Drupal is an incredibly powerful platform – but it comes with a pretty substantial learning curve that makes it a less-than-ideal solution for beginners. Thankfully, installing Drupal is incredibly simple and can be done both manually, or with the help of a script installer.

 

Installing Drupal with a Script Installer

The fastest and easiest way to install WordPress is with a script installer like Softaculous, which I’ve demonstrated over on this page. You can read a more detailed approach there, but in brief:

1. Log in to cPanel and locate Softaculous or your host’s script installer of choice (usually at the bottom). Select WordPress.

2. Click “Install”.

3. Fill out the required information. Note that “in directory” should be blank. “Database name” does not matter and can be changed to anything you wish. Configure the admin account with a username and password you will remember.

4. Push “Install”. You’re done!

Manual Drupal Installation

Manually installing Drupal will take more time and effort than doing it with a script installer. If you’re a glutton for punishment, here’s a simple guide to doing a manual Drupal installation.

1. Go to drupal.org and download the .zip file.

2. Upload the drupal.zip to the directory you would like to use and extract the files (should look like this when you’re done).

3. Within the cPanel, locate and open MySQL Databases. We are going to create a new database for Drupal to use.

4. Create a database. The naming won’t matter too much, but try to keep it simple and straightforward.

5. Create a new Drupal user for the database, and use the password generator to create a really strong password. Remember to copy and paste this password, because you’ll need it again for a step in just a few seconds.

6. Add the Drupal user you’ve just created to the database you’ve just created.

7. Give this new user access to everything by enabling “All Privileges”. You’re going to need complete access.

8. Go to your site’s URL (i.e. camsecore.com), and you’ll see the following screen. On here enter your site information. I recommend a standard Drupal install; there’s no real reason to go with a minimal at this stage.

9. Enter your database information (the ones you just created), being sure that the “MYSQL” radio button has been checked. This is where you’ll need the password that was generated for you, so enter it into the field.

10. Enter your site information and click “save and continue”. Be sure to choose a username and password that will be easy to remember, but tough for other people to guess.

11. You’ll see this page. Congratulations!

12. Go to your site URL and check it out! It looks a bit ugly, doesn’t it? Now it’s time to find a new theme or template to use to give your website a hot new look.