Authoring/Development - A How-To Guide to Geeklog
What is Geeklog?
Geeklog is an open source "blog" and content management system. It allows you to create your own virtual community on your Web site, complete with user administration, story posting, messaging, comments, pools, calendar functions, and more. It requires PHP and MySQL which is included with all account types at pair Networks.
Preparing to Install
Several simple steps are required to install Geeklog into your pair Networks account. You will need to have an active SSH session as well as an active Account Control Center session. Both of these should be logged into your account. These instructions assume you are installing Geeklog at the "top" of the directory tree of a domain name in your account (i.e. from your public_html directory). Note that Geeklog will not erase or overwrite any existing non-Geeklog files in your account.
The first step is to go to the directory where you plan to install Geeklog. In your SSH (Secure Shell) window, issue the following command:
cd /usr/www/users/USERNAME/MAPPEDDIRECTORYPlease note that anywhere you see "USERNAME," you should substitute the username of your own account.
If you are not sure which directory the domain you want to use is mapped to, you can find out from your Account Control Center session by following these steps:
- Select "Domain Hosting Management"
- Select "Manage" and then the domain name you wish to use with Geeklog
- Look at the current domain mapping under the "Domain Mapping" section
Copying the Install Script
Once you are in the correct directory (i.e. the public_html directory of the domain name you wish to use with Geeklog), you need to copy the Geeklog install script into your account. Issue this command in your SSH session:
cp -p /usr/local/pair/packages/geeklog-1.8.1.tar.gz .
Please note that you must supply the space and period at the end of the command. The period indicates that you are copying the script into the current directory.
Creating a MySQL Database
Before you can run the install script, you need to create a MySQL database for Geeklog to use. Please follow these steps in the Account Control Center:
- Select "Advanced"
- Select "Database Administration"
- Select "Create New Database"
- Enter "geeklog" as the database name, which will cause the database to be named "USERNAME_geeklog"
- Leave the other settings as they are.
- Select "Add Database." Be sure to write down the database name, database server, and the full access username and password provided to you by the Account Control Center after this step is complete.
Running the Install Script
You are now ready to run the Geeklog installation script. Issue this command in your SSH session:
./go-geeklogYou must include the leading period and forward slash.
You should now see a welcome message from Geeklog in your SSH session. You may press Enter to continue. Next, a list of default settings will appear. Type "all" and press Enter to continue.
For the setting "Database Host," enter the database server provided to you when you created the database.
Example: db24.pair.comFor the setting "Database Name," enter the name of the database you created. Please note that the database name will begin with your username and an underscore.
Example: USERNAME_geeklogFor the setting "Database User," enter the Full Access Username provided to you when you created the database.
Example: USERNAME_5For the setting "Database Password," enter the Full Access Password provided to you when you created the database.
Example: 1a2s3d4fFor the setting "Installation Path," you may press Enter to accept the default.
For the setting "Site URL," enter the full URL to the domain where you are installing Geeklog. You must include the "http://" prefix, but should not include a trailing slash.
Example: http://www.mygeeklogsite.comFor the settings "Site Name" and "Site Slogan," you may enter any catchy phrases you like.
Example: My Cool Geeklog Site!For the setting "Site Email," enter the e-mail address of the administrator of this site (this is your own address unless you are setting Geeklog up for someone else to use).
Example: Chat and all that.
Example: USERNAME@pair.comIf all of the settings are correct, press Enter one more time to continue. If you are asked for "HTTP Proxy," you may press Enter to continue.
After a few minutes, Geeklog will finish installing itself into your account.
Remapping the Domain
The last remaining step is to remap your domain so it will work correctly with Geeklog. Use the Account Control Center to follow these steps:
- Select "Domain Hosting Management"
- Select "Manage" and the domain name where you have installed Geeklog
- Select "Change Domain Mapping"
- Append "/public_html" without quotes in the text field showing your domain's mapped directory
- Click "Change Mapping" to commit this change
At the end of the installation process, Geeklog provides you with a URL where you may begin using your installation of Geeklog. After your domain has been remapped, you may visit this URL to begin using Geeklog.
The first thing you should do is change the default passwords Geeklog uses for the Admin and Moderator accounts.
Learning More About Geeklog
You can learn more about Geeklog and hook up with fellow Webmasters at the official Geeklog site.