWiki supports integrating audio, video, and image files, enriching wiki pages and enhancing the clarity of communication.
• Scalability & Performance: Designed to handle large datasets and high traffic volumes, MediaWiki ensures reliable performance even with millions of daily visitors, making it a great choice for high-traffic websites.