Softaculous can install a complete online shop in a couple of minutes. The hard part is choosing the right software. This guide compares the three most popular options available in Softaculous, then walks through installation and the first settings every store needs.
Before you start
- A domain added in cPanel with a valid SSL certificate. Shops must run on
https://; check Security → SSL/TLS Status. - A current PHP 8 version for the domain in MultiPHP Manager.
- Decide who will run the shop day to day; ease of use matters more than feature lists.
Which shop software?
| WooCommerce | PrestaShop | OpenCart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Based on | WordPress plugin | Standalone | Standalone |
| Best for | Content + shop, small to medium stores | Larger catalogues, multi-language/multi-currency | Simple, lightweight stores |
| Extensions | Huge plugin ecosystem | Many modules, often paid | Fewer, simpler extensions |
| Learning curve | Easy if you know WordPress | Moderate | Easy |
Install WooCommerce
- Open cPanel → Software → Softaculous Apps Installer and choose WordPress.
- Click Install and set protocol
https://, your domain and an empty directory. See install apps with Softaculous. - In Select Plugin(s) or plugin sets, tick WooCommerce if offered, or install it afterwards from Plugins → Add New in WordPress.
- Log in and follow the WooCommerce setup wizard (store address, currency, payments, shipping).
Install PrestaShop or OpenCart
- In Softaculous, search for PrestaShop or OpenCart (category E-Commerce).
- Click Install, choose
https://, the domain and directory. - Set the shop name, admin email and a strong admin password.
- Click Install. Note the admin URL Softaculous shows; PrestaShop uses a randomised admin folder name for security.
Tip: Build and test your shop on a staging copy before launch, and again before big updates. See Softaculous staging.
First settings for any shop
- HTTPS everywhere: enable Force HTTPS.
- Payments: connect your payment provider in test mode first, place a test order, then switch to live.
- Order emails: send through SMTP from an address on your domain so confirmations do not land in spam; see SMTP for WordPress and deliverability.
- Backups: MdmHost backs up daily with JetBackup; add Softaculous backups before updates. See Softaculous backups.
- Updates: keep the shop and extensions updated; see auto-upgrades. For shops, minor auto-updates plus tested major updates is a good balance.
- Speed: on LiteSpeed servers use LiteSpeed Cache with shop-aware settings; see LiteSpeed Cache for WooCommerce.
Troubleshooting
- Installer reports missing PHP extensions (e.g.
intl,zip): enable them in Select PHP Version. - Checkout redirects loop: SSL or site URL settings are inconsistent; set the shop URL to
https://.