Requirements

To install indexhibit, you need to have two things:

- a domain name: this is the adress of your website, so you need to choose the name appropriately. It looks like this: www.thiswebsite.com.

- Server space: this is a part of a server that is connected to the internet and in which you can put files that will be accessible through the web. This is not in your computer! Your plan needs to be hosted on Linux servers (Microsoft servers will not work), and you must have access to a database. Most webhosts offer both kinds of servers. You will need to pay for these services.

If you're unsure if the hosting service you're looking into is the right one for Indexhibit, send them the requirements on the install page and ask them which plan would cover them. This is also a way to see how responsive they are with questions - important if you need to use their technical services later down the road. Here is a list with all the requirements and even a note you can send to your webhost (link).

If you buy the domain and the server space separately, you will need to direct your domain name to your server space. In practice, this means you need to put the name of the server that your hosting provider will give you into your domain name management panel. Once you've done this, it may take up to 48 hours for your domain to work: the new information needs to be propagated through the web. Your host should freely provide DNS information for this task.

All the questions you may have until this point should be adressed to your host, not in the indexhibit forum.

Now you're ready to install indexhibit

Preparation:

Remember that database from your hosting service? Well, now you need to have the information for it (server, name, username and password). If you have a control panel, maybe you can create your own database or you can ask your host. Have all information ready before you begin installation.

You will need an ftp application to access your server space. This is software that will allow you to see what files you have in your server space, as well as move/copy/delete files from your computer to your server space. Basically, it's like the finder (windows explorer) in your computer but with access to your server space.

MAC: Cyberduck is a free ftp application that you can download and install.
PC: Filezilla is a free great ftp application, from the people that brought you Firefox.

(Remember that it's super nice to donate or tip free and open source software creators)

Installation

Download indexhibit to your computer and open the enclosing folder. You will see several files and folders.

Open your FTP application. Connect to your server using the FTP information that your host has provided you. When you connect to your server, you will see that there are some files already there. You need to figure out which one is the root of your folder. If you can't, ask your host which one is the 'root' folder. Once you have it, you drag the contents of the indexhibit folder (from your computer) into the root folder of your server.

Now, you need to change the permissions of three folders using your ftp application. It sounds more complicated that it really is. The folders in question are:

- /files
- /files/gimgs
- /ndxz-studio/config

How to change the permissions?

MAC: with your ftp application, select the folder and press command+i. In the pop up window change the values to 777.
PC: with your ftp application, select the folder and right-click. In the pop up window change the values to 777.

You need to go to this page of your website to continue the installation: http://www.yourwebsite.com/ndxz-studio/install.php (of course, you should change the www.yourwebsite.com with your own website name!)

Follow the instructions in the screen. The most difficult part is getting through the database info (you'll see it when you get there), but you're prepared! In any case, if you have difficulties with it contact your host - it is most likely that your connection information is incorrect. Every host is different, so we can't really help you with that. Once you complete this step you are installed!

When you have completed installation delete the 'install.php' file - you must do this.

Editing your website

Voilà, you're done! Now, everytime you want to edit your website, go to http://www.yourwebsite.com/ndxz-studio. The first time you go there, the login is index1 and the password is exhibit. You should change them as soon as possible in the preferences of your indexhibit. In the even that you lose your login/password there is a reset script on the download page.

Optional Recommendation (Post-installation)

After you have installed delete the install.php file from the /ndxz-studio folder. Change permissions on the /ndxz-studio/config folder to 755 and the /ndxz-studio/config/config.php file to 644. Login to Indexhibit and change your login and password to something unique that you can remember.