This guide shows you how to install apps with Softaculous on your HOSTDOG hosting account. You will learn how to browse the app library, configure installation settings, and manage installed applications — no technical knowledge required.
Prerequisites
- An active HOSTDOG hosting account
- Access to your hosting control panel
- A domain name pointed to your hosting
Install an application
Log in to your control panel and look for Softaculous Apps Installer in the main dashboard. Click it to open the Softaculous interface. You can also find it under the Software section.
Softaculous organizes apps into categories: Blogs (WordPress), E-Commerce (WooCommerce, PrestaShop, OpenCart), CMS (Joomla, Drupal), Forums (phpBB), and many more. Use the left sidebar to browse categories or the search bar to find a specific application.
Popular apps available on HOSTDOG include:
| Category | Popular apps |
|---|---|
| CMS / Blogging | WordPress, Joomla, Drupal |
| E-Commerce | WooCommerce, PrestaShop, OpenCart |
| Forums | phpBB, MyBB |
| CRM | SuiteCRM, SugarCRM |
| Project management | Wekan, Kanboard |
| Learning | Moodle |
On the app's page, click Install Now (or Install). This opens the installation form.
Fill in the required fields:
- Choose Protocol: Select
https:// - Choose Domain: Select the domain where you want to install the app
- In Directory: Leave empty to install at the root (e.g.,
yourdomain.com), or enter a folder name (e.g.,shopforyourdomain.com/shop) - Site Name / Description: Your website title and tagline
- Admin Username / Password: Choose a strong admin username (not
admin) and a secure password - Admin Email: Your contact email for admin notifications
Click Install at the bottom of the form. Softaculous downloads the app, creates the database, configures the settings, and installs everything in about 30-60 seconds. Once done, it displays links to your new site and its admin panel.
Manage installed applications
To manage apps you have already installed, click All Installations in the top menu of Softaculous. From here you can:
- Edit details — change admin password, site name, or email
- Create backups — manual backups before making changes
- Clone — copy the installation to another domain or directory
- Create staging — create a testing copy of the app
- Remove — completely uninstall the application and its database
Enable auto-updates
Softaculous can automatically update your installed applications when new versions are released. In All Installations, click the pencil/edit icon next to the app and enable Auto Update. You can choose to auto-update the core app, plugins, and themes independently.